The Shikoku pilgrimage お遍路

On the way to the 88 temples

On the island of Shikoku, the pilgrimage of the 88 Buddhist temples is one of the most famous paths in the world. A Japanese version of the Route of Santiago de Compostela, which is accessible to all for a unique spiritual adventure.

 

A free route

There is no rule to follow. 88 temples are spread all around the island through the villages. Depending on preference, choose your starting point, your route, and the number of temples you want to visit.

Traditionally, we follow the path by the number of temples from 1 to 88.

  • From 1 to 23 in Tokushima Prefecture, called the path of awakening. From 24 to 39, the path of discipline in Kôchi.
  • From 45 to 65, the path to enlightenment in Ehime.
  • From 66 to 88, the path of nirvana in Kagawa.
  • At the end of the journey, the pilgrim goes to the mausoleum of Kûkai, on Mount Koya, appreciation for his protection.

Even today, many people follow this path on foot, to remain as authentic as possible to the philosophy of the master. But it is possible to choose a modern path: by bike, car, or by taking public transportation.

Shikoku Pilgrimage
Awakening Road
Shikoku Pilgrimage
Ascetic training Road
Enlightenment Road
Liberation Road
Reaching Mount Koya

Our tours in Tokushima

  • Duration : 13 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Hakone Mt Fuji, Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima, Miyajima
  • Included : Visits & meals, English-speaking tour leader, Hotel temple, 3*/4* Hotels & Ryokan
  • Duration : 14 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Hakone Mt Fuji, Kyoto, Nara, Koyasan, Osaka
  • Included : English-speaking tour leader, 3*/4* Hotels & Ryokan, Hotel temple, Visits & meals
  • Duration : 12 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Mt Fuji (Kawaguchiko), Osaka, Himeji, Kyoto, Nara
  • Included : English-speaking tour leader, 3* Hotels & Ryokan, Visits & meals
  • Duration : 12 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kawaguchiko, Tokyo
  • Included : English-speaking tour leader, 3*/4* Hotels & Ryokan, Visits & meals
  • Duration : 21 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Hakone Mt Fuji, Kyoto, Nara, Koyasan, Osaka, Kobe, Takachiho, Kumamoto, Nagasaki, Hiroshima, Miyajima
  • Included : English-speaking tour leader, 3*/4* Hotels & Ryokan, Hotel temple, Visits & meals
See all our other Tours (5)

Latest Articles

Japan Visitor - sabadaishi1.jpg

Saba Daishi Temple

Saba Daishi (Yasakaji) is one of the 20 extra temples of the 88 Temples of the Shikoku Pilgrimage known as Bangai Temples.

Japan Visitor - byodojishikoku1.jpg

Byodoji Temple

Byodoji Temple: Byodoji Temple is the twenty second temple on the 88 Temple Shikoku Pilgrimage dedicated to Kobo Daishi.

Japan Visitor - idoji1.jpg

Idoji Temple Tokushima

Idoji Temple (井戸寺) is the 17th temple on the Shikoku Pilgrimage. It is the last of a cluster of 5 temples near Tokushima city center.

See All (13)