Ryōzen-ji: The Starting Point of the Pilgrimage: The First Step on the Path to Awakening

• Name: Jikuwazan Ichijō-in Ryōzen-ji
• Main Deity: Shakyamuni Buddha
• Goeika (Pilgrimage Song):
• Before the Shakyamuni of sacred Mount Ryōzen I now appear, May all my countless sins be wiped away.

The Starting Point of the Pilgrimage

Commonly known by the affectionate nickname “Ichiban-san” (Number One Temple), this temple is a familiar and beloved site.
Lining the path leading to the gate are souvenir shops, and within the temple grounds are stores selling pilgrimage gear.
Here, pilgrims can purchase all the essentials—such as white garments and walking staffs—before setting out, giving the area a strong atmosphere of being the starting point of the pilgrimage.

Passing through the magnificent main gate, which befits the first temple of the journey, you’ll find a pond on the right, with the Daishidō Hall beyond it, and on the left, the Tahōtō Pagoda comes into view.
Along the broad path straight ahead stands the Hall of the Thirteen Buddhas (Jūsanbutsu-dō), and beyond that lies the Main Hall.

“Tenjiku” (India) in the Land of Wa (Japan)

This temple is said to have been established during the Tenpyō era (729–749) by the monk Gyōki, under the imperial decree of Emperor Shōmu.
Later, in 815, Kūkai (Kōbō Daishi) carved an image of Shakyamuni Buddha, which became the temple’s principal image.
This image is a hibutsu (hidden Buddha) and is never revealed to the public.

According to legend, when Kūkai came to found this temple, he encountered an elderly monk preaching the Dharma, surrounded by numerous disciples intently listening.

The scene resembled Mount Jubusen (鷲峯山, Vulture Peak), a sacred mountain in Tenjiku (India)
where Shakyamuni is said to have taught the bodhisattvas.

Inspired by this resemblance, the monks present named the mountain Jikuwazan (笠和山),
meaning “the sacred mountain of Tenjiku in the Land of Wa (Japan).”

The Main Hall and Tahōtō Pagoda – Edo Period Architecture

During the Muromachi period, the temple was under the patronage of the Miyoshi clan, a powerful family in Awa Province.
With their support, the Main Hall, Daishi Hall, Tahōtō Pagoda, and other buildings of the seven-hall temple complex were constructed.

In 1582 (Tenshō 10), the temple was destroyed by fire during a conflict. It was later rebuilt during the Manji era (1658–1660). The Main Hall and Tahōtō Pagoda survived the fire, while the Daishi Hall, living quarters, and main gate were reconstructed in later periods.

Upon entering the Main Hall, visitors are greeted by the soft glow of dozens of lanterns hanging from the ceiling, creating a mystical and serene atmosphere. According to formal pilgrimage custom, one should receive the pilgrimage precepts (jukai) – a symbolic purification rite – in this Main Hall before officially beginning the pilgrimage.

Enmusubi Kannon (The Goddess of Connections)

To the side of the main gate stands the Enmusubi Kannon, the deity of forming good relationships.

Although often associated with romantic relationships, this Kannon is also believed to bring blessings for a wide range of connections—including those in business, friendships, and other meaningful bonds.

It is said to help people build all kinds of positive and important relationships.

DATA

Address: 126 Bandō Tsukahana, Ōasa-chō, Naruto City, Tokushima Prefecture
Phone: 088-689-1111
Access: 15-minute walk from Bandō Station (JR Kōtoku Line)
Parking: Available (Free)
Lodging: None

Your Pilgrimage, Your Art

Completing the Shikoku Pilgrimage is a once-in-a-lifetime journey—but what if you could preserve it in a form that lasts forever?

Many pilgrims collect red stamps and calligraphy from each temple on a special silk scroll called a nōkyōjiku.

This sacred record of your path can be transformed into a kakejiku—a traditional Japanese hanging scroll—not only preserving the memories, but turning them into a work of cultural and spiritual art.

It’s more than a souvenir—it’s a way to honor your journey, your prayers, and your growth.

To learn more about how a nōkyōjiku becomes a kakejiku, and what makes this transformation so meaningful, please refer the below link.

Your Shikoku Pilgrimage, Your Art: Make Your Journey a Kakejiku, Japanese Traditional Scroll Art

About the “Orei-mairi” (Thanksgiving Visit)

After completing the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, many pilgrims choose to perform an “Orei-mairi” — a final visit of gratitude.
This is a custom in which pilgrims return to the first temple or a nearby temple to offer thanks for having safely completed the journey.

This act is considered an important ritual to conclude the pilgrimage, providing spiritual closure. It is also seen as a moment to offer prayers for the fulfillment of wishes made during the pilgrimage, and to make new prayers for everyday life moving forward.

The most common destination for Orei-mairi is Temple No. 1, Ryōzen-ji in Tokushima Prefecture, though this may vary depending on where each pilgrim began their journey.
In some cases, visiting Okunoin Temple on Mount Kōya is also regarded as a form of Orei-mairi.

It’s important to note that Orei-mairi is not a mandatory ritual. It is a personal, voluntary expression of one’s gratitude and faith.
Historically, this custom became widely practiced after World War II, making it a relatively recent tradition, but one that is now embraced by many pilgrims.

In this way, the Orei-mairi has taken root in modern-day pilgrimage culture as a heartfelt act of gratitude and prayer to conclude the sacred journey.

Important Note About the Orei-mairi Seal

In recent years, special nōkyō-jiku scrolls (pilgrimage scrolls) have been designed to include a designated space for the Orei-mairi temple seal.
Most of these scrolls are intended to have the final stamp placed at Temple No. 1, Ryōzen-ji.

However, we have seen many cases where pilgrims overlook this space and leave Shikoku to visit Mount Kōya, only realizing the omission after returning home or during their visit to our shop.

To avoid this issue, please be sure to check whether your nōkyō-jiku has a dedicated space for the Orei-mairi stamp before leaving Shikoku.

For a real-life example of such a case, please read the following blog article:

How Overseas Pilgrims Are Experiencing the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage Scroll Mounting: Missing Stamps and Resolution