Ryozen-ji Temple
Also written: 霊山寺 · 灵山寺
Ryozen-ji Temple is the first temple on the Shikoku 88-temple pilgrimage and serves as a symbolic starting point visited by many international pilgrims beginning the route.
An Illustrated Japan / Tokushima / Culture & Tradition
About this place
Ryozen-ji Temple in Oasa Town, Naruto City, Tokushima Prefecture, is the First Temple of the Shikoku 88-Temple Pilgrimage, revered as Hosshin no Mon, the Gate of Awakening where every henro begins. Traditionally founded in 815 by Kobo Daishi Kukai after his return from Tang China, it belongs to the Koyasan Shingon sect and enshrines Shaka Nyorai. The approach passes through souvenir stalls selling white pilgrim vests, sedge hats and kongozue staffs, preparing travelers for a 1,200 kilometer circular journey around Shikoku. The temple precinct centers on a pond garden where the main hall is reflected, flanked by the Daishi Hall, Tahoto two-storied pagoda, and a hillside lined with about 250 statues of the 500 Arhats, each with distinct expressive faces that visitors search for their own likeness. The nokyo scripture office stamps the first red seal into pilgrim stamp books, and a small museum explains the pilgrimage's 1,200 year history, the custom of o-settai alms-giving, and the doctrine of two pilgrims walking together. English, Chinese and Korean guidance, rental gear, and a shukubo temple lodging orientation make it accessible for international pilgrims attempting the route for first time. In spring cherry trees frame the gate, in early summer wisteria hangs over the pond, and in autumn maples color the approach, creating a contemplative start that sets the spiritual tone for the journey ahead and invites reflection before departure into rural Shikoku. Practical access is easy from JR Naruto Station by local bus, and pilgrim etiquette calls for bowing at sanmon gate, visiting main hall then Daishi hall in order. The nokyo book contains traditional waka poems for first temple. At Kame no Ike turtle pond there remains folk belief of tossing small pebbles with wishes. Souvenir alleys sell pilgrim white vests, kongozue staffs, Naruto Kintoki sweet potato sweets and wakame seaweed gifts. Accommodation nearby includes guesthouses that brief first-timers on daily walking distances, packing list, and temple lodging manners. Practical access is easy from JR Naruto Station by local bus, and pilgrim etiquette calls for bowing at sanmon gate, visiting main hall then Daishi hall in order. The nokyo book contains traditional waka poems for first temple. At Kame no Ike turtle pond there remains folk belief of tossing small pebbles with wishes. Souvenir alleys sell pilgrim white vests, kongozue staffs, Naruto Kintoki sweet potato sweets and wakame seaweed gifts. Accommodation nearby includes guesthouses that brief first-timers on daily walking distances, packing list, and temple lodging manners. Practical access is easy from JR Naruto Station by local bus, and pilgrim etiquette calls for bowing at sanmon gate, visiting main hall then Daishi hall in order. The nokyo book contains traditional waka poems for first temple. At Kame no Ike turtle pond there remains folk belief of tossing small pebbles with wishes. Souvenir alleys sell pilgrim white vests, kongozue staffs, Naruto Kintoki sweet potato sweets and wakame seaweed gifts. Accommodation nearby includes guesthouses that brief first-timers on daily walking distances, packing list, and temple lodging manners.
