Ryozenji Temple is the first temple along the Shikoku Pilgrimage, a journey to 88 temples on Shikoku that are associated with Kobo Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism. The pilgrimage, which takes about two months if done on foot, completely circumnavigates Shikoku, traversing all four prefectures of the island.
Many pilgrims begin and end their journey off Shikoku with a visit to Koyasan, the headquarters of Shingon Buddhism and site of Kobo Daishi's "eternal meditation". Among the pilgrimage's 88 temples, Ryozenji stands closest to Koyasan, and therefore serves as the start and end point on Shikoku. As such it sells white robes, woven hats, walking sticks and other supplies that pilgrims may require.
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