Getting to Tokushima and temple 1, Ryōzen-ji
You can start the Shikoku pilgrimage at any temple. Tokushima and temple 1 Ryōzen-ji are the classic starting point. To compare access routes, see Where to start the Shikoku pilgrimage, and how to get there.
At a glance
Travel times and prices for an adult, one way. Routes arrive at Tokushima Station, except for flights and ferries: connecting transfers must be added.
| Departure | Mode | Duration | Price | Reservation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansai (KIX), Terminal 1 | Direct bus | approx. 2h45 | approx. ¥5,000 | Reservation required |
| JR Osaka Station | Awa Express bus | approx. 2h45 | approx. ¥4,100 | Recommended |
| Kobe, Sannomiya | Awa Express bus | approx. 2h00 | approx. ¥3,600 | Recommended |
| Tokyo-Haneda | Flight to Tokushima | approx. 1h15 to 1h20, flight only | Variable | Advance booking |
| Tokyo / Shinjuku | Night bus | approx. 9h00 to 9h30 | approx. ¥11,400 to ¥20,000 without discounts | Recommended; check dates |
| Wakayama Port | Nankai Ferry | approx. 2h05 to 2h15 | approx. ¥2,500 | Available online for pedestrians |
| Takamatsu Station | Uzushio limited express train | approx. 1h10 to 1h20 | approx. ¥2,840 unreserved seat | Available |
If you land at KIX, the direct bus avoids transfers. Check its departures before choosing your flight.
From Kansai Airport (KIX) and Osaka / Kobe
Highway buses to Tokushima
From KIX Terminal 1, count on about 2h45 and ¥5,000 to Tokushima Station, marked “徳島駅前”. All departures require reservation. The route is operated by KATE, Tokushima Bus, Nankai Bus, and Honshi Kaikyo Bus. KATE — timetables and fares.
Awa Express buses also depart from JR Osaka Station and the JR Namba terminal (Minatomachi), as well as from Sannomiya and Shin-Kobe. They arrive at Tokushima Station. Count on about 2h45 from Osaka and 2 hours from Sannomiya, for around ¥4,100 and ¥3,600. Both routes are operated by JR Shikoku Bus, West Japan JR Bus, and Honshi Kaikyo Bus. Check schedules according to your departure stop: Awa Express Osaka and Awa Express Kobe.
By train from Kansai
From Shin-Osaka or Shin-Kobe, reach Okayama by Shinkansen. One route then goes via Takamatsu on the Marine Liner rapid train, then the Uzushio limited express train toward Tokushima. Check connections and fares for your chosen itinerary with JR. JR Shikoku — timetables.
From Tokyo
By plane to Tokushima Airport
JAL and ANA connect Haneda to Tokushima Awaodori Airport in about 1h15 to 1h20. Add the transfer to the station: the Tokushima Bus limousine takes about 30 minutes. Seats cannot be reserved. Departures are timed with flight arrivals, but a seat is not guaranteed if the bus is full. Tokushima Airport — arriving flights and shuttle bus to station.
By Shinkansen train
From Tokyo, reach Okayama via the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen, then continue toward Tokushima, for example via Takamatsu. Total duration depends on connections. JR Shikoku — timetables and connections.
By overnight bus
The Dream Anan Tokushima connects Tokyo and Busta Shinjuku to Tokushima Station. It runs only on certain dates. Count on about 9h30 from Tokyo and 9 hours from Shinjuku. Standard fares range from about ¥11,400 to ¥20,000 depending on the date; promotional discount seats may be available from ¥9,900. JR Shikoku Bus — timetables, calendar and booking.
By the Wakayama ↔ Tokushima ferry
From Wakayama Port, Nankai Ferry reaches Tokushima Port in about 2h05 to 2h15, for about ¥2,500 per adult on foot. The website announces reduced service since August 1, 2026. Check the sailings that remain in operation. Pedestrians can book online. Nankai Ferry — timetables and bookings; fares.
To reach Wakayama-kō by Nankai train, the operator indicates about 70 minutes from Namba and 60 minutes from KIX, with a transfer at Izumisano for the latter. In Tokushima, check buses between the port and the station: connection with the ferry is not guaranteed. Access to Wakayama Port and access to Tokushima Port.
From Takamatsu Airport or Takamatsu
From the airport, the Kotoden bus reaches Takamatsu Station in about 45 minutes for about ¥1,300. Takamatsu Airport — buses.
Then take the Uzushio limited express on the JR Kōtoku Line to Tokushima: about 1h10 to 1h20 and ¥2,840 with an unreserved seat (¥1,640 base fare and ¥1,200 express surcharge). The local train costs about ¥1,640 and takes longer. JR Shikoku — Kōtoku Line fares and timetables.
The Japan Rail Pass and regional passes
National Japan Rail Pass
It covers JR trains on this route, including the Marine Liner. To ride a Nozomi or Mizuho, you must purchase the supplementary ticket reserved for pass holders prior to departure. Highway buses, even if operated by JR, Nankai trains, and Nankai Ferry are not covered. Japan Rail Pass — routes and conditions.
All Shikoku Rail Pass
It covers unreserved standard seats on JR Shikoku and Tosa Kuroshio trains, as well as Kotoden and Tosaden lines. It does not cover the Okayama–Kojima section, the Sunrise Seto, or highway buses to reach Tokushima. All Shikoku Rail Pass — scope and conditions.
From Tokushima to temple 1
The JR train departs from Tokushima Station and stops at Bandō Station (Kōtoku Line, direct, about 30 min), about 650 m from the temple (10 min walk). Up-to-date timetables and alternative routes (buses toward Naruto...) are on the page for temple 1 under Transport.
Practical tips before starting out
If possible, plan to arrive the day before so you have plenty of time before your first stage. You can stay in Tokushima or near temple 1: Shikoku pilgrimage: where to stay.
Also prepare your stamp book and pilgrim attire before setting off. The Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage Association presents the various pilgrim supplies.
Information verified on 11/05/2026 on operator websites; schedules and prices are subject to change.