Temple 23 – Yakuoji
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Yakuoji (薬王寺) is the 23rd temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, and the last temple in Tokushima Prefecture, Japan. It was built in 726, commissioned by the emperor. The temple grounds rest on a steep hill. It offers a scenic view of Hiwasa Bay and Hiwasa Castle from the pagoda. The next temple, Temple 24 Hotsumisakiji (最御崎寺), is about 77 kilometers (48 miles) away, which takes 2-5 days on foot to reach.

Nyorai, the Medicine Buddha, is the deity of Yakuoji. The temple is known for aiding its worshippers in getting rid of sickness, hardships, and bad karma. After crossing the “Yaku Yokebashi” bridge, there are 33 stone steps leading to the main hall for women, called “Onnazaka”. The 42 steep stone steps following are called “Otokozaka”, which are for men. The last 61 steps leading to the main hall are called the “60th Birthday Misfortune” for men and women. The words “Yakushi Hongan”, meaning “vow of Yakushi Nyorai” are written underneath each of these steps. It is believed that walking these steps and dropping coins along the way will cleanse people of their bad luck.

A single tower stands out in the middle of Yakuoji. It is a uniquely shaped pagoda built with a narrow cylindrical structure in the middle. The five pillars standing on the roof represent harmony between heaven and earth.

Yakuoji offers Shingon meditation classes and calligraphy classes where students copy Buddhist sutras. They also offer meals that are completely vegetarian using fresh local produce. Lastly, they have a nice hot spring open to the public that is very popular with pilgrims and locals in the area.

Hours

Closed
Mon
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tue
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wed
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thu
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Fri
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sat
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sun
8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Amenities & Facilities

Parking
Toilet

Key Distances & Elevations

walking distance6 hours 32 minutes
walking distance463 m
walking distance369 m
156.0 km from pilgrimage start: Temple 1 – Ryozenji
977.5 km to pilgrimage end: Temple 1 – Ryozenji
How are walking times calculated?
Walking times are estimated with a modified approach to Naismith’s rule to account for elevation gains/losses and other practical considerations that require a more conservative bias. The basis of our calculations assumes a speed of 4 kilometers per hour on flat land. Learn more here.

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Hours

Closed
Mon
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tue
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wed
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thu
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Fri
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sat
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sun
8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Weather

Humidity

UV Index

Daylight

Minami, Tokushima
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