Hello, I’m Taka, the author of this blog.
I have completed the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage on foot twice, covering both the traditional clockwise route and the reverse route.
The section from Temple No. 77, Dōryū-ji, to Temple No. 80, Kokubun-ji, passes through major urban areas of Kagawa Prefecture, including Marugame, Utazu, and Sakaide. As a result, it is one of the best-served sections of the pilgrimage route in terms of accommodation options.
In this article, based on my experience of completing the walking pilgrimage twice, I will introduce accommodations that are particularly convenient for pilgrims visiting the area around Temples 77–80.
Accommodation Recommendations
- Best Budget Option: Well Kame
- Best for Hot Springs: Shikoku Kenko Village
- Best Near the Station: Super Hotel Marugame Ekimae
- Best for Pilgrims: Ryokan Kume Himawari-so
Recommended Accommodations for Temples 77–80
The area covering Temples 77–80, from Doryuji Temple to Kokubunji Temple, passes through urban areas such as Marugame, Utazu, and Sakaide. Compared with many other sections of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, this area has a relatively large number of accommodation options, ranging from hotels and traditional inns to guesthouses.
I completed the pilgrimage twice on foot, both clockwise and counterclockwise, and I found that because there are many lodging choices in this section, deciding where to stay becomes more important than you might expect. In particular, on the day before heading to Temple 81, Shiromineji, choosing your accommodation with the next day’s uphill route in mind can make the journey much easier.
Here, I’ll introduce recommended accommodations in three categories: for walking pilgrims, car pilgrims, and budget travelers.
Recommended Accommodations for Walking Pilgrims
If you are walking the pilgrimage, accommodations around Marugame Station and Sakaide Station are recommended.
The route from Temples 77–80 is relatively easy to walk because it mainly passes through urban areas. However, reaching Temple 81, Shiromineji, involves an uphill climb toward Goshikidai the following day. Rather than pushing yourself too far, staying somewhere that allows you to preserve your energy for the next day can make the walk more comfortable.
Recommended places include:
- Well Kame → Near the station, affordable, and equipped with laundry facilities, making it suitable for long-distance walkers
- Ryokan Kume Himawariso → A quiet environment that makes it easy to rest and recover
- Meguri Yado Marugame → Conveniently located for pilgrimage travelers
If I had to choose just one, I would pick Ryokan Kume Himawariso. I think it makes planning the route toward Shiromineji easier and provides a good opportunity to recover from fatigue.
Recommended Accommodations for Car Pilgrims
For those traveling by car, I recommend prioritizing accessibility and convenient parking over proximity to the temples.
Since driving reduces the burden of travel time, focusing more on comfort and facilities usually won’t affect your pilgrimage schedule.
Recommended options:
- Shiohama no Yu Shikoku Kenko-mura → Hot spring, sauna, and parking available
- Super Hotel Marugame Ekimae → Hot spring facilities and well-equipped amenities
- HOTEL AZ Kagawa Utazu → Convenient for travelers by car
For car pilgrims, even if the accommodation is several kilometers away from the temples, it generally won’t create much inconvenience.
Recommended Budget Accommodations
If you want to keep accommodation costs as low as possible, guesthouses and traditional inns are good choices.
Walking pilgrims often stay many nights during the journey, so even a difference of a few thousand yen per night can significantly affect total expenses.
Recommended budget options:
- Well Kame
- BABANOBA
- Ryokan Kawakume
- Miki
Keep in mind that accommodations can become fully booked during the spring and autumn pilgrimage seasons, as well as during holiday periods. Areas around Marugame Station and Sakaide Station, in particular, tend to fill up quickly, so booking in advance is recommended.
Highlights of This Area
The section between Temple No. 77, Dōryū-ji, and Temple No. 80, Kokubun-ji passes through Marugame Station, Utazu Station, and Sakaide Station, three of Kagawa Prefecture’s major transportation hubs. As a result, this is one of the best-equipped areas along the pilgrimage route when it comes to accommodation.
Around each station, you’ll find a wide variety of hotels, guesthouses, traditional inns, and restaurants, making it relatively easy to find a place to stay without much difficulty.
Whether you prefer a hotel with hot spring facilities to relax after a long day of walking or are looking for a budget-friendly guesthouse or inn to keep costs down, there are plenty of options to suit different travel styles and budgets.
It is also worth noting that Temple No. 81, Shiromine-ji, is located on Goshikidai Plateau at an elevation of approximately 400 meters (1,300 feet). The approach to the temple involves a long uphill climb. For this reason, if you are short on time or energy, it is often better to spend the night in a convenient area such as downtown Marugame or Sakaide before continuing on to the temple the following day.
View from the Pilgrimage Route to Temple No. 81, Shiromine-ji
My Recommended Accommodation Pattern Based on My Walking Pilgrimage Experience
When I did the pilgrimage on foot, I stayed at the lodging facility of Temple 75, Zentsuji. The following day, I started walking from Temple 75 and continued on to Temple 79, Tennoji, covering approximately 20 km.
If it were me, I would recommend staying around the Sakaide area after visiting Temple 79. There are many accommodation options available, and convenience stores and restaurants are easy to access, making it easier to plan the following day’s route toward Temple 80, Kokubunji, and Temple 81, Shiromineji.
In particular, before heading to Shiromineji, I felt that it was much easier to save your energy rather than trying to push for extra distance.
Find accommodation
Clicking the button will take you to the relevant section in the article.
Accommodation Near Temple 77 and Marugame Station
BABANOBA
| Nearest Temple | No. 77 (3 km) |
| Nearest Station | Marugame (0.1 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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Well Kame
| Nearest Temple | No. 77 (3 km) |
| Nearest Station | Marugame (0.1 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
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Super Hotel Marugame Ekimae
| Nearest Temple | No. 77 (3 km) |
| Nearest Station | Marugame (0.1 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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Marugame Plaza Hotel
| Nearest Temple | No. 77 (3 km) |
| Nearest Station | Marugame (0.1 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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Accommodation Near Temple 78 and Utazu Station
Meguri Yado Marugame
| Nearest Temple | No. 78 (4 km) |
| Nearest Station | Marugame (2 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
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Anesis Seto-Ohashi
| Nearest Temple | No. 78 (1 km) |
| Nearest Station | Utazu (0.1 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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Utazu Grand Hotel
| Nearest Temple | No. 78 (1 km) |
| Nearest Station | Utazu (1 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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Shikoku Kenko Village
| Nearest Temple | No. 78 (1 km) |
| Nearest Station | Utazu (1 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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Chiiori Utazu Branch
| Nearest Temple | No. 78 (0.2 km) |
| Nearest Station | Utazu (1 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
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HOTEL AZ Kagawa Utazu
| Nearest Temple | No. 78 (1 km) |
| Nearest Station | Utazu (2 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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Accommodation Near Temple 79 and Sakaide Station
Setouchi-so
| Nearest Temple | No. 78 (2 km) |
| Nearest Station | Sakaide (2 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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Ryokan Kume Himawari-so
| Nearest Temple | No. 79 (4 km) |
| Nearest Station | Sakaide (3 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
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Miki
| Nearest Temple | No. 79 (3 km) |
| Nearest Station | Sakaide (0.5 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
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Kawakume
| Nearest Temple | No. 79 (3 km) |
| Nearest Station | Sakaide (0.2 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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Yasoba
| Nearest Temple | No. 79 (0.1 km) |
| Nearest Station | Yasoba (0.3 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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ON
| Nearest Temple | No. 79 (2 km) |
| Nearest Station | Kamogawa (0.1 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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Accommodation Near Temple 80
Gentille
| Nearest Temple | No. 80 (0.5 km) |
| Nearest Station | Kokubu (0.3 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
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Azusa
| Nearest Temple | No. 80 (1 km) |
| Nearest Station | Kokubu (1 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
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Seto Kokumin Ryokan
| Nearest Temple | No. 80 (1 km) |
| Nearest Station | Kokubu (1 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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Ebisuya
| Nearest Temple | No. 80 (0.1 km) |
| Nearest Station | Kokubu (0.2 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Check Booking Sites
Top Recommendation: Ryokan Kume Himawari-so
This welcoming, family-run inn is conveniently located about 3 minutes by car from Sakaide Kita Interchange and approximately 10 minutes by car from JR Sakaide Station. It is popular not only among pilgrims but also with business travelers and guests staying for extended periods.
Despite its affordable rates, the inn offers a range of convenient amenities, including free Wi-Fi and complimentary parking. Guests can also enjoy wellness facilities such as an enzyme bath, hot stone spa, esthetic treatments, and massage services, making it an excellent place to recover after a long day on the pilgrimage route.
Situated in a quiet residential neighborhood, the inn provides a peaceful atmosphere for those looking to relax and get a good night’s rest before continuing their journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- QWhich area has the largest number of accommodations near Temples 77–80?
- A
The areas around Marugame Station, Utazu Station, and Sakaide Station offer the widest selection of accommodations. With numerous business hotels, guesthouses, and traditional inns, as well as plenty of restaurants and convenience stores, these locations are among the most convenient places to stay while walking the pilgrimage.
- QWhere is the best place for walking pilgrims to stay?
- A
For those traveling on foot, the areas around Marugame Station and Sakaide Station are particularly recommended. Both offer a wide range of accommodations and dining options, making it easy to choose a lodging that fits the next day’s itinerary. Staying in Sakaide before heading to Temple No. 81, Shiromine-ji, is especially convenient.
- QIs it a good idea to stay overnight before visiting Temple No. 81, Shiromine-ji?
- A
Yes, especially if you are concerned about your stamina. Shiromine-ji is located on the slopes of Goshikidai Plateau, and the approach involves a long uphill climb. Spending the night in downtown Sakaide or near Kokubun-ji before making the ascent allows for a more comfortable and relaxed pilgrimage experience.
- QAre there any accommodations particularly suitable for pilgrims traveling by car?
- A
Yes. Shiohama no Yu Shikoku Kenko Village in Utazu is a popular choice. It offers ample parking, hot spring baths, and sauna facilities, making it an excellent base for pilgrims covering long distances by car.
- QWhich accommodations are recommended for budget travelers?
- A
Guesthouses and small inns are generally the most affordable options. Well Kame, BABANOBA, and Ryokan Kawakume are among the accommodations that typically offer reasonable rates and are well suited to pilgrims looking to keep lodging costs low.
- QDo I need to make reservations in advance?
- A
While it may be possible to find accommodations without a reservation on weekdays, hotels and inns can fill up during weekends, public holidays, and the main pilgrimage seasons in spring and autumn. If you have a specific place in mind, booking ahead is strongly recommended.
- QAre there convenience stores and restaurants along this section of the route?
- A
Yes. Since this section passes through the urban areas of Marugame, Utazu, and Sakaide, there is a good selection of convenience stores, supermarkets, and restaurants. Compared with many other parts of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, obtaining food and supplies here is relatively easy.
- QIs it possible to visit Temples 77–80 in a single day?
- A
Yes, pilgrims in good physical condition can complete all four temples in one day. However, you should also allow time for worship and travel between temples. If you plan to continue on to Temple No. 81, Shiromine-ji the following day, it is often wiser to avoid rushing and instead spend the night in the Marugame or Sakaide area.
Summary
The area around Temples 77–80 is one of the most convenient sections of the Shikoku Pilgrimage for accommodation, thanks to major transportation hubs such as Marugame Station, Utazu Station, and Sakaide Station.
For budget-conscious pilgrims, accommodations such as Well Kame and Ryokan Kawakume are good choices. If you would like to relax and recover in hot spring facilities after a day on the trail, Shiohama no Yu Shikoku Kenko Village is highly recommended.
It is also worth keeping in mind that Temple No. 81, Shiromine-ji, requires a sustained uphill climb into the Goshikidai Plateau area. Pilgrims who are concerned about their stamina may find it more comfortable to stay overnight in the Sakaide area before continuing their journey.
Finally, accommodations in this region can fill up quickly on weekends, public holidays, and during peak pilgrimage seasons. Booking your lodging in advance is recommended to ensure a smooth and stress-free pilgrimage experience.
Related Articles
Where to Stay Near Temples 82–83 on the Shikoku Pilgrimage: Walking & Car Pilgrim Guide.
Recommended Accommodation: Temples 82–83 in Kagawa
Best Accommodation for Pilgrims Near Zentsuji Temple.
Recommended Accommodation: Temples 70–77 in Kagawa
A detailed guide to accommodation options on the Shikoku Pilgrimage, including costs and how to choose the right place to stay.
Shikoku Pilgrimage Accommodation Guide
