Yakuoji Temple Information
Goshuin
- Omie
- 1,200th Anniversary Edition
Basic Information
| Principal Deity | Yakushi Nyorai |
| Elevation | 30 m |
| Google Maps | MAP |
Accommodation
| Shukubo (Temple Lodging) | Available |
| Tsuyado (Free Pilgrim Shelter) | Not Available |
History & Highlights
Yakuoji is an ancient temple said to have been founded by Gyōki, where Kōbō Daishi carved an image of Yakuyoke Yakushi Nyorai (the Medicine Buddha who wards off misfortune). Widely known throughout Japan as the “Temple for Protection from Misfortune,” it is the final sacred temple in Awa Province on the Shikoku Pilgrimage. Highlights include the Yakuzaka (Misfortune-Repelling Steps) and the hidden Buddha Ushiro-muki Yakushi (“Backward-Facing Yakushi”).
Route Map, Distance & Travel Time
You can switch between the tabs to view the routes to the previous and next temples.
Select “Driving Route” from the map’s upper-left menu to display the driving route.
Click the Full Screen icon in the upper-right corner of the map to open it in Google Maps for a larger, easier-to-view map.
- From Previous Temple
- To Next Temple
Previous Temple: Byodoji
| Distance | 19.7 km |
| Walking | 6 hr 20 min |
| Driving | 30 min |
Next Temple: Hotsumisakiji
| Distance | 75.4 km |
| Walking | 22 hr |
| Driving | 2 hr |
My Walking Experience
Staying Overnight in Yuki Is Recommended
The distance from Byodoji to Yakuoji is approximately 20 km (12.4 miles), requiring more than five hours on foot.
If you start your day’s walk from Byodoji, reaching Yakuoji in one day is manageable. However, if you are continuing from an earlier temple, it is recommended to stay overnight in the Yuki area, which is roughly halfway along the route. This allows for a more comfortable walking schedule and helps avoid an overly long day on the pilgrimage.
Your First View of the Pacific Ocean
If you begin your pilgrimage at Ryōzenji (Temple 1), Yuki is the first place along the route where you catch sight of the Pacific Ocean.
After crossing the mountains of Shōsanji, Kakurinji, and Tairyuji, the expansive ocean view and the scent of the sea leave a lasting impression.
As I walked through Yuki, a local resident said to me, “This is the first time pilgrims see the ocean, so take your time and enjoy the view.” Those words stayed with me, and they were right—I couldn’t help but stop for a while to take in the scenery.
Camping Overnight at Shirahama Rest Area
I had dinner at a local restaurant in Yuki before continuing to Shirahama Rest Area, where I spent the night camping.
Shirahama Rest Area is a two-story wooden shelter with rest areas on both the first and second floors. A public restroom is located next to the building, making it a convenient stop for walking pilgrims.
That night, I fell asleep to the sound of the waves. The following morning, I watched the sun rise over the Pacific Ocean, turning the sea a brilliant shade of gold. It was an unforgettable experience that I could only have had as a walking pilgrim—not something I would have experienced by simply staying at a hotel.
Discovering Hiwasa
The walk from Yuki to Hiwasa, home to Yakuoji, is a straightforward route that follows Prefectural Route 25 westward. The road is easy to follow, so there is little chance of getting lost.
Hiwasa is best known as a nesting site for loggerhead sea turtles. The town blends the rich history of the Shikoku Pilgrimage with a beautiful coastal landscape, making it well worth exploring in addition to visiting Yakuoji.
Nearby Accommodation
If you plan to stay near Byodoji or between the surrounding pilgrimage temples, see the article below.
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