Hello, I’m Taka, the owner of this blog.
I have completed the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage on foot, making two full circuits in total—one in the traditional order and one in reverse order.
The section between Temple No. 64, Maegamiji Temple, and Temple No. 65, Sankakuji Temple, is a long stretch of approximately 45 km (28 miles). Most walking pilgrims stay overnight somewhere along the way, with the main accommodation areas being Saijo, Niihama, and Shikokuchuo.
If you’re unsure where to stay, these three accommodations are highly recommended:
- For walking pilgrims: MISORA
- For travelers by car: Super Hotel Shikokuchuo
- To experience the traditional pilgrimage atmosphere: Okuraya
Beyond Sankakuji Temple, the route continues through mountainous terrain, so it’s important to choose your accommodation based on your physical condition and the distance you plan to cover the following day.
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Clicking the button will take you to the relevant section in the article.
Accommodation Near Temple No. 64 and Iyo-Saijo Station
Tama no Ie Saijo
| Nearest Temple | No. 64 (4 km) |
| Nearest Station | Iyo Saijo (0.1 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
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HORAIRE SAIJO
| Nearest Temple | No. 64 (4 km) |
| Nearest Station | Iyo Saijo (0.1 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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Extol Inn Saijo
| Nearest Temple | No. 64 (4 km) |
| Nearest Station | Iyo Saijo (0.1 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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Fuchi
| Nearest Temple | No. 64 (9 km) |
| Nearest Station | Iyo Saijo (5 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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Accommodation Near Niihama Station
Family Lodge Hatagoya Niihama
| Nearest Temple | No. 64 (17 km) |
| Nearest Station | Niihama (1 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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Toyoko INN Niihama
| Nearest Temple | No. 64 (17 km) |
| Nearest Station | Niihama (0.1 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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Okuraya
| Nearest Temple | No. 64 (17 km) |
| Nearest Station | Niihama (3 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
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MISORA
| Nearest Temple | No. 64 (17 km) |
| Nearest Station | Niihama (3 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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Accommodation Near Shikokuchuo City
Junrei-san no Oyado
| Nearest Temple | No. 64 (21 km) |
| Nearest Station | Sekigawa (5 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Goyomatsu So
| Nearest Temple | No. 64 (23 km) |
| Nearest Station | Sekigawa (1 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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Tsuta no Ie
| Nearest Temple | No. 65 (17 km) |
| Nearest Station | Iyo Doi (0.1 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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Matsuya
| Nearest Temple | No. 65 (17 km) |
| Nearest Station | Iyo Doi (0.1 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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HOTEL AZ Ehime Doi
| Nearest Temple | No. 65 (13 km) |
| Nearest Station | Akaboshi (2 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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Youth Hostel Shin Hasedera
| Nearest Temple | No. 65 (10 km) |
| Nearest Station | Iyo Sangawa (1 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
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PITIN
| Nearest Temple | No. 65 (10 km) |
| Nearest Station | Iyo Sangawa (1 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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Accommodation Near Temple No. 65, Sankakuji Temple
LiVEMAX Iyo Mishima
| Nearest Temple | No. 65 (5 km) |
| Nearest Station | Iyo Mishima (0.1 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
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Oyado Onaru
| Nearest Temple | No. 65 (5 km) |
| Nearest Station | Iyo Mishima (0.2 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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Mild
| Nearest Temple | No. 65 (4 km) |
| Nearest Station | Iyo Mishima (1 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
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Gran Foret
| Nearest Temple | No. 65 (4 km) |
| Nearest Station | Iyo Mishima (1 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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Super Hotel Shikokuchuo
| Nearest Temple | No. 65 (3 km) |
| Nearest Station | Iyo Mishima (4 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Check Booking Sites
Highlights of This Section
This section follows the eastern route along the Seto Inland Sea coast in Ehime Prefecture. The distance between Temple No. 64, Maegamiji Temple, and Temple No. 65, Sankakuji Temple, is approximately 45 km (28 miles). For most walking pilgrims, this journey typically takes about two days to complete.
Along the route, you will pass through urban areas such as Saijo, Niihama, and Shikokuchuo, where you can find hotels, traditional inns, restaurants, and convenience stores. Since this is a relatively long walking section, it is advisable to make use of accommodation facilities and plan your itinerary at a comfortable pace.
Temple No. 65, Sankakuji Temple, is a mountain temple located at an elevation of approximately 500 meters (1,640 feet). Beyond Sankakuji, the route toward Temple No. 66, Unpenji Temple, continues through mountainous terrain. As convenience stores and shops become scarce in this area, it is wise to stock up on food, drinks, and other necessities in the towns at the foot of the mountains before continuing your pilgrimage.
View of Shikokuchuo City from the approach to Sankakuji Temple.
Recommended Accommodation for Pilgrims Traveling by Car
Super Hotel Shikokuchuo
Super Hotel Shikokuchuo is an excellent choice for pilgrims planning to visit Temple No. 65, Sankakuji Temple, by car. Conveniently located near the Mishima-Kawanoe Interchange on the Matsuyama Expressway, the hotel offers free parking and easy access to the temple.
The property features the natural hot spring “Toyo no Yu,” where guests can relax and soothe their bodies after a long day of driving and temple visits. The complimentary breakfast is also popular, featuring freshly baked bread and organic vegetables.
The entire hotel was renovated in 2023, and its clean, comfortable guest rooms provide a pleasant place to unwind and recharge for the next day’s pilgrimage.
Check details and availability.
Top Recommendation: Business Hotel MISORA
Business Hotel MISORA is conveniently located roughly midway between Temple No. 64, Maegamiji Temple, and Temple No. 65, Sankakuji Temple, making it an excellent choice for both walking and driving pilgrims.
The hotel is easily accessible, just a five-minute drive from the Niihama Interchange, and offers free parking for guests. Renovated in 2022, the property features clean, comfortable rooms designed for a relaxing stay.
Guests particularly appreciate the homemade hot breakfast, which provides a great start to the day. Whether you are on a pilgrimage, sightseeing, or traveling for business, MISORA serves as a convenient and comfortable base. It is especially recommended for those who wish to break up this long section of the pilgrimage into more manageable stages.
Check details and availability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- QHow far is it from Temple No. 64, Maegamiji, to Temple No. 65, Sankakuji?
- A
The distance between Temple No. 64, Maegamiji Temple, and Temple No. 65, Sankakuji Temple, is approximately 45 km (28 miles). For walking pilgrims, this is generally too far to comfortably complete in a single day, so most pilgrims stay overnight in the areas around Saijo, Niihama, or Shikokuchuo.
- QWhere is the best place to stay near Temple No. 64, Maegamiji?
- A
If you plan to stay near Maegamiji Temple, accommodations around Iyo-Saijo Station are a convenient option. The area offers a variety of business hotels and traditional inns, as well as easy access to restaurants and convenience stores, making it suitable for both walking and driving pilgrims.
- QWhich area is recommended for an overnight stay when walking the pilgrimage?
- A
For walking pilgrims, staying in the Niihama or Shikokuchuo area is recommended. These locations are roughly midway between Maegamiji and Sankakuji, allowing you to divide the journey into manageable daily distances.
- QWhere should I stay if I want to visit Sankakuji Temple the next morning?
- A
Accommodations in the Shikokuchuo area are particularly convenient for an early visit to Sankakuji Temple. Hotels near Iyo-Mishima Station and the Mishima-Kawanoe Interchange provide easy access to the temple.
- QHow much climbing is required to reach Sankakuji Temple?
- A
Sankakuji Temple is located at an elevation of approximately 500 meters (1,640 feet). Pilgrims must ascend the temple approach from the foothills to reach the temple grounds. Because this section can be physically demanding for walking pilgrims, it is advisable to stay nearby the previous night and get sufficient rest before the climb.
- QAre there convenience stores or supermarkets along this section?
- A
Yes. The urban areas of Saijo, Niihama, and Shikokuchuo offer convenience stores, supermarkets, and restaurants. However, shops become much less common around Sankakuji Temple and in the mountainous areas beyond, so it is a good idea to purchase food and drinks in advance.
- QAre there any accommodations recommended for pilgrims traveling by car?
- A
Yes. Hotels with free parking are particularly convenient for driving pilgrims. Super Hotel Shikokuchuo is a popular choice thanks to its easy access to Sankakuji Temple, as well as amenities such as a natural hot spring and complimentary breakfast.
- QHow many days does it usually take to complete this section?
- A
Most walking pilgrims complete this section over two days with one overnight stay, although some choose to spread the journey over three days depending on their fitness level and the season. Pilgrims traveling by car can usually visit both temples in a single day.
Summary
The distance between Temple No. 64, Maegamiji Temple, and Temple No. 65, Sankakuji Temple, is approximately 45 km (28 miles), making it a section that typically takes about two days to complete on foot.
For an overnight stay, it is best to use Saijo, Niihama, or Shikokuchuo as your base, allowing you to complete the route at a comfortable pace.
For walking pilgrims, Business Hotel MISORA, located near the midpoint of the route, is a particularly convenient choice. For those traveling by car, Super Hotel Shikokuchuo is highly recommended thanks to its easy access to Sankakuji Temple and pilgrim-friendly facilities.
Beyond Sankakuji Temple, the pilgrimage route continues through mountainous terrain. Since convenience stores and shops become less frequent, it is advisable to stock up on food, drinks, and other necessities while passing through the urban areas before continuing your journey.
Related Articles
Where to Stay Before and After Unpenji Temple on the Shikoku Pilgrimage.
Recommended Accommodation: Temples 66–68 in Kagawa
Shikoku Pilgrimage Accommodation Guide: Temples 56–64 and Yokomine-ji.
Recommended Accommodation: Temples 56–64 in Ehime
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