Planning to start the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage from Osaka? Many first-time travelers face one challenge: how to get to Ryozenji (Temple #1 in Naruto) efficiently—without walking for an hour or getting off at the wrong bus stop. Here’s a detailed, realistic guide based on expert sources and real travel experiences.
- ✅ Quick Guide: What’s the Best Route from Osaka to Ryozenji?
- 🛣️ Route 1: Highway Bus from Osaka to Naruto-Nishi Stop
- 🚞 Route 2: JR Train via Okayama and Takamatsu
- 🚖 Route 3: Taxi from Naruto Station or Bus Stop
- 🧳 Luggage & Convenience: What to Know Before You Go
- 🗣️ What Travelers Say: Real Experiences
- 🧠 Why Getting to Ryozenji Is More Complicated Than It Looks
- 🧭 FAQ – What Most Visitors Ask
- 🗺️ Route Summary Table
- 🧭 Suggested Schedule (From Osaka to Ryozenji)
- ✨ Conclusion
✅ Quick Guide: What’s the Best Route from Osaka to Ryozenji?
| Route Type | Time | Transfer | Walking | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🚌 Highway Bus → Walk | ~2.5–3 hrs | 0 | 15–20 min | Fast, cheap, direct | Not every bus stop is convenient |
| 🚄 Train via Okayama | ~3.5 hrs | 2 | 10 min | Reliable, walkable, easier luggage | Slower, more expensive |
| 🚄 + 🚕 Taxi Combo | ~3.5 hrs | 2 | 0 | Door-to-door via taxi from Naruto Sta. | Higher cost, but saves walking |
📝 Top Tip: Take a highway bus to Naruto Nishi (鳴門西), and then walk 15–20 minutes to the temple.
🛣️ Route 1: Highway Bus from Osaka to Naruto-Nishi Stop
📍 Depart From:
- Osaka Station JR Bus Terminal
- Shin-Osaka or Namba Bus Terminal
📍 Get Off At:
- Naruto-Nishi (鳴門西) highway stop
🗺️ Final Leg:
- Walk ~1.3 km (~15–20 min) to Ryozenji Temple
💰 Fare:
- ~¥3,000–¥3,800 one-way
⏰ Time:
- ~2.5 hours ride + 20 min walk
💡 According to Ohenro Online and Manpuku Komachi, Naruto-Nishi is the best stop to reach Ryozenji without needing a taxi or train transfer.
🚞 Route 2: JR Train via Okayama and Takamatsu
- Osaka → Okayama (Sanyo Shinkansen, ~45 min)
- Okayama → Takamatsu (Rapid Marine Liner, ~60 min)
- Takamatsu → Bando Station (JR Kotoku Line, ~70 min)
- Walk ~800 meters (~10 min) to Ryozenji
Pros:
- More stations along the way for breaks or sightseeing
- JR Pass valid (with exceptions)
Cons:
- Takes ~3.5 hours total
- Multiple transfers may be inconvenient with luggage
🚖 Route 3: Taxi from Naruto Station or Bus Stop
If walking isn’t ideal (bad weather, luggage, fatigue), use a local taxi.
- From Naruto Station: ~5–7 min ride to temple, ~¥800–1,200
- From Naruto-Nishi Bus Stop: ~3–4 min ride, ~¥700
📦 No rideshare (Uber/Lyft) options in this region—use local taxis or ask convenience store staff to call one.
🧳 Luggage & Convenience: What to Know Before You Go
- 🚉 JR stations like Takamatsu and Tokushima have coin lockers.
- 🧺 Ryozenji itself does not have luggage storage.
- 🎒 Travel light or forward your bags via Yamato Kuroneko (Black Cat) delivery.
✳️ Many travelers carry only a daypack during the first few days of the Shikoku pilgrimage.
🗣️ What Travelers Say: Real Experiences
1. “I walked nearly an hour from the bus stop…”
“I got off too early at Naruto Park Entrance and didn’t realize the temple was on the other side. It took nearly an hour on foot to reach Ryozenji.”
– Reddit Travel Tips
💡 Don’t get off at “Naruto Park” or “Kosoku Naruto.” Use “Naruto-Nishi.”
2. “Naruto-Nishi was a good surprise.”
“I found that Naruto-Nishi stop is close enough to Ryozenji for walking. It’s peaceful and saved me time compared to going through Takamatsu.”
– Manpuku Komachi Blog
3. “No coin lockers near Naruto Park Entrance!”
“I was hoping to leave my luggage but couldn’t find a single locker near Naruto Park. Should’ve used the museum area instead.”
– Yahoo!知恵袋 Post
💡 Use luggage lockers at JR Naruto Station or large tourist spots like the Otsuka Museum of Art.
🧠 Why Getting to Ryozenji Is More Complicated Than It Looks
Many foreign visitors planning to start the Shikoku pilgrimage from Osaka experience confusion, even frustration. Here’s why:
🔸 1. The Nearest Bus Stop ≠ Nearest Temple Entrance
- Several bus stops have “Naruto” in their name, but only “Naruto-Nishi” is reasonably close to Ryozenji.
- Stops like “Naruto Park Entrance” or “Kosoku Naruto” can leave you with a 60-minute walk or more.
🔸 2. Lack of Multilingual Signage
- Bus stops, local routes, and even station exits may not be clearly labeled in English.
- Taxis are available, but calling one without Japanese language skills can be difficult.
🔸 3. No Door-to-Door Public Option
- Unlike major urban destinations, there’s no one-train solution or metro stop next to the temple.
- Even the best-planned public route will require walking or a taxi, and many aren’t prepared for that.
🔸 4. Pilgrimage Infrastructure ≠ Tourism Infrastructure
- Many temples (like Ryozenji) are set up for pilgrims, not mass tourism.
- That means limited lockers, no shuttle service, and reliance on your own mobility or local taxis.
🧭 FAQ – What Most Visitors Ask
Q: Can I get to Ryozenji without walking?
A: Yes, but you’ll need to take a taxi from Naruto-Nishi or JR Bando/Naruto Station.
Q: Does the Japan Rail Pass cover this trip?
A: Partially. The Sanyo Shinkansen and Kotoku Line are covered, but not highway buses.
Q: Can I leave my suitcase at the temple?
A: No. Ryozenji has no coin lockers. Use lockers at nearby JR stations or the Otsuka Museum.
Q: Is it possible to start the pilgrimage the same day I travel from Osaka?
A: Yes, if you leave early (e.g. 7–8 AM), you’ll arrive by lunchtime.
🗺️ Route Summary Table
| Option | Time | Cost | Transfers | Walk | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🚍 Highway Bus to Naruto-Nishi | ~2.5–3h | ~¥3,000 | 0 | 15m | Fast, low cost, few transfers | Some walking or taxi still needed |
| 🚄 Train via Okayama | ~3.5h | ~¥7,000 | 2 | 10m | Predictable, JR Pass friendly | Longer and pricier |
| 🚄 + 🚖 Combo | ~3.5h | ~¥7,500+ | 2 | 0 | Fully door-to-door with taxi | Most expensive |
🧭 Suggested Schedule (From Osaka to Ryozenji)
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 07:30 | Depart Osaka Station by Highway Bus |
| 10:00 | Arrive Naruto-Nishi stop |
| 10:20 | Walk or taxi to Ryozenji Temple |
| 10:45 | Begin pilgrimage or sightseeing |
| 15:00 | Optional visit to Naruto Whirlpools or museum |
✨ Conclusion
Reaching Ryozenji from Osaka is fully doable—but it’s not a straightforward “train-and-go” experience.
- 🧭 You’ll likely need to walk 15–20 minutes or take a short taxi ride.
- 🎒 Plan your luggage handling ahead of time—there are no lockers at the temple.
- 🚌 If you want to avoid complex transfers, the Naruto-Nishi bus stop is your best option.
With the right preparation, this leg of your Shikoku pilgrimage will begin not with confusion, but with confidence.
