Shikoku Pilgrimage
Shikoku 88 Temple
Pilgrimage Guide
A 1,200km spiritual journey following the path of Kobo Daishi Kukai
📋 Contents
What is Ohenro?
The Ohenro (Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage) is a roughly 1,200km journey visiting 88 temples associated with Kobo Daishi Kukai, one of Japan's most revered Buddhist monks. Dating back to the Heian period, this pilgrimage has a history of over 1,200 years and is one of Japan's most iconic spiritual routes.
The 88 temples span all four prefectures of Shikoku, each representing a stage of spiritual development: “Awakening” (Tokushima), “Training” (Kochi), “Enlightenment” (Ehime), and “Nirvana” (Kagawa). It is believed that by visiting all 88 temples — a number matching the Buddhist count of earthly desires — one's worldly attachments are purified and wishes granted.
Pilgrims walk with the spirit of “Dogyo Ninin” (two traveling together), meaning Kobo Daishi is always by your side. The pilgrimage welcomes everyone regardless of religious affiliation or belief.
The Four Dojos & Key Temples
Dojo of Awakening
発心の道場
Tokushima | Temples #1 - #23 | Setting the intention for pilgrimage
Dojo of Training
修行の道場
Kochi | Temples #24 - #39 | Training and strengthening body and mind
Dojo of Enlightenment
菩提の道場
Ehime | Temples #40 - #65 | Approaching spiritual enlightenment
Dojo of Nirvana
涅槃の道場
Kagawa | Temples #66 - #88 | Completing the path to enlightenment
Pilgrimage Methods Compared
Walking Pilgrimage
Duration: 30-60 days | Cost: 300,000-500,000 yen
Pros
- ✓Considered the most spiritually rewarding
- ✓Go at your own pace
- ✓Immerse yourself in Shikoku's nature
- ✓Unparalleled sense of achievement
Cons
- △Requires stamina and time
- △Weather-dependent
- △Need to arrange accommodation
- △Foot injuries are common
Driving Pilgrimage
Duration: 8-12 days | Cost: 150,000-250,000 yen
Pros
- ✓Efficient route planning
- ✓Leave luggage in the car
- ✓Less affected by weather
- ✓Great for families and groups
Cons
- △Some temples have limited parking
- △Driver fatigue
- △Easy to get lost without GPS
- △Less sense of achievement than walking
Bus Tour
Duration: 4-8 days (can be split) | Cost: 100,000-200,000 yen
Pros
- ✓Guided tours for peace of mind
- ✓No need to arrange accommodation
- ✓Make friends along the way
- ✓Ideal for beginners
Cons
- △Fixed schedule
- △Limited time at each temple
- △Less freedom
- △Can feel rushed during busy periods
Attire & What to Bring
The pilgrim's garment. Inscribed with 'Namu Daishi Henjo Kongo' on the back
Conical hat inscribed with 'Dogyo Ninin'. Protects from sun and rain
Regarded as the embodiment of Kobo Daishi. Never use it on bridges
A simplified Buddhist stole worn around the neck as a mark of pilgrimage
A book to collect the vermillion seal (goshuin) at each temple
Paper slips deposited at the main hall and Daishi hall. Write your name, address, and prayer
Held in hands during prayer
Used for chanting the Heart Sutra and other prayers
Offered at each temple for light and purification
For lighting candles and incense
Pilgrimage Etiquette
Bow at the main gate
Put your palms together and bow. Step over the threshold without stepping on it
Purify at the water basin
Cleanse in order: left hand, right hand, mouth, then the ladle handle
Ring the bell at the belfry
Only if permitted. Ringing on your way out is called 'modori-gane' and considered bad luck
Pray at the main hall
Light candles, then incense, deposit offering slip, make a monetary offering, then chant sutras (Heart Sutra, etc.)
Pray at the Daishi hall
Follow the same steps as the main hall. Offer prayers to Kobo Daishi
Receive the temple seal
Have your stamp book inscribed with calligraphy and vermillion seal (300 yen)
Bow and exit at the gate
Turn back and bow toward the main hall before leaving
Cost Guide
| Item | Walking | Driving | Bus Tour |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 200,000-350,000 yen | 80,000-150,000 yen | Included |
| Food | 50,000-100,000 yen | 30,000-50,000 yen | Included |
| Transport | Nearly free | 50,000-80,000 yen | 100,000-200,000 yen |
| Temple seal fees | ~27,000 yen | ~27,000 yen | ~27,000 yen |
| Attire & supplies | 10,000-20,000 yen | 10,000-20,000 yen | 10,000-20,000 yen |
| Estimated total | 300,000-500,000 yen | 150,000-250,000 yen | 100,000-200,000 yen |
* Temple seal fee is 300 yen per temple x 88 temples = 26,400 yen. Add 6,000 yen if including the 20 supplementary sacred sites.
Pilgrimage Routes & Duration
Toshi-uchi (Complete circuit)
Walking: 30-60 days / Driving: 8-12 days. The most rewarding approach, visiting all temples in one continuous journey. Best for those with extended time off. Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are the ideal seasons.
Kugiri-uchi (Split into multiple trips)
Visit temples in stages over weekends and holidays. Possible even while working. Most people complete 5-10 temples per trip and finish in 1-2 years.
Gyaku-uchi (Reverse pilgrimage, #88 to #1)
Travel in reverse order from temple 88 to temple 1. Doing a reverse pilgrimage in a leap year is said to bring triple the spiritual merit. It is more challenging since trail markers point the other way, but legend says you may encounter Kobo Daishi himself.
Learn proper temple etiquette and begin your pilgrimage journey