Shikoku Pilgrimage, Buddhist pilgrimage in Japan
The Shikoku Pilgrimage is a route visiting 88 temples across the island of Shikoku, each linked to the Buddhist monk Kūkai. The path passes through four prefectures and crosses different landscapes, from coastal areas to mountainous regions.
The route began in the Heian period and developed over centuries into an important spiritual path walked by millions of pilgrims. The tradition remains active today, drawing people from around the world seeking spiritual connection or cultural understanding.
Today, the route welcomes people of all ages, some walking while others use buses, cars, or bicycles to reach the temples. The pilgrimage has become a blend of spiritual practice and travel experience, drawing both devoted followers and curious visitors seeking connection with the places.
Walking the entire route takes about 30 to 60 days, though it can be shortened using different forms of transport. Many pilgrims break the journey into sections and decide their own pace based on time and energy.
Each temple along the route has its own stamp that pilgrims collect in a notebook to record their visits. This stamp-collecting tradition gives travelers a tangible way to mark their progress and remember each stop.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
