Temple history :

Ryōzen-ji Temple is the first of 88 temples of Shikoku pilgrimage. Ryōzen-ji means Vulture’s Peak Temple .In his guide Shikoku henroHenro (遍 路) is the pilgrim journey along the path of the 88 temples in Shikoku 1687 Yūben Shinnen Michishirube identifies Ryōzen-ji Temple N ° 1 of the 88 temples of Shikoku pilgrimage. Since all published guides have done the same. It is customary to return to Ryozen-ji after completing the pilgrimage in order to completely finish the loop. This practice is called orei mairi, a visit of thanks after finishing the pilgrimage. This practice seems relatively new. It is here that starts the Shikoku pilgrimage, so it’s a temple very visited with two shops to buy the whole panoply of the perfect henro. One near the parking lot, the other in the main building (HondoThe term hondō (本堂), literally means "main hall".It enshrines the most important objects of veneration. This word became commun durind the Heian period abd the developpement of Bhuddhism Shaingon and Tendai.). However, the place is quite nice with such beautiful paper lanterns of the main temple (Hondo) and a beautiful garden with roses of 200 different varieties.