Ryozenji Temple 1
The first temple on the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, Ryozenji offers a serene start with its lantern-lit hall and koi pond.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer casual visitors
Ryozenji Temple 1
Best Time
Fewer casual visitors
Highlights
Must-see attractions
The first temple on the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, Ryozenji offers a serene start with its lantern-lit hall and koi pond.
"A pleasant temple with a friendly restaurant next door, perfect for a casual visit."
🎯 Use the Henro Helper App
Essential for navigation, shortcuts, and finding pilgrim signs.
🚶 Follow the Green Line
From Bando Station, this painted line guides you directly to the temple.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lantern-Lit Hall
Hondo
Experience the serene beauty of the main hall, illuminated by hundreds of glowing lanterns.
Koi Pond
Temple Grounds
Feed the vibrant koi fish in the tranquil pond, a peaceful and engaging activity for all ages.
Pilgrimage Starting Point
Temple Entrance
Feel the spiritual energy of this iconic first stop on the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Starting Your Shikoku Pilgrimage
Navigating to Ryozenji
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Use the Henro Helper App
Essential for navigation, shortcuts, and finding pilgrim signs.
🚶 Follow the Green Line
From Bando Station, this painted line guides you directly to the temple.
What's the best way to travel to Naruto (Shikoku) from Osaka?
🐍 Watch Your Step
Be aware of snakes on the paths, especially in suburban areas.
🐟 Feed the Koi
Purchase fish food for a delightful interaction with the pond's inhabitants.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Use the Henro Helper App
Essential for navigation, shortcuts, and finding pilgrim signs.
🚶 Follow the Green Line
From Bando Station, this painted line guides you directly to the temple.
🐍 Watch Your Step
Be aware of snakes on the paths, especially in suburban areas.
🐟 Feed the Koi
Purchase fish food for a delightful interaction with the pond's inhabitants.
🕯️ Light a Candle
Make a wish by lighting a candle with pre-printed wishes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ryozenji Temple is a beautiful and serene starting point for the Shikoku Pilgrimage, praised for its tranquil koi pond and the atmospheric lantern-lit hall. Visitors appreciate the clear navigation aids like the 'green line' and the helpful 'Henro Helper' app. While some find the pilgrimage aspect overwhelming, the temple offers a pleasant experience for casual visitors and photographers alike.
"Ryozenji Temple is a serene and spiritually rich destination that beautifully marks the beginning of the legendary Shikoku Pilgrimage. Its peaceful atmosphere and historical significance make it a must-visit for travelers and pilgrims alike."
Annie Sobol
"A pleasant temple with a friendly restaurant next door. Mostly what I wanted to leave a comment about is that there's a ton of information out there on starting a proper Henro pilgrimage but a good portion of the visitors were clearly doing what I was doing--a kind of casual visit to the first few pilgrimage temples as a teaser/taster--and I'd seen no information on that.
Some notes from my experience:
* From Bando station there's a sign saying "pilgrims follow the green line" (painted on the road). It could not be easier to navigate.
* Get the Henro Helper app, it has some suggestions that Google Maps won't. For example, when leaving this temple cross the road and follow the green line back but turn right instead of going back to Bando station. This leads you down a pleasant backstreet instead of trudging along the highway breathing in the exhaust.
* Approaching Konsen-ji (#3) there is a path departing from the road which is both a shortcut and a nicer trail to the temple's back door. This is in the app, but it also highlights the importance of keeping your eyes peeled for pilgrim signs, usually with red arrows, pictures of pilgrims or the text "へんろ" (henro). These are everywhere you might get confused, keep your eyes peeled. I saw some pilgrims ahead of me on the road who had missed the very clear sign for this turnoff.
* Konsen-ji is the last temple that's really close a train station, but it's a real shame to stop there because the next section to Dainichi-ji (#4) is much nicer, with some reasonably long segments through bamboo forest that feel like real trails, rather than suburbia. Also a giant camphor tree at the base of a staircase up to a shrine. If you want even a taste of the pilgrim experience you owe it to yourself to not stop at three as I had seen suggested in another comment.
* If you've started in the morning, the path from Dainichi-ji to Jizo-ji (#5) will take you past a fancy bakery where you can reward yourself with a cream puff. A short while later at Jizo-ji you can pay a small amount to walk the halls housing its collection of 500 arhat statues, which I think makes for a great climax to a short walk if you don't want to continue on. There's an easy bus to Itano Station, but that only brings us to about 8km total so you can also just walk back.
* I saw about 50/50 visitors in pilgrim getup vs just in hiking gear. I was in the latter camp since I decided I was a tourist and not a pilgrim. No need to stress about it if you are not doing it seriously.
* Even though this route is mostly in suburban Tokushima I still saw three snakes in two hours. I believe all innocuous rat snakes rather than pit vipers, but still: pay attention to the ground!"
Sam A
"This is a beautiful temple. This is a part of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. The structures and the Koi fish are beautiful sights to behold. If you are commuting by train, take the Takamatsu Line to Bando Station and from Bando Station follow the green line on the road then you'll get there. Use Google Maps of not sure. Enjoy your visit!"
Angelie Bagol
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Osaka, take a train to Takamatsu, then transfer to the JR Naruto Line to Bando Station. Ryozenji Temple is a short walk from Bando Station, following the green line painted on the road.
Yes, Ryozenji Temple is accessible by train. The nearest station is Bando Station on the JR Naruto Line. From there, it's a short walk.
The 'green line' is a painted marking on the road that pilgrims follow to navigate from Bando Station to Ryozenji Temple and subsequent temples.
Google Maps can be helpful, but the 'Henro Helper' app is recommended for more specific pilgrim routes and shortcuts.
Absolutely! Many visitors treat Ryozenji as a casual stop to experience the beginning of the Shikoku pilgrimage without committing to the full journey.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While the temple grounds are generally free to enter, there might be small fees for specific activities like lighting candles or accessing certain halls.
Temple hours can vary, but generally, they are open during daylight hours. It's advisable to check for specific times closer to your visit.
For a casual visit, no specific items are required. If you intend to participate more formally, you might consider purchasing a pilgrim's staff, white robe, and prayer book.
Yes, Ryozenji Temple, as the first temple, offers pilgrim passports (nōkyōchō) for stamping as you progress on your journey.
Visitors are expected to be respectful of the sacred nature of the temple. Dress modestly and maintain a quiet demeanor.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the beautiful lantern-lit main hall (Hondo), the serene koi pond, and the symbolic starting point of the Shikoku pilgrimage.
Yes, you can purchase fish food to feed the koi in the pond, which is a popular and enjoyable activity.
Ryozenji is the first temple of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, dedicated to Kūkai (Kōbō Daishi), and is a significant spiritual site.
About a 15-20 minute walk north is Oasahiko Jinja, a large Shinto shrine with a giant camphor tree, worth visiting.
Comfortable walking shoes are essential. While not strictly required for casual visitors, modest attire is appreciated out of respect for the temple.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is a friendly restaurant located next door to the temple. For more options, you might find eateries closer to Bando Station.
Small shops or vending machines might be available on-site or nearby for basic refreshments.
Some temples offer simple meals for pilgrims, but for Ryozenji, the adjacent restaurant is a convenient option for a meal.
Information on specific dietary options is limited, but Japanese temple cuisine often includes vegetarian dishes. It's best to inquire locally.
If you plan to walk to subsequent temples like Dainichi-ji (#4), you'll pass a bakery with cream puffs.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed in outdoor areas of the temple grounds. However, it's best to check for any restrictions inside specific halls or buildings.
The lantern-lit Hondo (main hall) is particularly photogenic, as is the serene koi pond and the temple's traditional architecture.
Capturing the 'green line' on the road or the pilgrim signs can add a unique narrative to your photos, highlighting the journey.
Late afternoon or early evening can be magical when the lanterns are lit in the Hondo. Morning light can also be beautiful for the grounds.
Be mindful and respectful when photographing other pilgrims. It's polite to ask for permission if you plan to focus on individuals.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during weekday mornings to avoid larger crowds and allow children more space to explore. While the pilgrimage aspect might be complex for young ones, the visual beauty of the temple, especially the lantern-lit hall, can be captivating. Remember to bring comfortable shoes for everyone, as there will be some walking involved.
🚶 Solo Travelers & Pilgrims
Even if you're not doing the full pilgrimage, Ryozenji offers a profound sense of place. Take your time to absorb the atmosphere, perhaps light a candle, and reflect. The temple's proximity to Bando Station makes it an accessible first stop, allowing you to ease into the experience.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Beyond the main structures, look for the pilgrim signs and the distinctive 'green line' on the road, which can add a narrative element to your photos, telling the story of the journey. The traditional temple architecture and serene garden settings provide ample material for capturing the essence of this spiritual site.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage
For those embarking on a casual visit, Ryozenji offers a glimpse into this tradition without the commitment of the full 88 temples. The temple grounds are designed to be accessible, and the 'Henro Helper' app provides invaluable assistance for navigating the initial stages of the pilgrimage. This app not only guides you but also suggests more scenic routes, turning a simple walk into a more enjoyable exploration.
Understanding the context of the pilgrimage enhances the visit. The temple's architecture, the serene atmosphere, and the presence of fellow travelers (whether dedicated pilgrims or curious tourists) all contribute to the unique ambiance of Ryozenji. It's a place where history, spirituality, and natural beauty converge, offering a memorable experience for every visitor.
Navigating Ryozenji and Beyond
For those seeking a more immersive or efficient navigation experience, the 'Henro Helper' app is a game-changer. It goes beyond basic directions, offering insights into shortcuts and more pleasant walking paths that deviate from the main roads. For instance, the app can guide you down charming backstreets, offering a more authentic feel than simply following the highway.
Beyond Ryozenji, the app continues to be useful for the subsequent temples. Redditors highlight that Konsen-ji (#3) is the last temple truly close to a train station, but the journey to Dainichi-ji (#4) is recommended for its scenic bamboo forest segments and trail-like paths. This advice underscores the importance of planning your route and utilizing available tools to make the most of your exploration.
The Atmosphere and Experience
The temple grounds feature a tranquil koi pond, where visitors can purchase fish food and engage with the vibrant aquatic life. This simple act adds a touch of interactive enjoyment to the visit. The main shrine itself is stunning, and the option to light a candle with wishes provides a personal spiritual connection.
While the temple is a significant pilgrimage site, it also caters to casual visitors. The reviews suggest that there's no need to feel out of place if you're not undertaking the full pilgrimage; many visitors are there for a 'teaser' experience. The presence of both pilgrims in traditional attire and visitors in hiking gear indicates a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit