Unpen-ji (Tsuyadō)

A mountaintop shelter wrapped in silence at 910 meters above sea level

Located at the summit of Mt. Unpenji, the highest point on the Shikoku Pilgrimage, the Unpenji Tsuyado is a rare sanctuary for walking pilgrims—a refuge from the dark. Renovated just a few years ago, the interior radiates the warmth of wood and is kept very clean, with outlets available for charging devices. Accommodation is free, but permission from the temple’s manager is required. At an elevation of approximately 910 meters, the nights—especially from autumn through winter—can be extremely cold, so warm bedding is essential. Open flames are strictly prohibited for safety reasons. The ropeway summit station is just steps away, offering access to food, drinks, water, and restrooms—key points of reassurance. This special place, where nature and the pilgrimage path merge, offers a quiet strength that says, “Just one more night of rest”—a night you won’t forget.