Sacred Pilgrimage

Guide to Sacred Pilgrimage Sites

Shikoku, Saigoku, Bando & Chichibu — A complete guide to Japan's four great pilgrimages

What is the 100 Kannon Pilgrimage?

Saigoku 33 Temples (33) + Bando 33 Temples (33) + Chichibu 34 Temples (34) = a total of 100 sites, collectively known as the "100 Kannon of Japan" (Nihon Hyaku Kannon). Completing all of them is called "Hyaku Kannon Mangan" (fulfillment of the 100 Kannon pilgrimage), which is said to bring the highest spiritual merit. While the Shikoku 88 Temples is an independent Shingon Buddhist pilgrimage, it is presented here together as one of Japan's four great pilgrimages.

The Four Great Pilgrimages

Ohenro Pilgrimage

Shikoku 88 Temples

四国八十八箇所

Japan's largest pilgrimage route, visiting 88 temples associated with Kobo Daishi Kukai. With the spirit of 'dogyou ninin' (walking together with Kukai), this pilgrimage has a history of over 1,200 years.

88 temples•Approx. 1,200 km•4 prefectures of Shikoku (Tokushima, Kochi, Ehime, Kagawa)

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Japan's Oldest Pilgrimage Route

Saigoku 33 Temples

西国三十三所

Japan's oldest pilgrimage route, founded in 718. Pilgrims visit 33 Kannon sacred sites, praying for paradise. This route has approximately 1,300 years of history.

33 temples•Approx. 1,000 km•Kinki region (2 prefectures, 4 provinces) + Gifu

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Kannon Pilgrimage of Kanto

Bando 33 Temples

坂東三十三観音

Founded in the Kamakura period, inspired by Minamoto no Yoritomo's deep devotion to Kannon. The route visits renowned temples across the Kanto region, including Kamakura, Nikko, Tsukuba, and Boso.

33 temples•Approx. 1,300 km•Kanto region (1 metropolis, 6 prefectures)

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Completing the 100 Kannon

Chichibu 34 Temples

秩父三十四箇所

34 Kannon sacred sites concentrated in the Chichibu area. Together with Saigoku and Bando, they form the '100 Kannon of Japan,' making Chichibu the final destination to complete the full 100 Kannon pilgrimage.

34 temples•Approx. 100 km•Chichibu area, Saitama Prefecture

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Comparison of the Four Pilgrimages

Category	Shikoku	Saigoku	Bando	Chichibu
Number of temples	88	33	33	34
Total distance	Approx. 1,200 km	Approx. 1,000 km	Approx. 1,300 km	Approx. 100 km
Region	4 Shikoku pref.	Kinki + Gifu	Kanto (7 pref.)	Saitama (Chichibu)
Walking duration	30–60 days	30–40 days	40–60 days	5–7 days
By car	8–12 days	4–7 days	5–10 days	2–3 days
Est. cost (JPY)	¥300k–500k	¥80k–150k	¥100k–200k	¥50k–100k
Founded	Heian period	718 CE	Kamakura period	1234 CE
Sect	Shingon	Mixed sects	Mixed sects	Mixed sects

Learn the proper etiquette for visiting shrines and temples

Worship Etiquette Guide