Umpenji Temple: Shikoku's Highest Pilgrimage Temple
Ascend to Shikoku's highest pilgrimage temple for stunning views, serene nature, and spiritual enrichment on the historic 88-temple circuit.
Umpenji Temple, the 66th temple on the Shikoku Pilgrimage, sits atop Mt. Unpenji along the Tokushima and Kagawa border. Known as the 'Koya of Shikoku,' it offers stunning seasonal scenery and panoramic views. Reachable by ropeway or challenging trails, it's a spiritual and scenic highlight.
A brief summary to Umpenji Temple
- Norochi-763 Ikedacho Hakuchi, Miyoshi, Norochi Ikedacho Hakuchi, Tokushima, 778-5251, JP
- +81883-74-0066
- Visit website
- Monday 8 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 8 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 8 am-5 pm
- Thursday 8 am-5 pm
- Friday 8 am-5 pm
- Saturday 8 am-5 pm
- Sunday 8 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Check the weather forecast before visiting; clear days offer the best panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea.
- Consider taking the ropeway for an easier ascent, especially if you have limited time or mobility.
- Allow at least half a day to explore the temple grounds and soak in the atmosphere.
- Visit during different seasons to experience the unique beauty of the temple's surroundings.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking, as the temple grounds involve some steps and pathways.
Getting There
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Ropeway
The most common and convenient way to reach Umpenji Temple is via the Unpenji Ropeway. From the base station (Unpenji Sanroku Station), the ropeway ascends to near the summit in approximately 7 minutes. Cost: Round trip fare is ¥2,200 for adults, ¥1,650 for junior high and high school students, and ¥1,100 for elementary school students. Note: From the ropeway summit station, it is approximately a 10-minute walk to Unpenji Temple.
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Public Transport
To reach the Unpenji Ropeway base station via public transport, take the Gogo Takamuro Line bus from JR Kanonji Station. Inform the driver you wish to go to Unpenji Ropeway and disembark at the Tanigami (Education Center) bus stop. Follow the signs to the ropeway station. Cost: Bus fare is approximately ¥500 [ESTIMATE BASED ON DISTANCE]. Note: Check the bus schedule in advance as services are limited.
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Taxi
A taxi from JR Kanonji Station to the Unpenji Ropeway base station is another option. Cost: The taxi fare is approximately ¥4,000 - ¥5,000 [ESTIMATE BASED ON DISTANCE]. Note: This is the most expensive option, but it offers the most flexibility.
Discover more about Umpenji Temple
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