Highlights

  • Visit some of the most atmospheric temples on the trail

  • Sample authentic shojin ryōri Buddhist cuisine

  • Walk on the loveliest parts of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage trail in Tokushima and Kagawa

  • Stay overnight in a shukubō temple lodging

  • Enjoy wonderful views over cedar forests and rural villages

  • Visit the relaxing hot spring town of Kotohira Onsen


Shikoku's ancient circular pilgrimage route – one of the few of its kind in the world – offers a rare spiritual journey that has drawn pilgrims for over a millennium to follow in the steps of the venerated monk Kūkai. The route connects 88 temples across 1,200 kilometres and Shikoku’s four prefectures, winding through some of Japan’s most pristine natural landscapes.

Our self-guided Shikoku Pilgrimage tour invites you to hike curated sections of this remarkable pilgrimage at your own pace. Beautiful forest trails and misty mountain paths open up to atmospheric temples that have greeted ohenro – Shikoku pilgrims – for centuries. Challenge yourself across Shikoku’s winding terrain, including a hike up to Shosan-ji Temple, the second-highest temple of the entire pilgrimage. You will also have the chance to join in a prayer service at your shukubō, your temple lodging, where you will enjoy traditional Buddhist cuisine.

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.

What is included

  • 4 nights at Japanese inns on Shikoku Island
  • 4 breakfasts and 3 dinners
  • Round-trip tranportation from Kyoto or Osaka and 3 pre-paid taxis
  • Detailed day-by-day itinerary and walking directions and Shikoku Island guidebook
  • Topographical maps
  • Local support by telephone
  • Our Preparing for your trip and travelling in Japan Guidebooks

What is not included

  • Flights
  • Airport transfers
  • Drinks and meals not included in itinerary
  • Local bus journeys which must be paid directly to the bus driver and the cable car journey on Day 3
  • Single room supplement(s) for solo occupancy
  • Daily Luggage Transfer

Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage self-guided 5 days

(subject to change until the booking has been finalized)

Day 1 – Hike in Tokushima (Temples 1 to 3)

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

Day 2 – Hike Tokushima (Temples 11 to 12)

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 (14.1km / 8.8 miles) and avoid the first half of the strenuous ascent up Mt. Shosan-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 

Day 3 – Hike in Tokushima (Temples 20 to 21)

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 travellers staying in Tokushima city. Please enquire if you would like to undertake this longer option.

Accommodation: Western-style Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 – Hike in Kagawa (Temples 82 to 80)

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 (5.4km / 3.4 mi) by omitting the round-trip section to Temple 81 Shiromine-ji.

Accommodation: Ryokan (Traditional Japanese Inn)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5 – Explore Kotohira Onsen before your return Jurney

After breakfast, spend some time exploring Kotohira Spa.  Board a train after lunch for the return journey to Osaka or Kyoto, arriving late afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast

 

Map:

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Ryozen-ji Temple in Tokushima, Japan — the starting point of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, featuring serene temple grounds, traditional architecture, and spiritual significance.
Temple 12, Shōsan-ji on the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage in Tokushima, Japan — a remote mountain temple offering breathtaking views, traditional Buddhist architecture, and a peaceful rest stop for pilgrims.
Historic Kanamaru-za Kabuki Theatre in Kotohira Onsen, Japan’s oldest surviving kabuki playhouse, featuring traditional wooden architecture and cultural heritage displays.























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