Along the Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail from Shōsanji Temple Deep in the Mountains

• distance 15.6km
• time required about 7 hours 30 minutes
• degree of difficulty ★★★

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  The moss-covered pilgrimage route along the valley is located at the end of the road.

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  Ryusuian is a good place to rest. It is said that when Kūkai visited this area, he stabbed a rock with his willow staff and water gushed out.

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  A statue of Kūkai at Ipponsugian (single cedar tree hut). The stunning tree is more than 1,000 years old.

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  Mountain peaks seen from the road leading to the main gate of Shōsanji temple.

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  Stone steps leading to Shōsanji Temple.

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  Shōsanji Temple is the 12th temple of 88 sacred places along the Shikoku pilgrimage route.

Start from beside the main hall of Fujiidera Temple, the 11th temple. Continue up the mountain path near a miniature 88 pilgrimage route and after passing through several difficult steep sections called “henro korogashi,” (lit: the place where pilgrims fall down), take a short break. You will then reach a hut called Ryūsuian. As you continue, watch out for steep slopes and stone steps that can be slippery. At the top of a flight of stone steps is a place called “Ipponsugian” (single cedar hut) where a statue of Kūkai stands under a large cedar tree creating a mysterious atmosphere. Descending down the mountain path, you will find a sudachi orchard, kiwi fields, and other local specialty production areas. On the steep, stony mountain path, there are many damp places covered with moss, so use the rope as a handrail and be very careful not to fall down. Then, after a gradual incline, you will see the 12thtemple, Shōsanji Temple. From here, the trail descends down the mountain. Pass a place called “Emon Saburō Jōshinan” that has a statue of a man called Emon Saburō kneeling for forgiveness in front of Kūkai close to a large ginkgo tree. Proceed to Nabeiwa in Kamiyama Town.

Click here to download the pamphlet.