Tairyuji Temple is the 21st temple of the 88 sacred sites of Shikoku, located near the summit of Mount Tairyuji, on the border between Anan City and Naka Town in Tokushima Prefecture. Due to its rugged location, it was once considered one of the most difficult pilgrimage routes and was even known as "Western Koyasan." Currently, Japan's second-longest ropeway (2.7 km long, 540 m elevation difference) operates here, allowing you to enjoy a stroll through the air and reach the summit station in approximately 10 minutes. The view from the ropeway is breathtaking, with panoramic views of Anan City, the Pacific Ocean, and the Shikoku Mountains below.

A 15-minute walk from the summit station, along the stone Buddha statues and staircases along the promenade, leads to the temple grounds, surrounded by dense cedar groves. The main hall and Daishi Hall are imposing structures evoking a sense of history and a tranquil atmosphere. Tairyuji Temple is said to be the place where Kobo Daishi Kukai practiced asceticism. Behind the main hall is Shashingake, a cave where the monk is said to have trained. Legend has it that he attained enlightenment here, making it a sacred site visited by many pilgrims.

The temple grounds, surrounded by lush nature, offer beautiful scenery throughout the seasons, especially during the seasons of fresh greenery and autumn foliage. Easily accessible by ropeway, the temple is a popular spot not only for pilgrims but also for general tourists.

[Helpful Concerns]
The ropeway fare is high, so if you look at the map, you might be tempted to drive up the mountain, as there is a parking lot at the top. However, the road is quite rough and there are many points where you might fall off the cliff, so it's probably best to avoid this. Passing other vehicles is nearly impossible. It might be somewhat possible to do so by motorcycle, but even so, the road is said to be rough.

Also, if you use the ropeway only to go up and then walk down, the trailhead is far from the ropeway base station, so you will have to walk quite a bit on public roads, which is not recommended.