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, Kagawa, and Ehime
Spend a night in a shukubō temple lodging
Bathe in natural thermal onsen waters in historic Dōgo Onsen
Climb the iconic ladder to the meditation spot used by Kōbō Daishi, founder of Shingon Buddhism
The smallest of Japan’s four islands, Shikoku is home to unspoilt nature and incredible spirituality that has inspired people throughout history. Thousands of people over hundreds of years have taken to the Shikoku 88-Temple Pilgrimage, founded roughly 1,200 years ago by the monk Kūkai; now you will have the chance to follow these same paths, through forests and temple complexes that greeted travellers in bygone eras.
During your trek through Shikoku, you’ll have extraordinary opportunities for discovery and reflection. The island's relative seclusion has preserved a tapestry of authentic traditions, regional cuisine, and impressive historical monuments that you will explore and learn about.
Travel from temple to fascinating temple, such as Iwaya-ji, whose ladder leads to a cliff-side meditation spot, and Ryozen-ji, with its magnificent halls. Visit Matsuyama City, the location of Dōgo Onsen, Japan’s oldest hot spring, which boasts a history going back more than 1,000 years. Take in its ornate structures, revel in its history, and above all, soothe your body in the relaxing thermal waters before continuing on your journey.
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 travellers 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 (Traditional 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
After breakfast, you will travel to Japan’s oldest hot spring town, Dōgo Onsen, said to have 3,000 years of history. After arriving, you will have time dedicated to sightseeing around the town. Visit one of the myriads of cafés and restaurants in the old-fashioned Dōgo Onsen shopping arcade, the famous Dōgo bathhouse, Dōgo Park, or Matsuyama Castle. We highly recommend a visit to Temple 51, Ishite-ji, which hosts several buildings designated as Important Cultural Properties. Overnight in Dōgo Onsen.
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
