Sacred Shikoku: Journey Along the 1,200-Year Pilgrimage Trail

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Traced back over 1,200 years, the "Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage" follows the footsteps of the revered monk Kobo Daishi. Donning traditional white robes to journey through majestic nature and historic temples, this sacred path has recently gained immense global popularity as one of Japan’s premier spiritual trails. Spanning 1,400 kilometers across all four prefectures of Shikoku, the route encompasses iconic spots from the starting point, Ryozen-ji Temple, to breathtaking mountain sanctuaries and serene temple grounds. Overseas visitors also deeply cherish "Osettai"—the traditional local hospitality where residents warmly welcome pilgrims—as a heartwarming Japanese experience. Embark on a mindful journey to connect with your inner self and awaken your senses. Timeless and transformative, the Shikoku Pilgrimage gently leads you to a place of profound peace.

Shikoku Pilgrimage
Ryozenji Temple (No. 1)
Gokurakuji Temple (No. 2)
Konsenji Temple (No. 3)
Tairyuji Temple
Tairyuji Ropeway
Yakuoji Temple
Jigenji Temple (Bekkaku No. 3)
Saito Kiri-zai (Mini Geta Experience)
Zentsu-ji Temple (75th Temple)
Iwayaji Temple
Chikurin-ji Temple
Iwamoto-ji Temple

Tokushima

Shikoku Pilgrimage

The "Shikoku Pilgrimage" (Shikoku Henro) is a magnificent 1,200 km journey visiting 88 temples associated with Kobo Daishi (Kukai) throughout Shikoku. With about 1,200 years of history, it now attracts people worldwide as a journey of healing to re-examine oneself, transcending religious boundaries. Tokushima Prefecture is called the "Dojo of Awakening" (Hosshin-no-Dojo), the starting land containing Temples 1 to 23. The culture of "Osettai"—where locals provide food or drinks to "O-henro-san" dressed in white robes with sedge hats and staff—is still warmly alive. Walking through steep mountain paths and idyllic rural landscapes while offering prayers at each temple is a...

Tokushima
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Tokushima

Ryozenji Temple (No. 1)

Ryozenji Temple in Naruto City is the "1st Temple" of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, the commemorative spot where the magnificent 1,200 km journey begins. The sight of pilgrims in white robes with sedge hats and staff departing from here is a symbolic scene of Tokushima. The vast grounds feature a garden with beautiful ponds and a main hall where numerous lanterns glow fantastically, creating a fresh yet solemn air to celebrate the journey's start. The shop selling pilgrimage supplies is well-stocked, so even those not starting a full pilgrimage can feel the unique culture firsthand. It is the origin...

Tokushima
Sightseeing
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Tokushima

Gokurakuji Temple (No. 2)

Gokurakuji Temple in Naruto City is the 2nd temple of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. As its name suggests, a beautiful, meticulously maintained garden reminiscent of "Gokuraku Jodo" (Pure Land Paradise) welcomes worshippers. It is also famous for easy childbirth prayers, housing the "Anzan Daishi" statue. Especially noteworthy is the "Chonju-sugi" (Longevity Cedar), said to be over 1,200 years old. Legend says Kobo Daishi planted it, and you can feel a powerful life force from its giant trunk. Located just a short walk from the 1st temple, Ryozenji, it's a quiet and peaceful temple to stop by amidst the excitement...

Tokushima
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Tokushima

Konsenji Temple (No. 3)

Konsenji Temple in Itano Town is the 3rd temple of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. The temple's name derives from a legend that when Kobo Daishi visited and struck the ground to save residents suffering from water shortages, golden water gushed out. That "Golden Well" still remains today, and there's a saying that if your shadow is clearly reflected in the bottom of the well, you will live a long life, so many worshippers peer inside. The grounds have a calm atmosphere, and beautifully arranged halls and lush greenery heal the hearts of pilgrims on their long journey. While walking...

Tokushima
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Tokushima

Tairyuji Temple

Located at the summit of a mountain (approx. 600m altitude) in Anan City, Tairyuji Temple is the 21st temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage and a majestic site known as the "Koyasan of the West." It is a sacred place where Kobo Daishi (Kukai) practiced in his youth. The grounds feature giant cedars centuries old, enveloped in divine silence. For access, the Tairyuji Ropeway—the longest in western Japan—is recommended. The 10-minute aerial walk crosses mountains and the Naka River, offering a panorama of Tokushima's mountain range. With historic wooden structures, exquisite carvings, and the Kobo Daishi statue sitting on a cliff,...

Tokushima
Sightseeing
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Tokushima

Tairyuji Ropeway

The "Tairyuji Ropeway" in Anan City is a dynamic line boasting a length of 2,775 meters, the longest in western Japan. It connects the foot station to Tairyuji Temple, the 21st temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage located at approximately 600 meters altitude, in about 10 minutes. The highlight is the "aerial walk" crossing deep mountains and overlooking the Naka River. The thrill of passing support towers, sheer rock walls pressing in, and the spectacular view of the Kii Channel on clear days is spectacular. Especially the moment of viewing the Kobo Daishi statue sitting atop a cliff from the air...

Tokushima
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Tokushima

Yakuoji Temple

Yakuoji Temple in Minami Town is the 23rd temple of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage and is a famous "Temple for Warding Off Evil" (Yaku-yoke) attracting worshippers from across Japan. Legend says Kobo Daishi Kukai founded it to pray for protection against misfortune. A unique feature is the tradition of climbing stairs while placing one-yen coins on each step to drop one's misfortunes. From the grounds, you can overlook the Hiwasa townscape and the beautiful sea, with the red "Yugi-to" pagoda standing strikingly against the sky. The temple town features shops selling local specialties and hot springs, making it a...

Tokushima
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Tokushima

Jigenji Temple (Bekkaku No. 3)

Jigenji Temple, located in the steep mountains of Kamikatsu Town, is the 3rd temple of the Shikoku Bekkaku 20 Temples and a legendary sacred site where Kobo Daishi is said to have practiced. The main experience here is "Ana Zenjo," a training ritual of crawling through natural limestone caves. Guided by a leader and carrying only a single candle, crawling through narrow tunnels is a "rebirth ritual" to re-examine oneself. The feeling of freshness after removing worldly desires and emerging safely is incomparable. The grounds offer spectacular views of the mountains, with a divine atmosphere prevailing. It is highly supported...

Tokushima
Sightseeing
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Tokushima

Saito Kiri-zai (Mini Geta Experience)

Saito Kiri-zai Kogyo in Miyoshi City is a long-established company that processes "Kiri" (Paulownia) wood, used for traditional Japanese footwear called Geta. The unique experience here is the strap (Hanao) attachment for palm-sized, adorable "Omamori Mame-Geta" (Amulet Mini Geta). Because geta come in "pairs," they have long been cherished as symbols of marital harmony, good matches, and amulets for "strong legs." Selecting colorful straps and crafting your own amulet under a craftsman's guidance is a precious time to feel the meticulousness of Japanese handiwork. Touching the lightness and warmth of Paulownia while enjoyably learning about traditional crafts filled with Japanese...

Tokushima
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Kagawa

Zentsu-ji Temple (75th Temple)

Sohonzan Zentsu-ji in Zentsu-ji City is the 75th temple of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage and is one of Japan's leading sacred sites, known as the birthplace of Kobo Daishi (Kukai), the founder of Shingon Buddhism. The vast grounds are divided into the West Wing, where "Mie-do" stands on the spot where the Master was born, and the East Wing, featuring the "Kon-do" and a five-story pagoda that retain traces of the original construction. In particular, the "Kaidan Meguri," where you walk through a pitch-black corridor, is very popular among international tourists as an ascetic experience to re-examine oneself. Surrounded...

Kagawa
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Ehime

Iwayaji Temple

Jigenji Temple (commonly known as "Iwayaji Temple"), located in the rugged mountainous area of Kumakogen Town, is the 45th temple of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage and a sacred mountain sanctuary where divine spirits are said to reside. The temple grounds, hidden against the face of towering giant rocks, wrap visitors in an overwhelming solemnity and mystical silence the moment they step inside. Holy sites where natural formations and faith merge spread throughout, such as the wooden "Seriwari Zenjo" where Kobo Daishi Kukai is said to have practiced, and the Hokke Sennin Cave carved into a cliff depression. The long...

Ehime
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Kochi

Chikurin-ji Temple

Enshrined atop the sacred Mt. Godai in Kochi City, "Chikurin-ji Temple" was founded in Janki 1 (724) under the imperial decree of Emperor Shomu, serving as the 31st temple of the Shikoku八十八箇所 Pilgrimage and deeply revered with a distinguished history as the "Temple of Learning." Stepping inside the grounds, a beautiful green moss garden, heavy wooden temple halls designated as National Important Cultural Properties, and a soaring pure-red "Five-Story Pagoda" welcome you, enveloping visitors in an overwhelming solemnity and Zen silence. The treasure house exhibits numerous authentic ancient Buddhist statues from the Heian to Kamakura periods close up, letting you...

Kochi
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Kochi

Iwamoto-ji Temple

Located in Shimanto Town, "Iwamoto-ji Temple" was founded during the Tempyo era under the imperial decree of Emperor Shomu, serving as the 37th temple of the Shikoku 八十八箇所 Pilgrimage and standing as a globally famous "Pop-Art Temple" where traditional Buddhist culture and cutting-edge contemporary art beautifully merge. The greatest highlight is the magnificent 575 "Ceiling Paintings" filling the interior of the main hall, where traditional Buddhist paintings line up orderly alongside vibrant pop art and modern illustrations by international artists, looking overwhelmingly photogenic. Beyond enjoying comfortable accommodation lodging (Shukubo), Zen meditation, and ohenro experiences, it thoroughly captivates world travelers in...

Kochi
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