Ryozen-ji Temple — Start of the 88 Temple Pilgrimage

**Starting the pilgrimage:** Most pilgrims buy a stamp book (nōkyōchō) and collect calligraphy stamps (goshuin) at each temple (¥300/stamp) as proof of completion. Some do the full 88 temples; others visit a few temples as a mini-pilgrimage. There's no requirement to start at Temple #1, but it's traditional and provides proper context. **Ohenro (pilgrim) etiquette:** Pilgrims wear white hakue vests (symbolizing burial shrouds, representing spiritual death/rebirth), conical sedge hats, and carry kongō-zue walking sticks (representing Kobo Daishi walking alongside). Before entering temple gates, pilgrims bow, recite the Heart Sutra at the main hall and Daishi hall, then receive stamps. Non-pilgrims can visit freely but should remain quiet and respectful. **Multi-temple day trip:** Temple #1–5 are clustered near Naruto, making a half-day car circuit feasible. Suggested route: #1 Ryōzen-ji → #2 Gokurakuji (5km) → #3 Konsen-ji (3km) → #4 Dainichi-ji (2km) → #5 Jizō-ji (3km). Budget 30 minutes per temple. Total: 3 hours. **Temple #23 coastal detour:** While in Tokushima, consider visiting Yakuō-ji (薬王寺, Temple #23) in Anan City — dramatically positioned on a coastal mountain with ocean views. The climb up 33 steps (representing Buddhist realms) and 42 steps (yakudoshi, unlucky ages) is believed to ward off bad luck. 1-hour drive from Tokushima City.