Tokushima Temples

Select a temple below to view detailed information for each temple from Temple 1 to Temple 23.

About Temples in Tokushima (Temples 1–23)

The first 23 temples of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, located in Tokushima Prefecture, are known as the “Place of Awakening” (Hosshin-no-dojo).

The Shikoku Pilgrimage begins here in Tokushima, where pilgrims visit temples associated with Kobo Daishi (Kukai) and start their journey as walking pilgrims.

The early part of the route passes through peaceful countryside with relatively easy walking trails. However, the pilgrimage also includes challenging mountain sections, such as Temple 12, Shosanji, Temple 20, Kakurinji, and Temple 21, Tairyuji. Walking through the beautiful natural landscapes of Awa Province, pilgrims can experience both the hardships and the unique charm of the pilgrimage.

On this website, you can find detailed information about each temple from Temple 1, Ryozenji, to Temple 23, Yakuoji, including:

  • Temple history and highlights
  • Pilgrimage information, including Goshuin (temple stamps) and Omie (Buddha image cards)
  • Walking pilgrimage routes to and from each temple
  • Distance and estimated walking time
  • Route guidance using Google Maps
  • Personal experiences and descriptions from my own walking pilgrimage

Based on my own pilgrimage experiences, I provide detailed guides to the temples of Tokushima for those planning to complete the Shikoku Pilgrimage on foot.

Temple Guide

Temple 23: Yakuoji

A complete guide to Temple 23 Yakuoji on the Shikoku Pilgrimage. Discover the walking route from Byodoji, Hiwasa, your first view of the Pacific Ocean, nearby accommodation, and firsthand tips from a walking pilgrim.
Temple Guide

Temple 22: Byodoji

Byodoji Temple InformationGoshuinOmie1,200th Anniversary EditionBasic InformationPrincipal DeityYakushi NyoraiElevation6...
Temple Guide

Temple 21: Tairyuji

A complete guide to Temple 21 Tairyuji on the Shikoku Pilgrimage. Discover the Henro Korogashi mountain trail, walking route from Kakurinji, ropeway information, history, highlights, and practical tips from a firsthand pilgrimage experience.
Temple Guide

Temple 20: Kakurinji

Discover Temple 20 Kakurinji on the Shikoku Pilgrimage. Learn about its history, highlights, walking route, distance, travel time, resupply points, and practical tips from a firsthand walking experience.
Temple Guide

Temple 19: Tatsueji

Visit Tatsueji Temple, the 19th temple of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. Discover its history as the “Great Checkpoint of Shikoku,” temple lodging experience, bamboo forest pilgrimage trail, and walking route from Onzanji.
Temple Guide

Temple 18: Onzanji

Discover Temple 18 Onzanji on the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. Learn about its history, two walking routes from Idoji, the Jizōgoe Pilgrimage Trail, camping options, accommodation, and real walking experiences.
Temple Guide

Temple 17: Idoji

Discover Temple 17 Idoji on the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. Learn about its history, sacred well, Seven Yakushi Buddhas, goshuin, walking route from Kanonji, nearby accommodation, and practical tips for pilgrims.
Temple Guide

Temple 16: Kanonji

Discover Temple 16 Kanonji on the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. Learn about its history, Senju Kannon, goshuin, walking route from Kokubunji, nearby accommodation, and practical tips based on real pilgrimage experience.
Temple Guide

Temple 15: Kokubunji

Explore Temple 15 Kokubunji on the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. Discover its history as the ancient provincial temple of Awa, founded by Gyōki under Emperor Shōmu, along with goshuin, highlights, and practical walking information.
Temple Guide

Temple 14: Jorakuji

Discover Temple 14 Jorakuji on the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. Learn about its history, goshuin, the unique Ryūsuigan Garden with exposed bedrock, and practical walking tips from the route between Dainichiji and Jorakuji based on first-hand experience.
Temple Guide

Temple 13: Dainichiji

Discover Temple 13 Dainichiji on the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. Learn about its history, goshuin, and the challenging trail from Shosanji via Tamagatōge, including pilgrim huts, camping spots, and practical walking tips based on real experience.
Temple Guide

Temple 12: Shosanji

A complete guide to Shosanji (Temple 12), featuring route maps, walking time, Henro Korogashi tips, history, photos, and accommodation for walking pilgrims.