Enjoy visits to temples steeped in history
Sample authentic shojin ryōri Buddhist vegetarian cuisine
Bathe in natural thermal hot spring waters at Dōgo Onsen, Japan’s oldest hot spring
Spend two nights in a shukubō temple lodging
Visit the iconic vine bridge in Iya Valley
Climb the iconic ladder to the meditation spot used by Kōbō Daishi, founder of Shingon Buddhism
Shikoku, the smallest of Japan’s four main islands, was only connected to the mainland of Honshū in 1988. For centuries, however, pilgrims travelled by boat in order to undertake the Shikoku 88-temple Pilgrimage, which was founded over 1,200 years ago by the renowned monk Kūkai.
Hike through untouched, misty forests that open to centuries-old temple complexes, and up mountain paths that lead to scenic views which have inspired people through the ages. Taste traditional shojin ryōri, Buddhist cuisine, during your stay in a temple lodging, and join the local monks in a prayer ceremony. On occasion, you may meet other pilgrims, distinctive in their conical hats and white cloaks – you too may be dressed in the same outfit.
We’ve curated some of the most fascinating parts of this 1,200-kilometre-long pilgrimage circuit, ensuring you see some of the most unforgettable natural and spiritual landmarks of the island. Iya Valley, a verdant river valley with characteristic rope-bridges that stretch 15 metres above rushing water, is just one of Shikoku’s wonders; this area, with its dramatic history, will be just one of your stops during your 10-day adventure. You will also visit Dōgo Onsen, the oldest onsen hot spring in Japan, and Kotohira, home of a shrine with a lovely vista over the town and a grand kabuki theatre with a storied history.
You’re supported by our team in Kyōto and accompanied by our Walking Guidebook with its turn-by-turn directions, our maps, and our Shikoku Pilgrim’s Handbook, which will give you additional insight into the history and culture of the area.
(subject to change until the booking has been finalized)
Start from Kyōto or Ōsaka and travel by long-distance bus to Tokushima Prefecture. Begin your pilgrimage with a gentle introduction to the walks on Shikoku through the quiet neighbourhoods of Tokushima. Visit three of the most eye-catching temples on the whole trail – Temple 1, Ryōzen-ji; Temple 2, Gokuraku-ji; and Temple 3, Konsen-ji. Spend your first night as all pilgrims should – with a stay in a shukubo temple lodging.
Walking distance: 5.8km / 3.6 mi
Elevation gain: Negligible ascent and descent
Time required: About 2 hours
An optional additional walk along paved roads to Temple 7, Jūraku-ji, can extend the day by 3 km / 1.9 mi and around 45 minutes.
Accommodation: Shukubo (Temple Lodging)
Meals: Dinner
Travel south from your temple lodging by pre-booked and pre-paid taxi to Temple 11, Fujii-dera, which is located at the bottom of a fascinating hillside temple complex. From Fujii-dera Temple, undertake a challenging hike to Temple 12, Shōsan-ji. Although the full walk is one of the longest and most strenuous on the tour, it is rewarding with beautiful scenery. Walk onwards to Yorii and board a bus to the small onsen village of Kamiyama and your inn for the evening.
Walking distance: 19.2km / 11.9 mi
Elevation gain: 1,330m / 4,365 feet of ascent and 1,210m / 3,970 feet of descent
Time required: About 7-8 hours
You can reduce the walk to 5-6 hours (14.1 km / 8.8 mi) and avoid the first half of the strenuous ascent up Mount Shōsan-ji. Simply pay locally to extend the taxi ride on the day – no need to decide in advance.
Accommodation: Onsen ryokan (hot spring inn) or Western-Style Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel by pre-paid taxi to one of the most beautiful and varied hikes on the entire 88 Pilgrimage route. From Temple 20, Kakurin-ji, the trail descends to the hamlet of Anan, crosses the Naka River, and climbs again to Temple 21, Tairyū-ji. End the day with a cable car ride with wonderful views over a cedar forest and the small town below. Travel by bus to your accommodation for the evening.
Walking distance: 8.2km / 5.1 mi
Elevation gain: 460m / 1,510 feet ascent and 470m / 1,540 feet descent
Time required: About 3-4 hours
The walk can be extended to about 5 hours for travelers staying in Tokushima city. Please enquire if you would like to undertake this longer option.
Accommodation: Western-Style Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Leaving Tokushima, travel by bus and a pre-paid taxi to a rewarding hike in northern Kagawa Prefecture. Walk through lovely scenery and visit a fine collection of temples: Temple 82, Negoro-ji; Temple 81, Shiromine-ji; and finally, Temple 80, Kokubun-ji. Travel onwards by train for an overnight stay in the old hot spring town of Kotohira Onsen.
Walking distance: 13.5km / 8.4 mi
Elevation gain: 335m / 1,100 feet ascent and 655m / 2,150 feet descent
Time required: About 5 hours
The walk can be shortened by 1.5 hours (5.4 km / 3.4 mi) by omitting the round-trip section to Temple 81, Shiromine-ji.
Accommodation: Ryokan (Traditonal Japanese Inn)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
You have a full day to explore Kotohira Onsen. Visit the Shinto shrine Konpira-dai-gongen, located halfway up Mount Zōzu at an elevation of 521 metres. Try the famous local delicacy: delicious, handmade, thick udon noodles. You may also wish to visit the Konpira Grand Theatre, Kanamaruza Kabuki Hall, the oldest original kabuki theatre in Japan, and Temple 75, Zentsū-ji, birthplace of Kōbō Daishi, founder of Shingon Buddhism. Overnight in Kotohira Onsen.
Accommodation: Ryokan (Traditional Japanese Inn)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel to and explore rural Iya Valley, deep in the mountains of Tokushima. Head onwards from Kotohira Spa by train and bus to reach Iya. Enroute to your inn, it is possible to visit iconic Kazura-bashi, a suspension bridge made of mountain vines, said in some folktales to have been places by Shingon Buddhist founder Kobo Daishi. Spend the evening at one of the wonderful Onsen inns nearby.
Accommodation: Onsen Ryokan (Hot Spring Inn)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Leaving Kagawa, travel by train to Imabari in northern Ehime and begin your hike to Temple 57, Eifuku-ji. The walk gradually passes from urban townscape to rural farming communities before entering a forest with a steady climb to Temple 58, Senyū-ji. There is also an optional detour to Temple 56, Taisan-ji. Overnight at Senyū-ji Temple in the shukubo lodging at the temple or alternatively stay in a Western-style hotel in Imabari City.
Walking distance: 4.4km / 2.7 mi
Elevation gain: 250m / 820 feet ascent and negligible descent
Time required: About 1.5 hours
Accommodation: Shukubo (Temple Lodging) or Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
The hike continues with a gentle walk down the mountain from Senyū-ji Temple, with the opportunity to explore small village settlements on the way. Return to the town of Imabari, with an optional paved town hike on to Temple 59, Iyo Kokubun-ji, and continue onwards to Matsuyama by train and overnight in Dōgo Onsen. You will have time to visit the famous Dogo bathhouse and try the popular local produce, sweet mikan oranges. Explore the hillside grounds of Matsuyama Castle and Temple 51 on the Shikoku 88, Ishite-ji, which is close to your accommodation for this evening.
Walking distance: 4.4km / 2.7 mi
Elevation gain: Negligible ascent and 250m / 820 feet descent
Time required: About 1 hour
An optional paved walk of 4.1 km (2.5 mi) can extend the hike by a further 1.5 hours.
Accommodation: Onsen Ryokan (Hot Spring Inn)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Head south by bus and pre-paid taxi from Matsuyama to Temple 45, Iwaya-ji, a temple closely linked to Kōbō Daishi, the priest who founded Shingon Buddhism and the temple settlement of Mount Kōya. Climb the iconic ladder to his meditation spot, with its spectacular views over the surrounding region. From Iwaya-ji Temple, enjoy a lovely forest hike to Temple 44, Daihō-ji, before returning by bus to Matsuyama in the evening. Overnight in Dōgo Onsen.
Walking distance: 11.7km / 7.3 mi
Elevation gain: 650m / 2,130 feet ascent and 580m / 1,900 feet descent
Time required: About 4 hours
Accommodation: Onsen Ryokan (Hot Spring Inn)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
The tour ends with a rewarding hike in the east of Ehime Prefecture. Travel by bus and pre-paid taxi from Matsuyama to reach the trail and walk to Temple 60, Yokomine-ji; Temple 61, Kōon-ji; and onwards to Temple 62, Hōju-ji. The walk passes through a rural area of Shikoku and the temples are in lovely natural settings. After the hike, travel onwards by train to the Kansai area, arriving mid-evening.
Walking distance: 13.7km / 8.5 mi
Elevation gain: 620m / 2,050 feet ascent and 870m / 3,850 feet descent
Time required: About 4-5 hours
You can reduce the hike by about one hour to 11.3 km / 7 mi, avoiding the first uphill section. Simply pay locally to extend the taxi ride to Temple 60, Yokomine-ji. Choose on the day – no need to decide in advance.
Meals: Breakfast
