My experience at Ryozenji temple was over-whelmingIy under-whelming. I arrived on a cold mid-November afternoon with the the expectation that the first Temple in a 1200 km pilgrimage would be quite impressive and inspiring of such a journey. Although beautiful and well maintained it was quite modest compared to some of the grand temples of Nara and Nikko. Perhaps that was the point. I was warmly greeted by the book shop staff, abruptly told that no English could be spoken, and gingerly directed towards the only English book on the shelves. After purchasing my guide book, the excellent and thorough "Shikoku Japan 88 route guide" I was directed inside the main temple, to where I could purchase my ohenro stamp book, with the first temple stamp already inside, only 87 more to go...
- 1 min read
Ryozenji
Temple #1 of the Ohenro 88 temple pilgrimage

By C. Rio
Community writer
Join the discussion
Justin Velgus
9 years ago
Honest description and really cool pics!
Mandy Bartok
10 years ago
Your picture "donations at the main gate" is shot from a really cool angle. I love it!
Olga
10 years ago
Very interesting close-ups!
3 comments in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1
Sado Island Kodo Earth Celebration 2025: Music, Traditions, Taste Tour
Niigata -
2
Starbucks Japan Spices Up Summer
Food -
3
I’m Donut?: Japan’s Viral Donut Sensation
Culture -
4
70 Nations, One Amazing Meal
Osaka - Sponsored -
5
Secret Museum Yanai Yamaguchi
Yamaguchi -
6
Hokkaido Full Immersion Tour
Hokkaido -
7
Kamenoi Hotel Atami
Shizuoka - Sponsored -
8
Kyushu Craftsmanship and Traditions Heritage Tour
Article -
9
Mt. Fuji Hike 2025: New Safety Rules & Registration Guide
Shizuoka - Sponsored -
10
Suica 2026 and Beyond: What’s New and What’s Cool
Culture
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
3
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
4
Sanja Matsuri
Tokyo -
5
May Grand Sumo Tournament (Tokyo)
Tokyo -
6
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto -
7
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
8
Adachi Fireworks
Tokyo -
9
Japanese Urban Legends
Culture -
10
Gion Matsuri
Kyoto