Preparation at the starting point of Shikoku Pilgrimage, Tokushima・Naruto

The 「Shikoku pilgrimage」 is a pilgrimage that follows the 88 sacred sites (temples) where Kobo Daishi, a high priest, practiced about 1,200 years ago. It is said that by making a pilgrimage to all the sacred sites, one's wishes will be fulfilled and merit will be gained.

Another attraction of the pilgrimage is the smiling faces and warm hospitality of the local people along the way.

Let's get ready to travel

A strong ally for travelers who do not know what to prepare when starting a Shikoku pilgrimage is 「Monzen Ichibangai」, a store in front of the Ryozenji Temple gate.

「Monzen Ichibangai」 is like a small temple town street, with stores and cafes centered around a courtyard designed around with the concept of 「Kacho Fugetsu,」 meaning beautiful natural scenery.

Let's take a look at some of the items you will need at the start of your pilgrimage at the stores.

Pilgrimage Items　※An example　

• · Voitive card (Osamefuda) ...A kind of business card for pilgrims. When you visit the temple, you must offer the osamesafuda at the main hall and the Daishi Hall.

• · Sutra book (Kyouhon) ... The Heart Sutra and other sutras necessary for worship
• · Pilgrim's staff (Kongozue) ... A staff that is believed to be an incarnation of Kobo-Daishi

・　Buddhist stole (Wagesa) ... An informal vestment

• · White robe (hakui, byakue)

• · Nokyocho ... A notebook to collect the principal image written in ink and vermilion seal of each temple you visit

• · Maps/guidebooks in foreign languages

There are a lot of them... However, don't worry. The store is staffed by certified predecessors (experts) recognized by the Shikoku 88 Sacred Places Association, who will use their in-depth knowledge and experience to give you advice. They will not only help pilgrims to prepare themselves according to their requests, but also answer any questions about the area and other useful information for the pilgrims.

Casual ”Pilgrimage Experience”

For those who are thinking of starting a pilgrimage or would like a casual pilgrimage experience, we also offer 「Ohenro Rental Costume」. Not only will you be able to wear the pilgrimage costume, but you will also receive a fun lecture from our authorized predecessors and knowledgeable staff. It would be a good idea to try a casual pilgrimage experience first.

After the experience, we also recommend tasting the 「Awakutta」 manju (awarded the Minister's Honor Award at the 23rd National Confectionary Exposition) in the café space.

Message to Guests Visiting Japan

Monzen Ichibangai has long been used not only by visitors to Naruto for the Shikoku pilgrimage, but also as a center of exchange in the surrounding area, which is rich in historical atmosphere. With over 1,200 years of Shikoku pilgrimage history as its backdrop, which has been designated as a Japanese cultural heritage, Naruto Ichibangai offers not only traditional pilgrimage goods that carry on the pilgrimage culture that has continued through the ages, but also a variety of souvenirs that will please visitors from Japan and abroad.

This is the place where the Shikoku pilgrimage began. We are sure that a visit here will give you a taste of its hidden charms. We sincerely look forward to your visit.

Store Information

Address ・ Access

Nishiyamada, Bando, Ohasa-cho, Naruto City, Tokushima Prefecture (in front of the Ryozenji Temple gate)

Business hours: 8:30~17:00 (open all year round)

10 minutes walk from Bando Station on JR Kotoku Line

Tokushima Prefecture: Monzen Ichibangai