The Pilgrimage to 88 Temples Dotted Around the Island
Shikoku may not be the first destination that comes to mind when visiting Japan, but Japan’s fourth largest island has many unique experiences to offer. One of these is the Shikoku Henro, or the pilgrimage to 88 temples dotted around the island.
Shikoku Pilgrimage is the journey to 88 sacred sites around the island taken by the Buddhist monk Kukai around 1200 years ago. He was the founder of the Shingon school of Buddhism and established the main temple on sacred Mt.Koya. The pilgrimage road forms a circuit around Shikoku, stretching over 1200km through all four prefectures on the island. Those that complete the pilgrimage are said to find themselves and be freed of earthly desires. Besides the physical act of walking, many also find the experience to be a journey of the mind.
You do not have to be a Buddhist to walk this pilgrimage, everyone is welcome to follow in the footsteps of Kukai, regardless of nationality or religion. Pilgrims can also choose which order they visit the sacred sites and even the mode of transportation, although walking is traditional. While many pilgrims choose athletic gear for their walk, bearing the pilgrim's staff and wearing the traditional white robes and sedge hat really instills a sense of motivation and connection with the spirit of the pilgrimage.
Shikoku Pilgrimage is the journey to 88 sacred sites around the island taken by the Buddhist monk Kukai around 1200 years ago. He was the founder of the Shingon school of Buddhism and established the main temple on sacred Mt.Koya. The pilgrimage road forms a circuit around Shikoku, stretching over 1200km through all four prefectures on the island. Those that complete the pilgrimage are said to find themselves and be freed of earthly desires. Besides the physical act of walking, many also find the experience to be a journey of the mind.
You do not have to be a Buddhist to walk this pilgrimage, everyone is welcome to follow in the footsteps of Kukai, regardless of nationality or religion. Pilgrims can also choose which order they visit the sacred sites and even the mode of transportation, although walking is traditional. While many pilgrims choose athletic gear for their walk, bearing the pilgrim's staff and wearing the traditional white robes and sedge hat really instills a sense of motivation and connection with the spirit of the pilgrimage.
