Ryozenji Temple Overview
Ryozenji Temple, located in Naruto city, Tokushima Prefecture, holds a special place in Japanese Buddhism as Temple #1 of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage — one of the most celebrated pilgrimage routes in the world. Established in the early 8th century, the temple is dedicated to the Buddhist deity Shaka Nyorai and is deeply connected to the revered monk Kukai, also known as Kobo Daishi, who is said to have founded or restored many of the 88 temples along the route.
The pilgrimage itself, known in Japanese as the Shikoku Henro, spans roughly 1,100 to 1,200 kilometers across the four prefectures of Shikoku island: Tokushima, Kochi, Ehime and Kagawa. Walking the full route can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days or more, with most pilgrims averaging around 45 days. Many today opt for bus tours or other forms of transport. Those who complete the journey are called henro and are recognizable by their traditional white jackets and bamboo walking sticks.
Best Times To Visit Ryozenji Temple
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are the most comfortable seasons to visit Ryozenji and begin the Shikoku pilgrimage. Temperatures are mild and the surrounding natural scenery is at its most picturesque — cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage in fall add a scenic backdrop to the temple grounds.
Summer can be intensely hot and humid in Tokushima, which makes long-distance walking challenging. Winter visits are possible but some rural stretches of the pilgrimage route can be cold and difficult to navigate. The temple itself can be visited year-round and the grounds are rarely overcrowded, making any time a viable option for those simply stopping at Temple #1.