Start Your Pilgrimage from Naruto City, Tokushima! Essential Tips and Must-Knows

• Table of Contents
• What is "Ohenro"（Pilgrimage）?
• 1. 3 Tips to Keep in Mind 
• 2. The Origin of the Pilgrimage
• 3. Various Pilgrimage Methods
• 4. The Charm of Pilgrimage in Naruto City
• 5. Start your Journey from Naruto City!

What is "Ohenro"（Pilgrimage）?

Pilgrims on the pilgrimage

Have you heard of the journey called "Ohenro" that is traditionally practiced in the Shikoku region?

The pilgrimage is a journey of the heart where you face yourself by visiting 88 sacred places such as shrines and temples scattered throughout Shikoku. As there are 88 sacred places in Shikoku, the pilgrimage is also known as the "88 Shikoku Sacred Places."

The warm hospitality of the people you meet along the way, Japan's original landscapes, the harsh yet beautiful nature, and the sacred sites have fascinated many people since ancient times, and are firmly rooted as a traditional culture that is unique in the world.

Tokushima Prefecture, where Naruto City is located, is also known as the "Dojo of Awakening" because it is home to the first temple of the pilgrimage, Reisanji, and the second temple, Gokurakuji. In addition, there are vast lotus root fields, old-fashioned streets, and shrines and temples around Reisanji and Gokurakuji, so you can enjoy strolling around them when you are on the pilgrimage.

1. 3 Tips to Keep in Mind 

In the past, it was common to do the pilgrimage on foot, but nowadays, you can do it in a variety of ways, including by public transportation, rental car, tour bus, etc. Try doing the pilgrimage in a way that suits your physical condition and schedule.

The entire Shikoku Pilgrimage is said to be 1,200 to 1,500 km long, and would take about one to two months on foot, but you can do it in about two weeks by car or bus.

Here are three important things to keep in mind to make your pilgrimage a wonderful memory.

1. Enjoy the pilgrimage at your own pace

It is also important to keep track of your physical condition and take rest days.

2. It doesn't matter which temple you start at or where you stop!

The first temple of the 88 Sacred Temples of Shikoku, Ryozenji Te...

779-0230 126 Bando Tsukahana, Taima-cho, Naruto City, Tokushima Prefec...

It is the starting point of the pilgrimage to the 88 sacred sites of Shikoku, which follows the path that Kobo Daishi traveled as part of his training, and is affectionately known as "Ichiban-san." All year round, it is bustling with pilgrims dressed in white robes.

Monzen Ichibangai

779-0236 29-6 Bando Nishiyamada, Taima-cho, Naruto City, Tokushima Pre...

This shop is located in front of the gates of the first temple, Reisanji Temple. We have all the pilgrimage supplies you need for not only the 88 sacred sites of Shikoku, but also the 20 special sacred sites of Shikoku. Our specialty, "Awakutta," is a soft and gentle rice cake. We offer pilgrimage experience programs and have a wide selection of the best things from Naruto and Shikoku.

Gokurakuji Temple, the second temple of the 88 Sacred Places of S...

779-0225 Tokushima Prefecture Naruto City Taima-cho Dannoue 12

Many people come to our mountain to pray to the Great Master of Child-Giving and the Great Master of Safe Birth for children, to the Chomei Cedar for longevity, and to Amida Buddha for the future, and to gain the energy to live life to the fullest in the present. Also, as this is the second temple of the 88 Shikoku temples, many pilgrims come here. Please come and visit our mountain, which is a microcosm of life.

3. Don't forget to book your accommodation!

There are lodging facilities such as private lodgings and hotels around each temple, but we recommend making reservations in advance as meals and baths need to be prepared. Please note that lodging facilities may be fully booked.

In addition, each sacred place has a "shuin" (red seal) that is stamped as proof of visit, and a notebook called a "nokyocho" (a booklet for collecting these). Your very own nokyocho (a booklet for stamps) will surely become a fond memory of your pilgrimage. The nokyocho (booklet for stamps) and other items necessary for the pilgrimage can be purchased at each sacred place or at nearby stores.

2. The Origin of the Pilgrimage

Temple No. 1: Reisanji Temple

Kobo Daishi Kukai, the founder of Shingon Buddhism (a sect of Buddhism) born in Kagawa Prefecture during the Heian period, traveled around Shikoku as part of his training when he was young. During that time, he opened up the sacred sites throughout Shikoku, known as the 88 Shikoku Pilgrimage Sites.

Later, pilgrimages by ascetic monks to the places that Kobo Daishi had visited spread to the general public. In the past, pilgrims would nail wooden talismans to the pillars of the main hall of a sacred site when visiting it. Today, each sacred site is called a "Fudasho" (temple).

Second temple: Gokurakuji

3. Various Pilgrimage Methods

The lantern in the main hall of the first temple, Reisanji Temple, is also a highlight.

The act of visiting the temples is called "uchi", and there are various ways to make the pilgrimage. Starting from the first temple, Reisan-ji, going clockwise is called "jun-uchi", going in the opposite direction is called "gyaku-uchi", visiting all the temples in one pilgrimage is called "tsuoshi-uchi", and visiting them in several parts is called "kai-uchi".

4. The Charm of Pilgrimage in Naruto City

The cute Jizo statue at the second temple, Gokurakuji

The Shikoku Pilgrimage, which visits the temples associated with Kobo Daishi, is a grand circular pilgrimage that covers a total distance of 1,400 km around Shikoku. It has been passed down for over 1,200 years and is still carried out by people today.

Shikoku's rugged mountain paths, long stone staircases, tranquil traditional Japanese countryside, calm seaside beaches and cliff-top headlands with "ohenro-san" (pilgrims) passing by are characteristic of the region.

If you visit Japan, be sure to try out the Shikoku Pilgrimage.

A view of Taima-cho, Naruto City City, Tokushima Prefecture, where Reisanji Temple and Gokurakuji Temple are located. A train runs through a lotus root field.

A train running through a lotus root field Depending on the time of day, you can see scenery like this.

The nearest station to Gokurakuji Temple is Awa-Kawabata Station (Itano-cho, Itano-gun, Tokushima Prefecture)

The approach to Reisanji Temple also retains its old townscape.

Rural Scenery

5. Start your Journey from Naruto City!

In addition to the pilgrimage, Naruto City has many other attractive tourist attractions, such as the Naruto Whirlpools , one of the three largest whirlpools in the world, the Otsuka Museum of Art, where you can see famous Western paintings on full-size ceramic panels, and fresh seafood.

Please check this website for tourist information about Naruto City, including transportation access and accommodation information.

Naruto City Tourism Site

Additionally, Naruto City is currently running a campaign to offer a 3,000 yen discount on accommodation fees to those who rent a car and stay at designated accommodation facilities . Please take advantage of this offer.

We look forward to seeing you all!

Rental Car Discount Campaign (Japanese only)