Lodging

民宿

Minshuku are small guesthouses run by families. Traditional minshuku have Japanese-style rooms with futon; newer guesthouses may have beds. Toilets and bathrooms are shared. Meals are home-cooked. Many minshuku run by farmers or fishermen offer dishes made with fresh ingredients. Rates range from ¥5,500 to ¥7,500 per night with two meals, though some offer the option of no meals.

旅館

Ryokan are Japanese-style hotels. Most ryokan have Japanese-style rooms with futon; however, some have western-style rooms with beds. Rooms often have en suite toilets and bathrooms. Many have public baths as well. Ryokan for pilgrims charge ¥5,500 to ¥7,500 per night with two meals, the same as minshuku. Ryokan for ordinary tourists charge around ¥7,500 to ¥20,000 (including two meals), depending on the grade of the ryokan.

宿坊

Temple Lodging. Shukubō are accommodation operated by temples. Some facilities have Japanese-style rooms; some have western-style rooms. Toilets and bathrooms are often shared. After dinner or early in the morning, you can participate in sutra chanting or listen to a story by the monks (participation is optional). Shukubō are closed during the New Year holidays. Rates range from ¥6,000 to ¥8,500 (including two meals).

ビジネスホテル

These hotels are mainly for business travelers, and are often located in front of railway stations. The rooms are generally smaller and less expensive than regular hotels. Most have western-style rooms with a bed, toilet, and bath. You can choose a plan with or without breakfast. Rates range from ¥3,000 to ¥8,000.

ホテル

Hotels are western-style hotels. The rooms are western-style with beds, toilets, and baths. Guests can choose a plan either with or without breakfast. Rates range from ¥6,500 to ¥40,000, depending on the grade.

通夜堂

Some temples allow visitors to use space called “tsuyadō” within their premises for sleeping. Originally, tsuyadō were halls for Buddhist rituals and to help pilgrims in need. Since they are not lodging facilities like shukubō, there is no bedding, food, air conditioning, or heating, and lighting a fire is strictly prohibited. Tsuyadō should be considered as a last resource in time of trouble and should not be relied on. If you wish to use it, please ask permission from the temple and use it respectfully.

善根宿

Zenkonyado are lodging spaces operated by temples or locals as hospitality for pilgrims. They are available free or at a low cost, and many have bedding, electricity, and running water; therefore, you can stay in some degree of comfort. You cannot make reservations at most zenkonyado. Some have closed due to the advanced age of the owners or other reasons. It is best to consider them as a last resource in case of trouble. When using zenkonyado, we ask that you appreciate the hospitality of the owners and follow the rules.

遍路小屋

Pilgrim Rest Hut. These are huts built for walking pilgrims to rest and take a nap. There are various types, including those with simple roofs and no walls and those equipped with electric power and running water. All of them are maintained and managed by locals. If you wish to stay in a hut that allows overnight stays, find the manager or a neighbor to say hello if possible. Some of the huts have donation boxes. Your donation is highly appreciated. Please do not sleep in rest huts that are not for overnight stays.

• Japanese law prohibits camping outside of campgrounds.
• Sleeping in public places such as stations, parks, and schoolyards is frowned on and you may be considered homeless or suspicious. Such activity is not welcome in Japan. Sleeping in the precincts of shrines and temples is also not allowed, as they are sacred places. If you sleep on private property, the police might be called.
• Nowadays, some roadside stations (Michi no Eki), parking lots, and bus stops offer places to camp. If you wish to use such camping spots, please find the manager or a neighbor and ask for permission. As a matter of course, please take your garbage with you when you leave and be careful not to make a lot of noise or cause trouble in the neighborhood. Some rest areas forbid camping due to the inappropriate behavior of past users.
• If you plan to camp out, please bring your own tent. Some people spend the night under the eaves of pilgrim huts or stores with only a sleeping bag, but relying on the goodwill of others can lead to trouble. Since there are many campgrounds in Shikoku, please take advantage of them.