This is Temple 37 of the 88 Shikoku Pilgrimage route. You can easily walk here from the train station. As you climb up the stairs to get into the temple, you can see stone pillars with the name of donors to the temple by the side of the stairs. You must also read the sentences on the stairs, be mindful of the words. Visitors who are interested can book a stay at the temple. The main hall is very impressive , especially the art features on the ceiling. One can get souvenirs from the gift shop.one can tie blessing papers or strings at the designated place.
I almost cry when I arrive because this is the first Japanese temple that I could see English words by the stairs, before going in. And inside there are many English friendly information too.
Another interest is the combine of modern artist work right at the gate, this really break all the traditional and old temple impression of me.
And at 2pm, there is a chanting session you can participate for free. And follow by an introduction of Kubo Daishi’s life, in Japanese though.
Lastly it has a cute Tanuki statue, that beats me to cuteness heaven.
This review will only be useful for budget travelers who spend their nights in tents rather than staying in hotels. I’m one of them. I’ve been on my walking pilgrimage for 18 days, and every night I’ve slept in a tent because I can’t afford to pay for hotels.
If you visit this temple, be sure to check out the hotel located on the temple grounds, as it’s part of the temple itself.
Long story short, if you’re a budget traveler, you can do your laundry at this hotel. Washing costs 300 yen (detergent is provided), and drying is 100 yen for 30 minutes. Also, if you ask very nicely, as I did, they may allow you to take a shower and soak in the hot bath for free, provided no one else is using it at that time. I came at noon, and there was no one in the onsen. So, while my clothes were washing, I enjoyed hot water for the first time in 18 days of my journey.
Lovely templed filled with art and even a tuktuk of all things. You can stay the night “shukubo” if you make reservations. Not every day you get to stay at a temple so why not give it a shot? The staff is super friendly and the head priest is a character in the best of ways. Definitely coming back.
You can stay in Iwamotoji Temple and experience "shukubo". It's foreigner friendly and they have all instructions in English. We drove going to this area and parking is not an issue. I also enjoyed just walking around and reflecting a little bit.
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