Ocean views, multi-course udon dinners, and hot springs along the way.
PeacefulShikoku Islandis sure enough a much - appreciated variety of stride frombustling Osaka . The day out front of me promise a 7.5 - mile trek along beautiful forested flock path as part of Japan’sShikoku Pilgrimage . Though , like most people , I was only doinga small share of the lead over a few day , the multi - calendar month walk around the island block at dozens of temples along the way , many of them tuck into the woods , surrounded by perfectly curated gardens , past bamboo woods , Elmer Leopold Rice field , moss - covered stones , and waterfalls . Whether you take a gondola , bicycle , or walk the track over calendar week or just a duo days , it ’s really a tranquil synagogue pilgrim’s journey .
My second solar day was the leg between Fujii - dera ( the pilgrimage ’s eleventh temple ) and Shosan - ji ( Temple 12 ) . With over 3,600 feet of acme gain , this would be one of the most challenging parts of the route — in fact , this particular stretch is sometimes called henro - korogashi , or the “ pilgrim tumbler . ” But it ’s also one of the most beautiful sections . The surround trees and shrine along a root - strewn shite path occasionally opened up to brilliant views of green mountains well over in a spill of woodland .
Even better , after attain Shosan - ji and spending some metre at the temple — which is the second highest at 2,300 feet and is known as “ burn mountain temple ” due totales about a fiery tartar — we put off to drive to that evening ’s accommodation at an onsen hotel . There we would enjoy a delicious kaiseki multi - course banquet dinner party and imbue in onsen thermal red-hot leap bath .
Photo courtesy of Walk Japan
The Shikoku Pilgrimage circumnavigates the Nipponese island on a journey of around 745 mi , with hitch at the 88 temple along the fashion . The pilgrimage honors Kūkai , also known as Kōbō Daishi , who go from the year 774 to 835 andfounded Shingon Buddhism . It ’s almost difficult to guess , but the first guide to the pilgrimagewas publish in 1687 .
“ The Shikoku Pilgrimage is also a journeying to front one ’s inner self and seek a modification of mind while visiting and run between synagogue — specially the walking pilgrimage , ” says Kazuki Nakamura , with Tourism Shikoku . “ It is say that even if you do n’t remember too much about it , just walk around the temple will exchange your mind . ”
What does one ask to do to become a Pilgrim Father , have a go at it as henros or O - henro - san ? John McBride , who first walk the full Shikoku Pilgrimage in 1982 and now guide on visitant along the route withWalk Japan , say , “ To be a Pilgrim Father , one needs to have respect for the history of the pilgrimage , an interestingness in why the pilgrimage exists , and an open mind to take precaution and being respectful along the road . ”
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grounds for embark on the journeying are as numerous as the Pilgrim Father themselves : some visit the temples for spiritual reason , after losing a loved one , to pray for someone who is inauspicious , as a healing journeying , or as a quiet time for reflection and self - uncovering . walk brings henros through beautiful and challenging mountains , on routes with stunning seaboard views , alongside Timothy Miles Bindon Rice paddies , through towns , and on stretch along paved roads .
Traditionally , this pilgrimage was done on groundwork , but today there are many options , including group heap circuit , cars , and even bicycles . While some set out to experience all 88 temple in one go , many nail it one surgical incision at a time over months or years .
Many pilgrims wear out a classifiable outfit , include a white crown or vest , Buddhist stole , and sedge hat , with a walk staff in hand , along with a bagful containing items like incense sticks and standard candle . wear thin the traditional clothing , though , is not required .
Photo courtesy of Walk Japan
At each temple , henros can find a calligraphy revenue stamp in a nōkyōchōbook . Jamie Dwyer , who has forge with Walk Japan for 10 years and now develops the caller ’s self - guided tours , says people are eager to collect stamps , but they must n’t rush to the temple office first affair to obtain one .
“ When you enter at each of these temples , they do n’t want you to just run in and try and get your stamp — they do n’t desire that to be the purpose of your journey , ” Dwyer says .
Instead , people should first right travel to the temple ’s Main Hall and Daishi Hall , do the ritual , recite sutra or implore , and yield a small amount before get the nōkyōchō sign and stamped .
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How to plan your hike
There are a variety of ways to live the Shikoku Pilgrimage , include direct hitch , ego - guided tours , and traveling severally .
The traditional way to make out the full journey is to start at the first temple ( Ryozen - ji ) and take the air in a clockwise fashion , visiting each synagogue on the way to Temple 88 ( Okubo - ji ) . This way of doing it is called jun - uchi , while going retort - clockwise — which is tricky since signage is set up in the opposite direction — is called gyaku - uchi .
Walking the full route takes between six week and two or three months , depending on who you inquire and how fast a pilgrim wishes to take the air . However , many pilgrim do not have a couple detached months to make the trek , so they research smaller segment at a time , which is called kugiri - uchi . You also do n’t have to stick to them in order .
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“ The Shikoku Pilgrimage has 88 temples in Shikoku , but you’re able to start from any of them , ” Nakamura says . “ If you walk at a tempo of about 30 km ( 18 mile ) a day , it will take about 45 days . Many citizenry aspire to go all the agency around , but due to meter and physical strength , many mass decide on a road establish on their own prison term and forcible strength . ”
Rather than walking the whole way , many use bus , automobile , and taxis for some or all of the journey . If you do n’t have prison term to see all the temples , endeavor to at least stop by the first ( Ryozen - ji ) and last one ( Okubo - ji ) . Additionally , Zentsu - ji(Temple 75 ) is Kūkai ’s provenience , and has sizable dry land , as well as a pagoda , exhibits , and more .
Walk Japan offers an 11 - sidereal day , 10 - Nox humble groupguided tourthat covers a selection of more than two XII temple , and a shorterself - guided option .
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Once you have planned your journey , there area bit of waysto reach Shikoku Island — admit ferry , trains , and autobus — from Tokyo , Osaka , Kyoto , and other urban center .
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Best time of year to go
Peak seasonfor the pilgrimage is springiness and fall . Spring ( including April , May , and sometimes belated March ) is the most pop time of yr , with beautiful green springtime leafage and blossoms . Autumn ( particularly October and November ) is also pop , with fall colours and golden rice fields . Some masses avoid summer due to estrus , humidness , and rain , while others skip winter because of the short days and frigid weather that postulate proper cooking .
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Sleep in traditional Japanese inns and slurp up udon
A variety of lodging options are available along the hike , including traditional ryokan inns , minshuku ( similar to house - lam bed and breakfast ) , hotels , and shukubo temple lodging ( which can permit visitors to observe and participate in temple ritual ) . Some fitting also have onsen hot springs , so make time to love a relaxing soak .
Shikoku is known for a variety ofdelicious foods . Slurp steaming bowls of udon noodles , sapidity dish made with sudachi ( a type of citrus fruit ) , and enjoy impudent seafood to fuel your journey .
Be as prepared as an eagle scout
The Shikoku Pilgrimage involves mountain paths and coastal routes , so verify you are prepared for the weather and conditions you may bump . The terrain can be gainsay in some areas . Be mindful of drop curtain - offs and coastal jeopardy like tide , andknow what to do in the upshot of a tsunami .
If you are go on a self - guided tripper , take some metre to learn about navigation before setting out . Wildlife to be mindful ofinclude venomous mamushi pit vipers , suzumebachi giant hornets , boars , mukade centipede , Japanese macaques , and bears . Though most people do n’t have any life - jeopardise confrontations with the animals , it ’s unspoilt to at least have intercourse what they look like so you may avoid accordingly , if ask . move around with a guide tot that additional puff of being with someone who knows how to deal with any meeting .
Know etiquette and how to be a respectful guest
Before visiting temples , it ’s crucial to take clock time to learnproper temple etiquetteso you may chit-chat respectfully . Nakamura recommends citizenry drop clip onShikoku Tourism ’s websiteas well asother sitesto learn more about the journeying and acquaint themselves with proper etiquette .
“ Prayer has been say to be important for pilgrims since ancient time . Please implore cautiously when you arrive at the temple , ” Nakamura say . “ In addition , the Shikoku Pilgrimage is a ethnic plus rooted in the life of the mass living in Shikoku and a source of pride for them . The most important matter is to make up respect . The locals will warmly accept your pilgrimage if you show them respect . ”
After learning the in and out of the track , take steering from aTourism Shikoku brochurethat says , “ Do not worry too much . Just take the first stair and , as you travel around , you will have sentence to reflect on yourself and obtain something from this endeavor . ”
Photo courtesy of Walk Japan
David Madison/Contributor/Getty Images News/Getty Images
Photo courtesy of Walk Japan
David Madison/Contributor/Getty Images News/Getty Images
Photo courtesy of Walk Japan
