Visiting Guide

Basics

What to check first

These are the practical basics most visitors want to confirm before arriving.

Worship Flow

A simple sequence for first-time visitors

Perfect form matters less than a calm and respectful attitude. This is only a short guide to the sequence people often ask about.

1. Pause and bow lightly at the gate

   Before entering the precincts, take a brief moment to settle yourself and bow.

2. Use the purification basin if available

   Rinse your hands and mouth in the usual order if the basin is open for use.

3. Pray first in the Main Hall

   Offer incense or candles if appropriate, place any pilgrim slips or copied sutras, and pray before Yakushi Nyorai.

4. Then visit the Daishi Hall

   As in many Shikoku temples, worship at both the Main Hall and the Daishi Hall is the normal pattern.

5. Go to the stamp office if needed

   If you want temple stamps or temple items, proceed to the office during its reception hours.

6. Move on to prayer requests or questions as needed

   If you came for healing prayers, protection, or a specific consultation, this is the point to continue to the next step you arranged.

Prayer & Services

Prayer rituals, daily chanting, and online entry points

Byodoji offers both in-person ritual participation and online ways to entrust prayer.

Practical Notes

Visit calmly and without strain

You do not need to memorize a long rulebook. These are simply the points most likely to affect other worshippers or your own visit.

FAQ

Common questions from first-time visitors

Short answers to the practical questions most visitors ask before coming.

What are Byodoji's opening hours?

The Main Hall is open from 06:00 to 17:00 and the stamp office from 08:00 to 17:00. The outer gate stays open at all times. If you need stamps or temple items, please come within the stamp office hours.

Is there an admission fee or parking charge?

Admission is free, and parking is also free. Both private cars and pilgrimage buses may use the same parking area. Please follow on-site guidance during busy ritual days or group visits.

In what order should I worship?

Bow at the gate, purify your hands at the basin, and pray first at the Main Hall and then at the Daishi Hall. If you need temple stamps or items, visit the stamp office afterwards. In Shikoku pilgrimage, worship at both the Main Hall and the Daishi Hall is standard.

Can I request prayer services online?

Yes. You can apply online for prayers such as healing, protection, and strength for body and legs. Name-reading during daily chanting is offered free of charge. The regular goma fire ritual is 500 yen per wish.

Do we need to contact the temple for a group visit?

If you are coming with twenty or more people, or requesting a guided reception or Dharma talk, please contact us in advance through the contact form. Sharing the number of people and preferred time makes the visit itself smoother.

Can I take photos or record video on the grounds?

Photography in the precincts and inside the Main Hall is allowed, provided it does not disturb other worshippers or rituals. For social media posts and livestreaming, a separate set of guidelines applies.

What if the stairs are difficult for me?

There are 13 steps before the gate, 5 more after it, and 53 leading to the Main Hall. For those who cannot climb easily, a five-colored rope extending from the principal image to the gate lets you form a connection with Yakushi Nyorai. Please worship in whatever way feels natural.

How long does it take from the nearest station, airport, or ferry port?

From JR Aratano Station, about 30 minutes on foot or 7 minutes by taxi. From Tokushima Awaodori Airport, about 90 minutes by car; from Tokushima Port, about 60 minutes by car; and from Tokushima Tsuda IC, about 60 minutes by car.