Shikoku Pilgrimage Accommodation

The accommodation along the Shikoku Pilgrimage Route is one of the most discussed topics in relation to this journey. There are various types of facilities along the route, including free temple stays (tsuyado) or locally funded accommodations (zenkonyado), paid temple stays (shukubo), and a range of other paid categories, from hostels to high-end hotels.

From hostels to private house stays along Shikoku Pilgrimage Route

During a recent trip to Shikoku, where I covered only part of the pilgrimage route, I stayed at paid accommodation, including hostels, guesthouses, and a wonderful old school building converted into a hotel. Given the challenging year accommodation owners went through, I wanted to write this post to do my small part in helping raise their profile. Some of these accommodations are located right along the pilgrimage route, whereas others require a short detour (by train or private pick-up by facility owners), but are all worth a trip on their own. This post (or any of the other posts on my site) is not sponsored. In addition to the facilities listed below, I also highly recommend the temple accommodation at Kongofukuji Temple in Cape Ashizuri, which boasts an idyllic location that I experienced during a previous stay, thanks to my friend, who is the daughter of the temple’s priest. 

I was generally amazed by the high spirits of the accommodation owners along the Shikoku Pilgrimage Route and by the creative ways they each found to better connect with the surrounding community during the pandemic. I hope you will also find the opportunity to experience their unique style of hospitality.

Shimanto Riverside Hideaway: stylish countryside accommodation

Shimanto Riverside Hideaway, operated by Kenji-san – who has a lot of experience in the field of tourism and hotel management – is located right by the beautiful Shimanto River. The lodge occupies an old traditional Japanese house and features three rooms, including a cottage located outside the main building. Kenji-san will pick you up from Nakamura Station and often goes out of his way to make your stay perfect.  You can bring in your food and cook in the fully equipped kitchen. Alternatively, you can also ask for a sashimi dinner (famous bonito) to be catered from the nearby fish store. The Shimanto River offers wonderful opportunities for kayaking, swimming, mountain biking, and walking, making it sufficient for a short trip on its own. The misty early mornings will also please the photography lovers. However, if you have extra time, Shimanto Riverside Hideaway is located within an hour’s distance of some of the most wonderful sites in southern Shikoku, including Cape Ashizuri and Ryugu Shrine, for a pleasant full-day or half-day trip.

Kochi no Ya Hostel, stay in a renovated old Japanese house

I already wrote a separate post for Kochi no Ya Hostel located in Aki, Kochi prefecture. One of the best hostel experiences I had in Japan, where the quality of most of the hostels is already very high. The owner and her attention to detail make this hostel almost too good to be true. The accommodation is not limited to dorm rooms, and you can also book a single or family room. The cafe area in the hostel transforms into a bar three nights a week, providing a wonderful opportunity to mingle with the friendly locals.

Ichi the Hostel, wonderful town, wonderful host

Another wonderful hostel in Shikoku. Located in beautiful Hiwasa town in Tokushima prefecture, Ichi the Hostel makes an ideal base if you want to take a day break from walking and want to explore a small fishermen’s town with a surprisingly large selection of sights given its small size. There are many eating options within mere steps of the hostel, including Hiwasaya, where you can get a teisyoku meal with a locally sourced sashimi set. In addition to the immaculately kept rooms, the hostel also has a very cozy common area where you can cook or socialize with other guests. There is also a pub attached to the hostel, which opens every night at 8 pm.  Hiwasa is definitely one of the towns I want to return to, as it offers more opportunities to explore the surroundings without being tied to a pre-set walking schedule.

Fureai no Sato, stay in a converted old school building (closed as of September 30th, 2025)

Fureai no Sato was one of the most surprising discoveries of my trip. Recommended by a Shikoku tourism expert, it turned out to be a perfect first night’s stop for my trip to set the tone of the whole journey. Converted from an old school building, the facility is well-equipped and features large single rooms, which cost 4,000 Yen/night. You can also get a dinner, breakfast, or even a bento lunch for your walk the next day if you pay a little extra and let them know when making the booking. They also offer free pick-up and drop-off service from the nearby Michi no Eki. Overall, a wonderful place to get a good night’s sleep before the steep but beautiful hike to Temple 20 – Kakurin-ji the next day.

Kurashi no Nekko: have the whole house to yourself

I could not have found this facility without the help of Kenji-san at Shimanto Riverside Hideaway. Kurashi no Nekko is located in the wonderful Susaki town and offers very reasonable pricing to accommodate solo travelers as well. I had the whole traditional Japanese-style house to myself for 4000Yen/night. They were also incredibly responsive during the booking process. The house is very large and unsurprisingly very well kept. It is also located in the center of town, within walking distance of many eateries and one of the most un-industrial looking fisherman’s wharves along the coast. I really enjoyed my two-night stay in Shikoku town at the wonderful Kurashi no Nekko. Staying at the same place for two nights also allowed me to cover both Soemimizu and Osaka trails on the way to Temple 37 – Iwamoto. 

Kaiyu Inn, friendly owners, beachside location

Another wonderful, beautifully located lodge right by Ohki Beach on your way down to Temple 38 – Kongofuku-ji in Cape Ashizuri. This eco-lodge run by a wonderful family (for two generations now) is not an ordinary beachside facility. The owner’s commitment to sustainable life is reflected in every part of the facility, including the onsen with magnificent views.  Kaiyu Inn also offers long-term accommodation plans, which are ideal in this new era of remote working. I really enjoyed my short stay in this inn, getting to know the family and taking long walks by the beautiful Ohki beach, and watching the surfers. There is a bus stop right in front of Kaiyu Inn, which makes it easily accessible even in the absence ofa private vehicle. If the season is right, the nearby town of Toshimizu is only one hour away on foot via a very pleasant route.

Pavilion Surf Lodge, surfers’ heaven

Last but not least. What can beat a right on the beach facility where you hear the sounds of waves all through the night? I unfortunately spent very little time at this facility due to my schedule, but Pavilion Surf Lodge is a wonderful surf-oriented accommodation located in Shishikui town in Tokushima Prefecture. I could get a private room for 3600 Yen a night, and it was large by Japanese standards. There is also a convenience store, which is steps away from Pavilion Surf Lodge – a fairly important aspect for walkers. The owners will pick you up from Shishikui Station if you need a ride. Otherwise, the facility is located within a mere 15-minute walking distance from the station, and the walk takes you through streets occupied by traditional-style old Japanese houses.