Temple 88, Ōkubo-ji - Shikoku Tours (2024)

FAQs

How long does it take to walk the 88 Temples of Shikoku? ›

The pilgrimage is traditionally completed on foot, but modern pilgrims use cars, taxis, buses, bicycles, or motorcycles, and often augment their travels with public transportation. The standard walking course is approximately 1,200 kilometres (750 mi) long and can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days to complete.

Try this 698.5-mile loop trail near Naruto, Tokushima. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 299 h 58 min to complete. This is a very popular area for backpacking, birding, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring.

Consider packing a lightweight backpack with essentials such as water, food, a first aid kit, and appropriate clothing for the weather. Respect local customs: The Shikoku Henro is a religious journey, and it's important to show respect to the temples, the local communities, and other pilgrims.

The Shikoku pilgrimage route (or Shikoku Henro) is one of the few circular-shaped pilgrimages in the world. It includes 88 “official” temples and numerous other sacred sites where the Buddhist priest Kūkai (Kōbō Daishi) is believed to have trained or have spent time during the 9th Century.

A history all of its own

We've already seen that Shikoku has a distinguished history as a mecca for Buddhist pilgrimage. But Shikoku's history includes a fascinating suigun pirate heritage that is little known outside the region, although it was key to many episodes in Japan's national history.

The Shikoku Pilgrimage is traditionally walked, and many still chose to go on foot. It takes on average 45 days to complete the circuit this way. Others choose to travel by bicycle, motorcycle, car, or bus. Some pilgrims choose to do it in chunks, taking years to finish their journey.

You visit the most attractive and spectacular temples, particularly those associated with Kūkai, founder of the pilgrimage, and Emon Saburō, the first pilgrim. Shikoku is a big place, and to see everything in eight days calls for busy days.

Spring is the most popular pilgrim season. Most consider it the optimal time of the year to traverse Shikoku's outdoors for its moderate temperatures and beautiful scenery.

In Japan, there are two kinds of bears. Black bears are found on Honshu, the largest of the country's four main islands, and on Shikoku. Brown bears live on the northern island of Hokkaido. Adult black bears stand 1 to 1.5 meters tall and weigh from 60 to 120 kilograms.

It seems that most people no longer worry about wearing white clothes now. Yes, the hakui and the fudabasami/zutabukuro will still be white, but trousers, shirts, and hats will be seen in all colors. There is no attempt by walking henro to walk in predominantly white colors any more. Wear anything you want!

Why is Shikoku special? ›

It boasts picturesque coastline on the glittering Seto Inland Sea, legendary udon noodles, movie-inspiring onsen, the first step on the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage and a summer stage for Japan to dance.

Surrounded by the tranquil Seto Inland Sea and the dynamic Pacific Ocean, Shikoku has everything a traveler could wish for: seas, mountains, rivers, delicious food, traditional culture, and a long and fascinating history.

For hundreds of years, a 750-mile pilgrimage route has circled this mountainous island, connecting 88 separate temples and shrines that claim connection to Daishi, also known as the Great Master.

Izumo-taisha, one of the oldest and most revered shrines in Japan, is in Shimane Prefecture. This is because their location is that of a traditionally important kami, and not that of temporal institutions. Some shrines exist only in one locality, while others are at the head of a network of branch shrines (分社, bunsha).

The pilgrimage on Shikoku, the smallest of Japan's four main islands, is a 750-mile route that links 88 Buddhist temples, each of which claims a connection to Kukai, a celebrated monk — posthumously known as Kobo Daishi — who, after returning from a trip to China in the ninth century, founded one of the major schools ...

For hundreds of years, a 750-mile pilgrimage route has circled this mountainous island, connecting 88 separate temples and shrines that claim connection to Daishi, also known as the Great Master.

The temple, which awaits pilgrims at the top of a thousand stone steps, has a lot to offer: a view that cannot be described (or done justice on Instagram), a flame that's said to have been burning for almost 1200 years, creative inspiration good enough for haiku master Matsuo Basho, an amazing calf workout, and more.

Officially known as Hojuzan Risshaku-ji, Yamadera was founded in 860. At the base of the mountain sits the main Konpon Chudo Hall, a designated important cultural property of Japan, followed by the 1,015 stone steps that lead to the summit.