Ryozen-ji Temple — Start of the 88 Temple Pilgrimage

Published: Jun 3, 2026

Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Ryozen-ji88 Temple PilgrimageShikoku henroKobo Daishipilgrimage start

Ryozen-ji Temple — Start of the 88 Temple Pilgrimage

Ryozen-ji Temple — Start of the 88 Temple Pilgrimage 2

Ryozen-ji Temple — Start of the 88 Temple Pilgrimage 3

Ryozen-ji (霊山寺) is Temple #1 of the 88 Temple Pilgrimage (四国八十八ヶ所, Shikoku Hachijū-Hakkasho), a 1,200km Buddhist pilgrimage route circling Shikoku Island that follows the footsteps of Kobo Daishi, who founded Shingon Buddhism. Pilgrims dressed in white vests (hakue) and conical hats begin their journey here, purchasing pilgrimage supplies (stamped books, walking sticks, bell) from the temple shop.

The temple grounds are modest but carry symbolic weight — the starting gate where thousands of pilgrims per year begin a spiritual journey that takes 40–60 days on foot, 10 days by car, or weeks by bicycle.

Opening Hours

7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Closed: No regular closures (open year-round)

Entrance Fee

Free entry | Stamp book (nōkyōchō): ¥1,200 | Walking stick: ¥1,500 | White vest: ¥2,000

Best Season

Year-round | Spring (March-May) is most popular pilgrimage season

Visit Duration

30-60 minutes | Half day for temples #1-5 circuit

Getting There

Access Information

1 Bandōchō Bando, Naruto City. 10-min walk from Bandō Station (JR Kōtoku Line). Free entry. Hours: 7:00–17:00. Pilgrimage supplies available in temple shop. Stamp book (納経帳, nōkyōchō): ¥1,200. Walking stick: ¥1,500. White vest: ¥2,000.

Insider Guide

Premium

**Starting the pilgrimage:** Most pilgrims buy a stamp book (nōkyōchō) and collect calligraphy stamps (goshuin) at each temple (¥300/stamp) as proof of completion. Some do the full 88 temples; others