Minami, Tokushima / 第23番札所 薬王寺
Yakuoji Temple (No. 23)
Temple No. 23 of the Shikoku pilgrimage, said to have been founded by the priest Gyoki. Its principal image, a Yakushi Nyorai, is said to have been carved by Kobo Daishi; legend says that in a fire in 1188 (Bunji 4) it flew away to Mt. Tamazushi, and when a new image was installed after rebuilding, it flew back and entered the shrine facing backwards, so there came to be two images. It has been deeply revered since Emperor Heizei's time, with visitors in every season and many temple treasures. Shakyo (sutra copying) and ajikan meditation can be tried (booking required).
Last official check
26 Sept 2026
Traveler reports
0
Reports open in Phase 2
Next scheduled check
25 Dec 2026
Decide before you go
A short summary made from the official facts below. Check the rows for details.
- Getting there
- Train / Bus
- Admission
- Paid (see the price below)
- Booking
- Some things need booking (see the rows below)
- Entry
- Conditions apply (see below)
Before you go
Only facts we confirmed on official sources are shown. Anything else is marked “Not checked yet”.
- Opening hours
Not checked yet — we have not confirmed this on an official source yet. Check with the spot before you go.
- Closed
Not checked yet — we have not confirmed this on an official source yet. Check with the spot before you go.
- Admission
Ajikan meditation and sutra copying: 1,000 yen per person each (booking required, about 1 hour).
Checked 26 Sept 2026 on the official site- Getting there
About 700 m from Hiwasa Station (JR Mugi Line); Tokushima Bus to Yakuoji-mae.
Checked 26 Sept 2026 on the official site- Parking
Free (350 car spaces, 10 for microbuses and large vehicles).
Checked 26 Sept 2026 on the official site- Payment
Not checked yet — we have not confirmed this on an official source yet. Check with the spot before you go.
- Accessibility
Not checked yet — we have not confirmed this on an official source yet. Check with the spot before you go.
Found wrong or outdated information? Let us know
Address: Minami, Tokushima (Japanese address: 徳島県海部郡美波町奥河内字寺前285−1)
Official site: https://www.awanavi.jp/archives/spot/2792
Location
Smaller pins are other spots nearby.
Nearby spots
- No photo yetTaiseimaru (Teba Island Ferry)Tokushima12 km away (straight line)
- No photo yetCape KamodaTokushima24 km away (straight line)
Distances are straight-line distances, not travel distances.
Crowds
- Crowd level
Not checked yet — no official source yet, and not enough traveler reports.
- Best time to visit
Not checked yet — no official source yet, and not enough traveler reports.
- Peak time
Not checked yet — no official source yet, and not enough traveler reports.
- Busiest days
Not checked yet — no official source yet, and not enough traveler reports.
- Busiest season
Not checked yet — no official source yet, and not enough traveler reports.
- Latest traveler report
- None yet
Traveler crowd data by time of day appears after 5 traveler reports (0 so far).
You can check typical busy hours in Google Maps ("Popular times" on the place's page). Open this spot in Google Maps
Visiting respectfully
Check before you go: conditions for entry
If you do not meet these conditions, you may not be able to enter on the day.
- Shojin (vegetarian temple) meals require advance booking (up to 20 people a day).Checked 26 Sept 2026 on the official site
Verification log
- 26 Sept 2026First check · Tourism board · https://www.awanavi.jp/archives/spot/2792Access, parking, description, activities and shops and address read from a tourism organization's site.
- 26 Sept 2026First check · Official website · https://yakuouji.net/accessDescription read from the official site.