Tairyū-ji Temple No. 21
A mountaintop Buddhist temple on the Shikoku Pilgrimage, accessible by cable car, offering stunning views and serene beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best views to Honshu
Tairyū-ji Temple No. 21
Best Time
Best views to Honshu
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A mountaintop Buddhist temple on the Shikoku Pilgrimage, accessible by cable car, offering stunning views and serene beauty.
"One of the most beautiful temples in the OHenro pilgrimage, with incredible landscape and a sense of peace."
🚡 Cable Car Discount
Show your passport for a 50% discount on the cable car! :moneybag:
🚶 Forest Trail Adventure
Hike to Temple 22 for stunning views and a spiritual journey. :hiking_boot:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Views
Temple grounds
Breathtaking vistas of Tokushima Prefecture, the sea, and even Honshu on clear days.
Temple Architecture
Main temple complex
Explore several beautiful buildings, including a striking pagoda, nestled in serene cedar woods.
Dragon Statue
Near the monk's meditation spot
A unique and impressive dragon statue, though the path to it can be daunting for those with a fear of heights.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Cable Car Convenience
Pilgrimage Path Options
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚡 Cable Car Discount
Show your passport for a 50% discount on the cable car! :moneybag:
🚶 Forest Trail Adventure
Hike to Temple 22 for stunning views and a spiritual journey. :hiking_boot:
🐉 Fear of Heights?
The dragon statue path is scenic but can be scary. :fearful:
🌲 Serene Cedar Woods
Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere amidst gorgeous cedar trees. :evergreen_tree:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚡 Cable Car Discount
Show your passport for a 50% discount on the cable car! :moneybag:
🚶 Forest Trail Adventure
Hike to Temple 22 for stunning views and a spiritual journey. :hiking_boot:
🐉 Fear of Heights?
The dragon statue path is scenic but can be scary. :fearful:
🌲 Serene Cedar Woods
Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere amidst gorgeous cedar trees. :evergreen_tree:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Tairyu-ji Temple for its breathtaking panoramic views and serene atmosphere, often calling it one of the most beautiful temples on the Shikoku Pilgrimage. The convenience of the cable car, especially with the foreign visitor discount, is a major plus, though some find the path to the dragon statue a bit daunting.
"Beautiful climb next to the river. Big temple. If you walk the pilgrimage i highly recommend taking the forest trail to temple 22, follow the "ropeway" signs and then continue the path with the little Buddhas guiding the way. When you come to a little temple/shrine, both left and right you can climb up for a beautiful view and see the sea! (Also a recommend for visitors who take the ropeway down, its only about 10min extra walk one way)
After the shrine take the left path 2 times. It does warn to not take the path after 2pm and that it will take 3 hours, but I walked it in 2 hours, easily, with a 15kg backpack. It's a nice forest path up until the highway."
Anouschka Kleijn
"One of the most beautiful temples in the OHenro pilgrimage. In the top of the mountain, with several buildings and a nice pagoda, landscape is incredible. There is a ropeway to go up and down if you don't want to walk"
silvina fortuna
"Tairyu-ji is a beautiful temple on top of a mountain where you can see all of Tokushima prefecture, all the way to Awaji and even Wakayama!!! There is a sense of peace here, and you can reflect while seeing a beautiful view and wonderful buildings and art. There is something special about seeing the dragon! You can visit the statue of the monk responsible for the pilgrimage and meditate where he did- but don't go to see it if you're afraid of heights! Going back from the statue is scary! The rest of the temple is more accessible"
Brooke Szucs
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most popular way is by taking the cable car up Mt. Tairyu. You can also hike up from the base of the mountain, which is part of the Shikoku Pilgrimage.
Yes, there is typically parking available near the cable car station at the base of Mt. Tairyu.
Yes, there's a recommended forest trail that connects Tairyu-ji Temple (Temple 21) to Temple 22. It's a beautiful hike through the woods.
Many pilgrims hike the mountain, but the cable car is an option if you need to save time or energy. The forest trail to Temple 22 is a popular choice for those walking.
The cable car ride is relatively short, offering quick access. Hiking the forest trail to Temple 22 can take around 2-3 hours depending on your pace and backpack.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
A round-trip ticket for the cable car is approximately 2,600 Yen. However, foreign visitors with a passport can get a 50% discount.
While the cable car has a fee, general access to the temple grounds is usually free. Specific areas or buildings might have separate charges.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official website or local information for the most up-to-date times for both the temple and the cable car.
Tickets for the cable car can typically be purchased at the station. Advance booking might not be necessary unless you are traveling during peak season.
Discounts may be available for children or groups, but the most frequently mentioned discount is for foreign visitors with a passport.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can admire the temple's architecture, including a pagoda, enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, and see a unique dragon statue. The serene cedar woods offer a peaceful atmosphere.
The forest trail to Temple 22 is described as a nice path, manageable even with a backpack. However, it's recommended to start before 2 PM and allow about 2-3 hours.
The views are spectacular, offering a sweeping panorama of Tokushima Prefecture, the coastline, and on clear days, even Honshu.
The path to the dragon statue and the monk's meditation spot can be steep and exposed, potentially causing fear of heights for some visitors. The rest of the temple is more accessible.
Visitors describe a sense of peace and tranquility, with many finding it to be one of the most beautiful and impressive temples on the Shikoku Pilgrimage.
📸 📸 Photography
The panoramic viewpoints offer stunning landscape shots. The temple architecture, pagoda, and the dragon statue are also popular subjects.
Yes, on clear days, the views extend to the sea, providing excellent opportunities for coastal photography.
Generally, photography is allowed in most outdoor areas. However, always be respectful and check for any signs indicating restricted areas inside buildings.
Mornings often provide clearer skies and softer light for landscape photography. Late afternoon can also offer beautiful light.
Yes, the forest trail is scenic and offers opportunities for nature photography. Be mindful of your footing while walking and taking pictures.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the main temple areas are generally accessible, parents should be aware that the path to the dragon statue can be steep and may not be suitable for very young children or those with a fear of heights. The forest trail to Temple 22 is a pleasant walk, but ensure children are comfortable with moderate hiking. Packing snacks and water is always a good idea for a family outing.
🚶 Pilgrims and Spiritual Seekers
The forest trail connecting to Temple 22 is particularly recommended for pilgrims seeking a deeper connection to the route. This path offers a more traditional pilgrimage experience, winding through serene nature and leading to further sacred sites. The temple's tranquil atmosphere and stunning views provide an ideal environment for meditation and spiritual contemplation.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't miss the unique dragon statue, though be mindful of the challenging approach. The forest trail also offers beautiful natural light and compositions. Aim for morning or late afternoon for the best lighting conditions to enhance your landscape and architectural photography.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Shikoku Pilgrimage Connection
Beyond the main temple complex, the surrounding cedar woods and the challenging yet rewarding forest trail to Temple 22 offer a deeper spiritual experience for those undertaking the pilgrimage. This path, marked by small Buddha statues, leads through serene nature and provides stunning viewpoints, making the journey as important as the destination.
Navigating the Mountain: Cable Car vs. Hike
For those seeking a more immersive experience, the forest trail offers a connection to the pilgrimage route. This path is described as a pleasant walk through nature, leading to further scenic spots. While it requires more physical effort, it's considered manageable even with a backpack and offers a unique perspective of the mountain and its spiritual significance.
Views and Vistas from Tairyu-ji
These breathtaking views are not limited to the main temple area. Even the journey up via the cable car offers continuous visual rewards. For those who venture further along the forest trail towards Temple 22, additional viewpoints are accessible, including spots where you can see the sea. These elevated perspectives contribute significantly to the temple's reputation as a place of immense natural beauty and spiritual significance.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit