Setouchi Tourism Lemon 
The 23rd temple of the 88 Sacred Sites in Shikoku, Yakuoji Temple, is a historic sacred place located in Minami Town, Tokushima Prefecture. It is the last temple in Tokushima Prefecture and is visited by people from all over the country as a temple to ward off evil spirits.
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. Yakuoji 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 23rd temple “Yakuoji”?
Yakuoji Temple is the last temple in Tokushima Prefecture and is visited by people from all over the country as a temple to ward off evil spirits. The principal image is said to be Yakushi Nyorai, the sect is Koyasan Shingon sect, and the founder is Gyoki Bosatsu. The temple grounds are lined with historical temples, creating a space where seasonal nature and Buddhist culture are in harmony.
Hymn: “Let me give you the medicine of Lazuli Lazuli, Yakuoji Temple, in your sick years.”
You can spend time in deeper prayer by reciting this hymn in your heart during your pilgrimage.
Three points to visit Yakuoji 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 Yakuoji Temple
How to access Yakuoji Temple
By car: From the nearest IC on the Tokushima Expressway/Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Expressway, head toward Minami-cho. 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 along with Yakuoji 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 Yakuoji Temple, as well as the temples in Kagawa Prefecture.
Frequently asked questions about Yakuoji Temple/Pilgrimage
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 | Yakuoji, the 23rd temple you must visit on your pilgrimage
Yakuoji, the 23rd temple of the 88 Sacred Sites in Shikoku, is the last temple in Tokushima Prefecture and is visited by people from all over the country as a temple to ward off evil spirits. If you come to Minami Town, 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)
