Naruto: Beginning Your Pilgrimage at Ryozenji Temple, the First of the Eighty-Eight Sacred Sites, and Oasa Hiko Shrine

A historic walk beginning at Ryozenji Temple (霊山寺), the first sacred site of the Eighty-Eight Temples pilgrimage route in Shikoku. After touching the pilgrimage customs and tools at the Vow-Taking Temple, head to Gokurakuji Temple (極楽寺), the second site, to pray for longevity at the Long-Life Cedar said to have been planted by Kobo Daishi. At Oasa Hiko Shrine (大麻比古神社), the principal shrine of Awa Province, you'll encounter the sacred Camphor Tree said to be over a thousand years old and the German Bridge built by German prisoners of war—both remarkable sights. In the afternoon, explore the Naruto German Hall and trace the story of the Bandō Prisoner-of-War Camp and Beethoven's Ninth Symphony's Japanese premiere, then browse for souvenirs at the adjacent Daiku-no-Sato Roadside Station (道の駅 第九の里). The scent of incense lingering at the sacred sites, the quiet of the shrine forest, the warmth of the Japan-Germany exchange story—this course lets you savor in a single day the Naruto and Bandō area, where history layersdeeper with every step.