Yakuoji Temple

Little knownBarely documented in English. This is the kind of place the site exists for.

Researched and written by Hinato

Yakuoji88 Temple Pilgrimageyakuyokecoastal templeunlucky years

Tokushima · Anan

33.9139°N, 134.5133°E

Step through the gate at Yakuoji Temple and the first thing you notice isn't the architecture — it's the quiet.

Yakuoji (薬王寺) is Temple #23 of the 88 Temple Pilgrimage, dramatically positioned on a coastal mountain with Pacific Ocean views. The temple is famous for yakuyoke (厄除け) — rituals to ward off bad luck during unlucky ages (yakudoshi: 33 for women, 42 for men). Pilgrims climb two staircases: 33 steps (女厄坂, women's unlucky age steps) and 42 steps (男厄坂, men's unlucky age steps), placing one coin on each step while praying to dispel misfortune.

The temple's elevated position provides sweeping ocean vistas, making it one of the pilgrimage's most scenic locations.

Plan your visit

Time to allow

45-60 minutes

Hours

7:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Closed: Open year-round

Admission

¥200 donation | Step ritual: bring 75 coins (¥5 or ¥10 each) | Yakuyoke prayer service: ¥1,000

Best season

Year-round | Early morning (7:00-9:00 AM) for best ocean light

Getting there

Getting there in detail

2 Yakuoji, Anan City. Near Yakuōji Station (Mugi Line). Entry: ¥200 donation. Bring 75 coins (¥10 or ¥5) if doing the step ritual — exactly 33 + 42 steps. Ocean viewpoint free access.

What locals know

**Yakudoshi ritual:** Japanese culture designates certain ages as yakudoshi (厄年, calamitous years) when misfortune is likely. Women's worst year: 33 (san-zan, sounds like 'scattering'). Men's: 42 (shi-ni, sounds like 'death'). Visiting Yakuoji during your yakudoshi year (or before) is believed to neutralize the bad luck. Place coins on every step while climbing, then receive yakuyoke blessing from monks (¥1,000 prayer service). **Ocean vista:** The main hall terrace overlooks Anan's coastline — rocky capes, fishing villages, and endless Pacific horizon. Best light: early morning (7:00–9:00) or late afternoon (15:00–17:00). The temple is one of few pilgrimage sites with ocean views (most are mountain or city temples). **Pilgrimage context:** Temple #23 falls roughly one-quarter through the 88-temple route. By this point, pilgrims have walked 200+ km from Temple #1. The Anan coast section (#19–#23) is known as the 'resort zone' for its seaside scenery, contrasting with the mountain challenges ahead in western Shikoku. **Combine with:** Nearby Tsubaki Shrine (椿神社, a drive) features a white torii gate dramatically positioned on ocean rocks, photographable at low tide. Free access, popular Instagram spot.

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