Overview
Ryōzen-ji is a Shingon Buddhist temple in Naruto, Tokushima Prefecture, associated with the Kōyasan sect and dedicated to Shaka Nyorai. It is best known as the first temple of the Shikoku pilgrimage. Its mountain name is Jikuwasan.
Highlights
- ●Temple No. 1 of the Shikoku pilgrimage
- ●A Shingon temple of the Kōyasan sect
- ●Principal image dedicated to Shaka Nyorai
- ●Located near the pilgrims' crossing point from Kansai
History
The temple is said to have been founded by Gyōki during the Tenpyō era. Because it lies close to the crossing point for pilgrims coming from the Kansai region, Yūben Shinnen identified it as No. 1 in his Shikoku henro michishirube of 1687, and later guidebooks followed suit. Its present buildings are more recent replacements after damage by fires.
Access
The temple stands in Ōasa-chō Bandō in Naruto, Tokushima Prefecture. It serves as the starting point of the Shikoku pilgrimage.
Best season
The temple can be visited throughout the year and is frequented year-round as the pilgrimage's starting point. The mild seasons of spring and autumn suit a walk around the grounds.
Map
34.1598, 134.5026 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Pass through the gate of Ryōzen-ji as temple No. 1
- 2Visit the main hall enshrining Shaka Nyorai
- 3Walk the grounds and note the Jikuwasan mountain name
- 4Set off toward the next temple as the pilgrimage begins
Did you know?
💡 It is customary to return to Ryōzen-ji for a thanksgiving visit (orei mairi) upon completing the pilgrimage.
Nearby spots
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