What should I bring?
Traveling light is strongly recommended. If you discover that you need something, it is often easier to buy it locally rather than carrying too much from the start.
🥾 SHIKOKU PILGRIMAGE · NARUTO
A restful stay at the start of your pilgrimage
About a 3-minute walk to Ryozenji Temple No. 1 and a 7-minute walk to JR Bando Station. A guesthouse where you can see exactly how far you are from the places you want to visit.
FIRST-TIME PILGRIMS
Fewer unknowns for your first pilgrimage
Answers to common questions before starting the Shikoku Pilgrimage.
Is it comfortable for solo travelers?
Absolutely. Every guest room is private and lockable. You can rest at your own pace without worrying about other guests.
What can I do if I arrive earlier than expected?
If you have extra time, you can continue walking a little farther and then return to the guesthouse by train.
Temple 1 Ryozenji → Temple 2 Gokurakuji → Temple 3 Konsenji → Itano Station → Bando Station → walk to the guesthouse
Bando Station is the nearest station to the guesthouse. If you arrive early, walking a little farther can be a good option as long as you do not overdo it.
Where can I buy pilgrim gear?
Ryozenji has a dedicated pilgrim-goods shop, open 8:00–17:00. It is about a 3-minute walk from the guesthouse, so you can buy what you need before you begin.
Are there restaurants or convenience stores nearby?
Yes. Several useful places are within walking distance.
About 4 min | Yoshoku Gen (restaurant)
About 5 min | Drugstore Aoki (groceries, prepared foods and bento available)
About 7 min | Lawson (convenience store)
They are convenient for meals, drinks, and preparing for the next day.
Can I stay even if I am not doing the pilgrimage?
Of course. We welcome travelers who want to meet people from overseas, guests exploring Shikoku, and anyone simply looking for a place to stay in the area. Pilgrimage is not required.
Can I stay before or after starting the pilgrimage?
Yes, both are welcome.
You can stay the night before if you want to start at Temple No. 1 the next morning, or stay after walking if you want to rest and recover.
Our location near Ryozenji makes the guesthouse a convenient base at the beginning of the route.
What should I do on a rainy day?
You do not have to follow your original plan no matter what. Resting or changing your schedule to match the weather and your condition is completely reasonable. Take your time and continue at your own pace.
Do I have to complete the pilgrimage only on foot?
No. You can combine walking with trains, buses, or other transportation depending on your fitness and schedule. Choose a style that lets you continue comfortably.
WHY STAY HERE?
7 reasons travelers feel at home here
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3 min walk to Temple No. 1
Not just “nearby”: Ryozenji is about a 3-minute walk from the guesthouse, convenient before you start and after your first day.
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Private lockable rooms
After a long day, relax in your own private space without worrying about other guests.
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English OK
International guests are very welcome, and assistance in English is available.
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Free breakfast
A simple self-service breakfast is included, so you can eat and leave at your own pace. Items may vary by day.
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Free laundry
Laundry is free for staying guests and available from 8:00 to 19:30. There is no dryer, so clothes are air-dried outside or in your room. Drying racks and hangers can be borrowed free of charge.
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Luggage storage
We can store luggage you do not need while you are walking the pilgrimage. The fee is ¥1,000 per week. If you stay with us again when you pick up your luggage, the storage fee is waived.
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Luggage delivery
We can deliver your luggage to your next accommodation so you can walk with only the essentials. Prices depend on distance and the amount of luggage; please ask our staff for details.
Registered light cargo transport business
ROOMS & FACILITIES
Private rooms for a good night’s rest
Every room at Guesthouse Naruto Ohenro is a private, lockable room, so you can relax without worrying about other guests.
3 room types, 4 rooms in total
🪷Japanese-style room1 room
🛏️Triple room1 room
🛏️Twin room2 rooms
🔑 Private lockable rooms📶 Free Wi-Fi🚿 Shared bath🚻 Shared toilets❄️ Air conditioning / heating
PRICE
Simple, easy-to-understand rates
A pilgrimage also involves food, transportation, and future accommodation costs. We aim to keep our pricing clear and practical.
Room rate
1 guest / night4,500JPY+
All guests stay in private, lockable rooms.
Check availability & rates →Rates may vary depending on date and booking method. Please check the booking page for current availability and the latest price.Included in your stay
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Free breakfastSelf-service, so you can eat and depart at your own pace.
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Free Wi-FiFree Wi-Fi is available throughout the guesthouse.
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Free laundryAvailable 8:00–19:30. No dryer is available.
ACCESS & CHECK-IN
Know the minutes to the station, bus stop, and temple
Instead of saying only “conveniently located,” we show approximate travel times by foot, car, and train. Ryozenji is about 3 minutes on foot and JR Bando Station about 7 minutes.
Ryozenji | Temple No. 1About 3 min walk | ~0.2 kmA convenient location for the night before you begin the pilgrimage.
Nearest station | JR Bando StationAbout 7 min walk | ~0.5 kmThe nearest station. Direct trains run toward Tokushima Station.
Check-in15:00–19:00 | Staff availableAfter 19:00 | Self check-in
We will provide check-in instructions based on your arrival time.
We will provide check-in instructions based on your arrival time.
Address / NavigationGuesthouse Naruto Ohenro13 Nishiyamada, Bando, Oasa-cho, Naruto, Tokushima 779-0236, Japan
You can also search for the guesthouse by name in Google Maps.
You can also search for the guesthouse by name in Google Maps.
TRANSPORT
Distances from transportation
Approximate distances from the nearest train, local bus, express bus, and airport — always shown together with the travel mode.
Ryozenji-mae Bus Stop
About 3 min walkA stop on the Tokushima Bus Naruto-Oasa Line, directly by Ryozenji.
View map ↗Naruto Nishi Express Bus Stop
About 20–25 min walkA useful reference point when arriving by express bus. Official access information puts Ryozenji about 20 minutes on foot from this stop.
View map ↗Tokushima Awaodori Airport
About 22 min by car | ~11.8 kmApproximate travel time by rental car or taxi.
View map ↗JR Tokushima Station
About 20–25 min direct from BandoThe guesthouse is about a 7-minute walk from Bando Station; direct trains to Tokushima are available.
View map ↗DISTANCE GUIDE
How far is the place you want to visit?
When choosing a place to stay, “how many minutes?” is more useful than “nearby.” Here are practical estimates for pilgrimage stops and major sights in Naruto and Tokushima City.
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SHIKOKU PILGRIMAGE
Pilgrimage distances
Temple No. 1 · Ryozenji
About 3 min walk from the guesthouse~0.2 km. You can leave the guesthouse and start your pilgrimage almost immediately.
View map ↗Temple No. 2 · Gokurakuji
About 18 min walk from the guesthouse~1.6 km. The pilgrimage route from Temple 1 to Temple 2 is roughly 1.3–1.5 km.
View map ↗Temple 1 → Temple 3
About 4 km on the walking routeRyozenji → Gokurakuji → Konsenji. A practical option if you arrive early and want to walk ahead before returning.
View map ↗🌊
NARUTO CITY
Major sights in Naruto City
Naruto German House
About 15 min walk | ~1.3 kmA museum about the Bando POW camp, local-German friendship, and the history of Beethoven’s Ninth in Japan.
View map ↗Oasahiko Shrine
About 3 min by car | ~1.7 kmAwa Province’s historic ichinomiya shrine, easy to combine with Ryozenji and the German House.
View map ↗Otsuka Museum of Art
About 20–25 min by carOne of Naruto’s best-known attractions, with full-size ceramic reproductions of Western masterpieces.
View map ↗Naruto Park & Uzu no Michi
About 20–25 min by carWalk inside the Onaruto Bridge structure and look down over the Naruto Strait.
View map ↗Naruto Whirlpools area
About 25–30 min by carThe classic Naruto sightseeing area for whirlpool cruises and views around Naruto Park.
View map ↗🏙️
TOKUSHIMA CITY
Major sights in Tokushima City
JR Tokushima Station
About 20–25 min direct from BandoWalk about 7 minutes from the guesthouse to Bando Station, then take a direct JR train into central Tokushima.
View map ↗Awa Odori Kaikan
About 30 min by carA year-round place to experience Awa Odori. It is also about a 10-minute walk from JR Tokushima Station.
View map ↗Bizan Ropeway
About 30 min by carThe lower station is on the 5th floor of Awa Odori Kaikan; the ropeway ride to the summit takes about 6 minutes.
View map ↗Tokushima Castle Museum & Central Park
About 30 min by carAbout a 10-minute walk from JR Tokushima Station, with local history, castle remains, and a large central park.
View map ↗Travel times are approximate and may vary with traffic, walking speed, and train or bus schedules. Please check Google Maps and current timetables before departure.
INSTAGRAM
View @guesthouse_naruto_ohenro ↗See the atmosphere in photos
We share our rooms, everyday moments at the guesthouse, and encounters with pilgrims on Instagram. You can also see our latest posts here.
HOW TO STAY
From booking to check-in in 4 simple steps
A simple process so first-time guests know exactly what to expect.
Check availability
Choose your date and check the latest room rates on the booking page.
Make your booking
Select your preferred date and available room.
Come to the guesthouse
Staff are available from 15:00 to 19:00. After 19:00, self check-in is available.
Rest and start your journey
Relax in your private room and leave the next morning at your own pace.
BEFORE YOUR STAY
Good to know before your stay
Check-in, check-out, payment, and the main facilities at a glance.
Check-in
15:00–19:00Staff are available. After 19:00, guests use self check-in.
Check-out
By 10:00If you have a long wait for a bus or train, you are welcome to remain in the shared space after check-out.
Payment
Cash / PayPayOn-site payment is accepted in cash or by PayPay.
Facilities
Shared bath & toiletsAll guest rooms are private and lockable. Free Wi-Fi, air conditioning/heating, and free laundry are available.
SHIKOKU PILGRIMAGE STARTS HERE
Start your Shikoku journey near Temple No. 1
From ¥4,500 per person / night | Free breakfast | Private lockable roomsFirst-time pilgrims, solo travelers, and visitors exploring Shikoku are all welcome. Check current availability and rates to plan your stay.
Instagram @guesthouse_naruto_ohenro ↗