Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage (Temples 1–6, Tokushima): Starting at Ryozen-ji passing shrines, farm lanes and quiet suburban streets to reach Anraku-ji, Shikoku, Japan.

Region: Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage — Tokushima Prefecture (Shikoku), Japan

Places To Stay: This starter section of the Shikoku 88 is gentle and cultural with lantern-lit temples, quiet lanes, rice fields, and friendly henro welcome. Base yourself in Tokushima City or Naruto for easy access to Temples 1–6; you’ll find simple guesthouses, business hotels by the station, and a few beachside resorts nearer Naruto.

Looking for more trails in Japan? Visit my Japan Hiking Trails page.

Below are 3 ideas for day tours and transfers around Tokushima and Naruto. GetYourGuide offer good availability + see more.

For a wider choice of accommodation in the Tokushima, Booking.com has a huge variety to browse through.

This featured day walk covers Temples 1–6 of the Shikoku pilgrimage, starting at Ryozen-ji and passing village shrines, farm lanes and quiet suburban streets to reach Anraku-ji. It’s a perfect first taste of the henro way, as you have easy gradients, good signage, and lots of small experiences like bell rings, incense, and the first temple stamps in your nōkyōchō. You can keep going further (Temples 7–10), or return to Tokushima for the night.

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Nearest major gateways: Tokushima Awaodori Airport (TKS), or fly into Osaka (KIX) and connect by bus/train.

Getting There: Directions, GPX and App Link

• Start/Finish: Temple 1: Ryozen-ji (Naruto) → Temple 6: Anraku-ji. Simple bus/train access from Tokushima City or Naruto.
• Google Maps: Ryozen-ji → Anraku-ji
• Download the GPX file here for GPS/watch use (Temples 1→6)
• You can follow this route on my Outdooractive profile.

Hike Profile

• Distance: ~12–15 km (Temples 1→6; depends on detours)
• Duration: 3–5 hrs unhurried (allow time at each temple)
• Elevation: Mostly flat/rolling suburban & rural lanes
• Difficulty: Easy – a great “first-day” pilgrim sampler
• Terrain: Pavement, farm tracks, brief wooded sections

Stages & Distances (Typical Day Walk)

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Hike Description

Ryozen-ji is where you and many pilgrims start from. You’ll see white jackets, sedge hats, and wooden staffs for sale outside, these are symbols of the journey rather than souvenirs. Your first step is to go through the gate, ring the bell, light a stick of incense, and then collect your first stamp.

From Temple 1 (Ryozen-ji) you are now travelling to Gokuraku-ji and then onward through the first half-dozen temples, and on route you’ll make your way through traditional neighborhoods and small fields. It’s simple walking, but so rewarding, as you’ll see roadside statues tucked into walls, a waterwheel here and there, a tiny wayside shrines. As you walk you may pass school groups and local gardeners, and a shopkeeper may wave you over for a quick chat when they spot the staff in your hand.

Each temple is different and has its own feel: a quiet garden, a statue under cedar shade, a hall where the smell of incense hangs in the air. As you move along you’ll fall into a routine at the stamp office, you’l bow, present the book, watch the quick brushstrokes as the calligraphy goes in. It’s simple, satisfying, and hard not to love.

Finishing at Anraku-ji (Temple 6), many pilgrims hop on the bus back to Tokushima or Naruto. If you feel you still have some miles in the legs, keep going, the stages ahead become hillier with woodland sections and the occasional small pass. And beyond Tokushima, the full Shikoku circuit turns coastal and mountainous, slowly circling an island which you’ll feel was built for walking.

Walk this route yourself in 3D!

The video is a 3D walkthrough of this route; it’ll give you a great idea of what to expect before you set foot on the mountain.

I’ve created 3D videos of my walks and shared them with the Outdooractive and Welsh Man Walking communities.

Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage (Temples 1–6, Tokushima) – 3D Walkthrough

Places to Stay (Tokushima City / Naruto)

Tip: For Day 1–2 temple stages, base in Tokushima City (easy trains/buses) or Naruto (closer to Temple 1).

Tokushima City (great base for buses/trains)

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JR Hotel Clement Tokushima

Right by the station; easy buses to Ryozen-ji; higher-floor rooms have city views.

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Daiwa Roynet Tokushima Ekimae

Modern rooms, laundrette, quick walk to buses — handy for day stages.

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Naruto (closest to Temple 1: Ryozen-ji)

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Hotel Route-Inn Naruto Oasa

Simple, reliable business hotel within reach of Ryozen-ji by local bus/taxi.

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AoAwo Naruto Resort

Seaside resort option if you fancy an onsen and views after your temple day.

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For a wider choice of accommodation in the Tokushima, Booking.com has a huge variety to browse through.

Practicalities

• Temple etiquette: Quiet voices, remove hats in main halls, follow posted guidance. Stamp fee applies.
• Food & water: Convenience stores and vending machines along most of this stage; carry water.
• Footwear: Trainers fine for Temples 1–6; later stages get hillier — switch to hiking shoes.
• Weather: Hot/humid in summer; pack sun protection and a lightweight rain layer.
• Logistics: Use buses/trains for returns; HyperDia/Google Maps work well for planning.

Below are 3 ideas for day tours and transfers around Tokushima and Naruto. GetYourGuide has more dates + browse here.

AllTrails: Trail Guides & Maps for Hiking, Camping, and Running | AllTrails Plans – Read my ‘Full Review‘ for more details.

Shikoku 88 (Temples 1–6) FAQs

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