Nestled in the scenic landscapes of Awa-city, Tokushima, Okudaya offers a serene retreat for pilgrims journeying along the revered Shikoku Pilgrimage route. Ideally located near Temple No.7 (Jurakuji), it sits comfortably halfway between Temple No.1 (Ryozen-ji) and Temple No.11 (Fujiidera), providing a convenient in-between rest stop for those embarking on the spiritual journey. One of the unique features of this lodging is its proximity to a one-day walk from Ryozen-ji, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the pilgrimage experience fully. Adding to the comfort of the stay, guests have the opportunity to unwind and rejuvenate at the nearby public bath, “Gosho no Sato.” This facility offers relaxing baths and nourishing meals, with the added convenience of complimentary pick-up and drop-off services provided by the guest house.
The guest house is a single-story accommodation primarily catering to walking pilgrims, ensuring a peaceful stay away from the hustle and bustle of vehicular noise. Guests might find the morning chorus of birds a lively start to their day. Okudaya is dedicated to providing a comfortable and healing rest for travelers, offering a lounge as a communal space where guests can dine, socialize, and access information about their onward pilgrimage journey. This space, equipped with amenities like coffee, tea, a fridge, and a microwave, is designed to foster a sense of community and support among the pilgrims. In light of health and safety considerations, guests are kindly asked to use this common area with respect. This lodging embodies a haven of tranquility and comfort, aiming to replenish the weary spirits and bodies of pilgrims, ensuring a memorable and fulfilling pilgrimage experience.
Highly recommended. The host is a very kind and knowledgeable man. He helped me book accommodations and as other guests said, he also drove me to the onsen and konbini. The whole guesthouse oozes friendliness and a welcoming attitude. Felt very welcome. And the rooms (and the whole venue) is spotless clean. Can't recommend enough.
Nice home, clean and lovely host who drove me to the convenience store to get breakfast for the day after and to the local onsen (a nice one with hot and cold baths, indoor and outdoor pools and sauna and steam room) where I also had a nice and inexpensive dinner. Location is fine, just under the motorway but somehow not very noisy
Motto was a very welcoming host. We were able to use the washing machine, he also promptly brought us hot water for tea. We were driven to the local onsen and restaurant, and when we were ready to go back, the onsen staff phoned Motto to pick us up via the local Lawsons to pick up food for our breakfast. The accommodation is lovely and clean, new and cosy. We had a lovely stay. Thank you Motto.
The owner here was very friendly and interesting to speak with (in English). He is a Buddhist priest with very nice perspectives and stories.
I stayed here because the lodging at temple 6 was fully booked, and I'm glad I did. Temple 6 agreed to let me participate in their evening ritual even though I was not staying with them, and I enjoyed it very much.
Doesn't offer meals, so make sure you bring something to eat for both dinner and breakfast, as konbinis are hard to find on the way to temple 11, which was my next stop.