Shōsan-ji, the 12th temple on the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage route, sits at roughly 700 metres on Mount Shōsan in Kamiyama, Tokushima, and is nicknamed the 'Navel of the Pilgrimage' for its gruelling approach. The trail threads through ancient cedar groves and deciduous forest where Japanese maples, witch hazel, and rowan explode in orange and red from late October. White-robed henro pilgrims add a timeless cultural layer to the autumn scene, and the temple's thatched gate and multi-storey pagoda are particularly photogenic surrounded by fallen leaves. A small shukubo lodging at the temple accepts reservations for overnight stays during the foliage season.
- Type
- Venue
- Category
- Autumn Leaves
- Season
- Autumn
- Month
- Late October–Early November
- Region
- Shikoku
- Prefecture
- Tokushima
- City
- Kamiyama
Highlights
- ◆Historic temple on Shikoku's 88 Pilgrimage route at 700 m elevation
- ◆Steep forest trail lined with crimson maples and ancient cedars
- ◆White-robed pilgrims create a uniquely spiritual autumn atmosphere
- ◆Overnight shukubo temple lodging available for immersive stays