Article Menu
Find an Adventure
An Insider's View
Related Resources
Japan Resources
Asia Resources
China Resources

online favorites
DESTINATIONS
Destination Japan
Hike the Shikoku Pilgrimage
By Brent Madison



Visit Japan

See Japan as few Japanese and even fewer foreigners have—walk the pilgrimage of the 88 sacred temples of Shikoku, known in Japanese as the Shikoku Hachijuhachi Kasho Meguri. The Shikoku—Japan's most famous pilgrimage—retraces the steps of Kobo Daishi, the widely revered saint who founded the Shingon Buddhist sect. Due to sheer distance on foot, most Japanese only dream about making the full pilgrimage—a 993-mile course that circumnavigates the rural mountain-laden island. Start in Tokushima, moving clockwise through mountain paths, coastal forests, and busy city streets. Overnight in privately owned minshuku, a type of rustic Japanese bed-and-breakfast that are numerous along the route.

Temple 7
Statues of Jizo behind Bangai Temple 7

Trip Facts
When to go: March to April or October to November
Difficulty rating: Hardcore




Select a Japan Adventure




Return to * Top


Book an Active Vacation
star Adventures in Asia
bullet Explore The Middle Kingdom - From Beijing to Shanghai, explore China's ancient wonders and modern vistas with GORP.
bullet Trek Vietnam - From Saigon to Hanoi, GORP takes you adventuring in Vietnam.

RELATED GORP LINKS
* GORP Asia
* GORPtravel - Asia
* GORP Japan



Related Trekking Trips

Road Trip Guides

National Park Guides

Hiking Guides

Today's Gear Guy

Gear Guides
[from Outside magazine]