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Yakuoji Temple — Coastal Pilgrimage Site for Warding Bad Luck

Published: Jun 3, 2026

Updated: Jun 3, 2026

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Yakuoji Temple — Coastal Pilgrimage Site for Warding Bad Luck

Yakuoji Temple — Coastal Pilgrimage Site for Warding Bad Luck 2

Yakuoji Temple — Coastal Pilgrimage Site for Warding Bad Luck 3

Yakuoji (薬王寺) is Temple #23 of the 88 Temple Pilgrimage, dramatically positioned on a coastal mountain with Pacific Ocean views. The temple is famous for yakuyoke (厄除け) — rituals to ward off bad luck during unlucky ages (yakudoshi: 33 for women, 42 for men). Pilgrims climb two staircases: 33 steps (女厄坂, women's unlucky age steps) and 42 steps (男厄坂, men's unlucky age steps), placing one coin on each step while praying to dispel misfortune.

The temple's elevated position provides sweeping ocean vistas, making it one of the pilgrimage's most scenic locations.

Getting There

Access Information

2 Yakuoji, Anan City. 10-min walk from Yakuōji Station (Mugi Line). Entry: ¥200 donation. Hours: 7:00–17:00. Bring 75 coins (¥10 or ¥5) if doing the step ritual — exactly 33 + 42 steps. Ocean viewpoint free access.

Insider Guide

Premium

**Yakudoshi ritual:** Japanese culture designates certain ages as yakudoshi (厄年, calamitous years) when misfortune is likely. Women's worst year: 33 (san-zan, sounds like 'scattering'). Men's: 42 (shi