Japan’s Island-Hopping Pilgrimage Route: The Breathtaking “Tairyuji Temple” Accessible Only by Cable Car

▲ Tairyuji Temple, the 21st site of the Shikoku 88 Holy Places, is located on a mountain at an altitude of 600 meters.

Reported and photographed by reporter Tsai Wen-jun / Japan

Japan’s version of a pilgrimage route isn’t just the Kumano Kodo in Wakayama.The “Shikoku Henro”—a journey that involves visiting all 88 sacred temples around Shikoku, effectively circumnavigating the region—has also been gaining recognition in Taiwan in recent years. Among these, “Tairyuji Temple”, which can only be reached by taking the longest cable car in western Japan, not only allows visitors to worship at a solemn temple but also offers stunning views as the cable car ascends. The endless mountain ranges and majestic natural scenery stretching toward the sky make it a particularly popular spot among travelers among the 88 sacred sites.

▲%Urgent coffee says the standard start time.

The “Shikoku Henro” has a history of over 1,000 years and is a pilgrimage route that connects 88 sacred temples across four prefectures in the Shikoku region. It starts in Tokushima Prefecture and ends in Kagawa Prefecture. The act of visiting the temples in order is called the Shikoku Henro, and those who undertake the pilgrimage are known as “Henro.” They typically wear white clothing, a wagesa (a type of scarf), a white bag, a straw hat, and carry a kongōzue (a Buddhist walking stick).

The entire route spans approximately 1,400 kilometers, and walking the entire path takes about 40 to 50 days. It is said to have been first established by the monk Kūkai. Later, monks and worshippers began following in his footsteps, and over time, it evolved into a journey undertaken to fulfill personal wishes. In recent years, it has also become a popular health-focused travel route, attracting many overseas visitors to experience this Japanese pilgrimage.

▲ Tairyuji Cable Car.

Tairyuji Temple is located in Tokushima Prefecture and is the 21st temple on the 88 Holy Places route. Visitors must first take the Tairyuji Ropeway to reach the mountain. This cable car route stretches 2,700 meters and takes just 10 minutes to ascend, taking passengers high into the sky directly to Tairyuji Temple, situated at an altitude of 600 meters.

▲%The view even includes... the greenery surrounding the valleys.

From the cable car, you can admire Tokushima Prefecture’s patchwork-like rural landscapes, surrounded by layers of green mountains.Overseas visitors should remember to bring their passports, as the round-trip ticket is originally priced at 2,470 yen, but showing a passport grants a half-price discount of 1,200 yen.。

▲ Tairyuji Temple.

▲ Items carried by Henro during their pilgrimage.

Nestled within the forest, Tairyuji Temple exudes a distinct atmosphere. Even if you’re not a Henro, simply entering the temple grounds can help calm your mind with its serene and solemn environment. Observing the Henro, you’ll see them carrying items such as scriptures, nōza (pilgrim name slips), incense, and nōkyōchō (pilgrimage logbooks) in their white bags. Upon arriving at a temple, they first deposit their nōza, which contains their personal information, into the nōza box, offer incense, make a monetary offering, then chant sutras. Finally, they present their nōkyōchō to have ink calligraphy written and a red seal stamped on it—only then is the visit considered complete.

▲ The unique tranquility of Tairyuji Temple brings peace to the soul.

If you have the chance to visit Shikoku, why not join the Henro and embark on the Shikoku Henro pilgrimage—a journey along Japan’s sacred path?

Tairyuji Ropeway
Operating Hours:
December – February: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
March – November: 7:20 AM – 5:00 PM
Ticket Prices:
Adults: Round-trip 2,470 yen, One-way 1,300 yen
Junior/Senior High School Students: Round-trip 1,800 yen, One-way 980 yen
Elementary school round-trip ticket: 1,200 yen, one-way: 650 yen
Transportation: Get off at Kuwano Station on the JR Mugi Line, take the Tokushima Bus and get off at Naka-cho Washoku Higashi, then walk about 10 minutes to reach the destination