Setouchi Tourism Lemon 
The 14th temple of the 88 Sacred Sites in Shikoku, Jorakuji Temple, is a historic sacred place located in Tokushima City, Tokushima Prefecture. The highlight is the flowing water rock garden, which is the only Shikoku sacred site whose principal image is Maitreya Bodhisattva.
The temples in Tokushima Prefecture are called the “Hatsushin Dojo” (numbers 1 to 23) and are visited by many pilgrims as the starting point for the pilgrimage. Jorakuji Temple is one of them, and is an important temple where you can experience the history and culture of the Shikoku Pilgrimage.
What are the highlights of the 14th temple “Jorakuji”?
The highlight of Jorakuji Temple is the flowing water rock garden, which is the only shrine in Shikoku whose principal image is Maitreya Bodhisattva. The principal image is said to be Maitreya Bodhisattva, the sect is the Koyasan Shingon sect, and the founder is Kobo Daishi. The temple grounds are lined with historical temples, creating a space where seasonal nature and Buddhist culture are in harmony.
Hymn: “I wish I could be on the shore of Tokogaku someday, but I’d rather stay aboard the ship of promise.”
You can spend time in deeper prayer by reciting this hymn in your heart during your pilgrimage.
Three points to visit Jorakuji Temple
① Best time to visit the shrine
The temple grounds change with the seasons, with cherry blossoms in the spring, green leaves in the summer, red leaves in the fall, and silence in the winter, giving it a different feel no matter when you visit. Tokushima Prefecture is located between the Seto Inland Sea and the Pacific Ocean, and has a mild climate, so spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit the shrine.
② Suggested time needed
Approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour to visit the shrine, pray, and walk around the temple grounds. It is crowded on weekends and during the spring and autumn pilgrimage seasons, so we recommend visiting early in the morning and planning your visit with plenty of time.
③ Necessary items for the pilgrimage and process of worshiping
Basic information about Jōraku-ji Temple
How to access Jorakuji Temple
By car: From the nearest IC on the Tokushima Expressway/Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Expressway, head toward Tokushima City. For details, please refer to the address in the basic information.
Public transportation: Take a taxi or bus from the nearest JR station. Pilgrimage bus tours and rental cars from Tokushima Station and Naruto Station are convenient.
Nearby temples that you should visit together with Jōraku-ji Temple
The 88 sacred sites in Shikoku are generally ordered in order, starting with number 1 (Ryozenji) and ending with number 88 (Okuboji). Be sure to check out the temples before and after Joraku-ji Temple, as well as the temples in Kagawa Prefecture.
Frequently asked questions about Jorakuji Temple and the Pilgrimage Route
Q1. What is the delivery time (goshuin stamp reception time)?
Pilgrimage delivery times are usually from 7:00 to 17:00. Goshuin stamps and Buddhist sutras cannot be received outside of these hours, so please plan your visit accordingly.
Q2. Are there admission fees and parking fees?
You can visit the shrine grounds for free, but there are some temples that require a separate parking fee (about 200 to 500 yen for a regular car) and entrance fee to the treasure hall.
Q3. What are the benefits of visiting the shrine in pilgrimage costumes?
Pilgrimage costumes such as a white robe, a robe, and a vajra cane are not only formal, but also have benefits such as making it easier to receive entertainment and calming your mind. Rentals and purchases are possible at temples such as Ryozen-ji Temple, the No. 1 temple.
Q4. Where can I receive a Goshuin (Nokyo)?
You can receive it for about 500 yen at the nokyo office of each temple. Many people visit with a three-piece set that includes a notebook, a white coat, and a hanging scroll, and a notebook can be purchased for around 700 to 2,000 yen.
Q5. Which is better: a pilgrimage by car or a walking pilgrimage?
Choose according to your time and physical strength. A car pilgrimage can be completed in 10 to 14 days, while a walking pilgrimage takes 40 to 50 days, but offers a more profound experience. Rental cars, bus tours, and taxi pilgrimages are also popular.
Q6. Can a beginner start the pilgrimage?
Of course it is possible. In addition to the toruuchi, which visits 88 locations all at once, it is also common to perform the pilgrimage in sections. You can play the game in either order, starting from number 1, or reverse the game, allowing you to play at your own pace.
Summary | Jorakuji Temple, the 14th temple you must visit on your pilgrimage
The 14th temple in the Shikoku 88 Sacred Sites, “Jorakuji”, is the only one of the Shikoku sacred sites whose principal image is Maitreya Bodhisattva, and its flowing water rock garden is a highlight. If you come to Tokushima City, Tokushima Prefecture, please make this a day of your pilgrimage. Time to calm your mind and experience the history and Buddhist culture of Shikoku awaits you.
Photo provided by:Awa Navi (Tokushima Prefecture Tourism Association)
