
Tairyuji Temple
Temple 21 of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, Tairyuji is one of Tokushima's most famous mountain temples, known for its dramatic setting high above the forest and its reputation as "Western Koya". The ropeway approach and mountain location give it strong destination appeal.
2–3 hours
Tairyuji Ropeway round trip ¥2,600; one-way ¥1,300 (adults). Temple grounds entry is free.
Tairyuji Ropeway operates 8:00–16:40 (last departure), departing every 20 minutes.
Spring and autumn, especially for mountain scenery, fresh greenery, and fall foliage
From JR Tokushima Station, take the Tokushima Bus Niibutani Line for about 1.5 hours to Naka-machi Wajiki-Higashi; 10-minute walk to Tairyuji Ropeway base. By car: about 1 hour from Tokushima IC; about 50 minutes from Tokushima City.
Location
Why Visit
- 1
Mountain temple high above forest setting
- 2
Shikoku Pilgrimage stop 21
- 3
Historic ropeway access
- 4
"Western Koya" landmark
Local Tips
Japan's longest ropeway at 2,775 meters spans about 10 minutes and offers expansive views of the Naka River, surrounding mountains, and views of the Kii Channel and Tachibana Bay.
Add to your AI itinerary
Let AI build a multi-day trip around this spot.
Advertisement
More in Tokushima

Awa Jurobe Yashiki
This former residence and puppet-theater complex is one of Tokushima's flagship places to experience Awa ningyo joruri, the prefecture's signature traditional performing art. Daily performances and strong cultural recognition make it a long-established sightseeing stop.

Awa Odori Hall
Year-round performances of Awa Odori — Japan's most energetic traditional dance festival. Originally improvised by drunken celebrants 400 years ago, it evolved into a form so precise that practitioners train for decades.

Iya Valley
Japan's deepest gorge — a remote mountain valley where the Iya River has cut 200m through limestone. Samurai from the defeated Heike clan fled here in 1185 and rebuilt a civilization in the cliffs.