All year (the region may occasionally experience snow from December to March), Walk on the loveliest parts of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage trail in Tokushima, Kagawa and Ehime, spending nights in Shukubo temple lodgings and the natural baths of Dogo Onsen and Iya Valley, Walks parts of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage trail in Tokushima, Kagawa and Ehime, spending nights in Shukubo temple lodging with days of up to 8 hours of hiking, A small-group guided walking tour to Sacred Mount Koya & The Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage Trail, visiting remote Iya Valley, hidden temples and bathing in the natural thermal waters at historic Dogo Onsen. Kagawa Prefecture, Final Leg (Temples 68 – 88) Day 45 (Sunday, 3 May) Temples 68,69,70,71. INFORMATION. This Buddhist pilgrimage follows almost the entire circumference of the island, spanning nearly 1200km and visiting 88 temples (even more if you include Bangai temples). [1][3], Kūkai, born at Zentsū-ji (Temple 75) in 774, studied in China, and upon his return was influential in the promotion of esoteric Buddhism. Shikoku Temple Trek Trip Comparison and FAQs. [9], Upon arrival at each temple the henro washes before proceeding to the Hondō. Shopping. A popular and distinctive feature of the island's cultural landscape, and with a long history, large numbers of pilgrims, known as henro (遍路), still undertake the journey for a variety of ascetic, pious, and tourism-related purposes. This may be supplemented by a ceremonial stole (輪袈裟, wagesa). Walking the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage (Part 3) - What To Wear June 08, 2018 / Tokushima, Tokushima Prefecture, Japan / Step Up Japanese When I told my Japanese friends I was planning to walk the Shikoku Henro trail , several of them said the same thing. Koya prior to completing the Shikoku trail.). Coins and a fuda are similarly offered, and again the Heart Sutra is chanted, along with repetition of the Gohōgō Mantra, namu-Daishi-henjō-kongō. TEMPLE. [7], Shikoku literally means "four provinces", those of Awa, Tosa, Iyo, and Sanuki, reorganized during the Meiji period into the prefectures of Tokushima, Kōchi, Ehime, and Kagawa. [9], Attesting to the popularity of the Shikoku pilgrimage, from the eighteenth century a number of smaller imitative versions have been established. Village-to-village walking on the Nakasendo Trail with five hikes of 1-6 hours, Village-to-village walking on the Kii Peninsula with five hikes of 2-7 hours. They are often recognizable by their white clothing, sedge hats, and kongō-zue or walking sticks. Anytime of year. Pilgrims, known as o-henro-san, traditionally undertook the journey on foot over many weeks, staying overnight at Shukubo temple lodgings. The island is also the setting for an ancient walking trail, the challenging Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage. These are also the most attractive parts of the pilgrimage trail, offering superb views as you make your way up and down the mountains of Shikoku. Kukai, one of the most famous Buddhist monks in Japanese history, established the 88 sacred sites on the Shikoku pilgrimage route about 1,200 yers ago.It is said that thouse who complete the circuit will have their wishes come true, but many people walk it for a variety of purposes such as health, self-discovery, and healing. Walking the Shikoku pilgrimage is technically a religious ritual, one done by o-henro-san (often abbreviated simply to “henro”), who are generally adherents to the esoteric Buddhism popularized by Kukai. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. The island is also the setting for an ancient walking trail, the challenging Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage. The pilgrimage is traditionally completed on foot, but modern pilgrims use cars, taxis, … The standard walking course is approximately 1,200 kilometres (750 mi) long and can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days to complete. Alms or osettai are frequently given. Pilgrims were required to obtain travel permits, follow the main paths, and pass through localities within a certain time limit, with the book of temple stamps or nōkyō-chō helping to provide proof of passage. Reader, Ian (2005). The 21 kilometres (13 mi) walking trail up to Koya-san still exists, but most pilgrims use the train. Watch later. (Incidentally, many henro visit Mt. In addition to the 88 "official" temples of the pilgrimage, there are over 20 bangai – temples not considered part of the official 88. Walking is generally on quiet town and country roads, and unpaved forest trails. You'll see pilgrims, easily identified by their white clothing and walking staff, who spend weeks on the trail visiting all 88 temples. This website is dedicated to those interested in learning more about the Shikoku Pilgrimage, and provides useful information to primarily walking pilgrims. General. The 6-day and 10-day tours are ‘Strenuous’. 26. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device. Thank you for your interest, please click the button below to download our PDF brochure: While we have you, if you would be interested in signing up to our newsletter, please fill out the form below: Please select all the ways you would like to hear from Oku Japan KK: You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. It's a pilgrimage that takes you on an incredible 1200km journey to 88 temples dotted around the beautiful island of Shikoku , Japan. The Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, also known as Shikoku Henro, is one of the oldest pilgrimages in the world. The ‘hachiju hakkasho’ – 八十八ケ所 – the Shingon Buddhist pilgrimage around the island of Shikoku – is a great way to see the ‘real’ Japan. [6] In the Edo period, the policy of tochi kinbaku (土地緊縛) restricted and regulated the movement of ordinary people. On each day, you undertake one of the toughest walks on the pilgrimage trail, the ‘henro korogashi’. Be sure to watch the Shikoku Pilgrimage episode of the six-part PBS documentary series, Sacred Journeys. I had the chance to visit many regions in Japan including many small towns and as far as the overused concept of “authenticity” goes, I think Shikoku offers the most authentic experience. The Shikoku pilgrimage is arguably Japan's best-known pilgrimage route, and certainly its biggest pilgrimage-challenge: a 1,150km or so, 1,200 year old pilgrimage linking 88 (a lucky number) temples in a sacred circuit in the footsteps of the monk-saint Kukai (or Kobo Daishi) into the heart of Japanese Shingon Buddhism. Tag Archives: Walking. However, he has an atypical hobby: spending a few weeks each year walking the most famous pilgrimage of Japan, on Shikoku island. OTHER. The more religiously-minded henro may also carry a book of sutras (経本, kyōbon) and go-eika (ご詠歌) set with a bell. Info. the medias lied about the shikoku pilgrimage experience, you'll be desapointed, the temples road is today largely a four ways trunks road and most japaneeses do the pilgrimage by coach or car, so... but if you decide to spend your time walking on the narrow road along the coast and cross the lovely little amlets unhabited only by octogenarians ladies sewing nets on their porchs then you will get a real glimpse of beautifull shikoku… The Shikoku Pilgrimage (四国遍路, Shikoku Henro) or Shikoku Junrei (四国巡礼) is a multi-site pilgrimage of 88 temples associated with the Buddhist monk Kūkai (Kōbō Daishi) on the island of Shikoku, Japan. Read our help section to find out the answer to your questions: Booking with Oku Japan - Frequently asked questions. Walking the Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail is one of the most spiritual experiences it is possible to have on two feet. One down: A pilgrim, known as o-henro-san, walks through the gates of Ishiteji, temple number 51 of 88 on the Shikoku Pilgrimage. Making Pilgrimages: Meaning and Practice in Shikoku. Oliver Dunskus is a German national who spends most of his year being a marketing manager. For that reason, when coming to a bridge, Shikoku pilgrims are often reminded that Kobo Daishi may be sleeping under this bridge, and to walk carefully across it without using their walking stick so as not to wake him. Dressing as a henro (pilgrim) and interacting with the people in Shikoku is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. Walking the Shikoku Pilgrimage – an Interview with Guidebook Author Oliver Dunskus. The pilgrim's journey through these four provinces is likened to a symbolic path to enlightenment, with temples 1–23 representing the idea of awakening (発心, hosshin), 24–39 austerity and discipline (修行, shugyō), 40–65 attaining enlightenment (菩提, bodai), and 66–88 entering nirvana (涅槃, nehan). 1200 kilometers, 1200 years Walking the Shikoku 88 temples pilgrimage It’s not a secret, but it gets under most people’s radar. A popular and distinctive feature of the island's cultural landscape, and with a long history, large numbers of pilgrims, known as henro (遍路), still undertake the journey for a variety of ascetic, pious, and tourism-relatedpurposes. Hi, I’m Bill and I’m planning a Spring of 2020 pilgrimage following the 88 Temple Pilgrimage circling the island of Shikoku in Japan, just over two months from now. Throughout the country there are a network of national and regional parks, each one unique and with a network of well-maintained trails, efficient mountain huts and lodges, and the added benefit of plentiful hot springs. It is principally famous for the 1,200 km 88 Temple Pilgrimage, associated with the Buddhist monk Kukai (774-835), that circles the whole island. INFORMATION. Shikoku is Japan's fourth-largest island, home to some of the country's most spectacular and undeveloped scenery. Many people imagine the Henro trail as some sort of nature walk, but in … For information about our privacy practices, please visit our website. I’ve set up this blog to keep in touch with my peoples back home and am still learning the ins-and-out of the WordPress desktop app and the mobile app which I intend to post from while on the pilgrim trail. BOOKS, PAPERS, & VIDEOS. Shikoku is Japan's fourth-largest island, home to some of the country's most spectacular and undeveloped scenery. The trail connects 88 Buddhist temples and the full walk … Shikoku is Japan's fourth-largest island, home to some of the country's most spectacular and undeveloped scenery. Get our latest news and offers delivered right to your inbox, Booking with Oku Japan - Frequently asked questions. There are many ways to make the Shikoku pilgrimage based on one’s schedule, physical health and budget. WALKING. Shikoku Pilgrimage: A Guide For Non-Japanese A wonderful (free) e-book introducing every aspect of the pilgrimage; by Naoyuki Matsushita, auther of Shikoku Japan 88 Route Guide. Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage Slide Show for iPad and iPhone. There is a country profile for Japan and practical tour information about travelling there. Walking the Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail is one of the most spiritual experiences you can have on two feet. May. It’s a 1,200 km route that largely follows the coast of Shikoku, although it does make some loops into the interior. University of Hawaii Press , p. 318. Our 4-day tour is the easiest option, classified as ‘Active’. The word “pilgrimage” is sure to elicit images of devout religiosity and is more likely to make you think of Europe’s “El Camino” rather than a walk through nature in Japan. Now that you have decided that you want to go, when you want to go, why you are going to go, and that you are going to walk to get around the trail, let's look at the actual mechanics of doing the pilgrimage… Our 5-day and 8-day tours offer the most demanding walking and classified as ‘Challenging’. Apparently its considered impolite to decline osettai (except car rides) because with the gift of ossetai the locals feel that they are giving to Kõbõ Daishi and this ancient custom of giving is an important part of the pilgrimage. Many pilgrims begin and complete the journey by visiting Mount Kōya in Wakayama Prefecture, which was settled by Kūkai and remains the headquarters of Shingon Buddhism. [1] The pilgrimage is traditionally completed on foot, but modern pilgrims use cars, taxis, buses, bicycles, or motorcycles. Suggested from March to November. The Shikoku Pilgrimage plays a significant in the culture of Shikoku, and you will earn respect from strangers by virtue of your pilgrim status. Collectively, the 88 temples are known as Shikoku Hachijūhakkasho (四国八十八箇所) or simply the Hachijūhakkasho (八十八箇所). Henro (遍路) is the Japanese word for pilgrim,[2] and the inhabitants of Shikoku call the pilgrims o-henro-san (お遍路さん), the o (お) being an honorific and the san (さん) a title similar to "Mr." or "Mrs.". Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here. The smallest of Japan’s four main islands, Shikoku is a largely mountainous, rural region with a warm climate and far milder winters than in north Japan. After kigan and ekō prayers, the henro proceeds to the shrine of Kobo Daishi (大師堂, Daishidō). Shikoku is Japan's fourth-largest island, home to an ancient walking trail, the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage. By Megan Kitt Dec 1, 2015 4 min read Copy link. Our Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage tours include carefully-selected sections of the ancient Pilgrimage trail. [3] Outside Japan, another version is on the Hawai'ian island of Kaua'i.[13]. COVID-19: Please see Oku Japan's response here. Shikoku. Share. The Shikoku pilgrimage. Tap to unmute. Walk the 750-mile pilgrimage around the island of Shikoku in the footsteps of Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi. After offering coins, incense, and the osame-fuda, the Heart Sutra (般若心経, Hannya Shingyō) is chanted along with repetition of the Mantra of the main image (本尊, honzon) and the Mantra of Light (光明真言, Kōmyō Shingon). Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here. Choose from our full trip including Kyoto and Osaka or just the walk portion. Shikoku Pilgrimage A Guide For Non-Japanese, Documentary movie about the 88 Temple Pilgrimage, Begin Japanology Season 5 EP16 : The Shikoku Pilgrimage 2012-05-03, Guide to start the Shikoku 88 temples pilgrimage (french-english), Echoes of Incense - A Pilgrimage in Japan by Don Weiss, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shikoku_Pilgrimage&oldid=1021597867, Religious buildings and structures in Ehime Prefecture, Religious buildings and structures in Kagawa Prefecture, Religious buildings and structures in Kōchi Prefecture, Religious buildings and structures in Tokushima Prefecture, Articles containing Japanese-language text, Articles with unsourced statements from September 2010, Articles with Japanese-language sources (ja), Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, For an explanation of terms concerning Japanese Buddhism, Japanese Buddhist art, and Japanese Buddhist temple architecture, see the, This page was last edited on 5 May 2021, at 16:12. Henriette’s reflection on her recent walk on Il Cammino Di San Benedetto has much resonance for us and perhaps for future pilgrims coming to Bonnevaux “Having the health and the strength to walk a pilgrimage is already a blessing. Shikoku pilgrimage RSS Feed Search . While Shikoku Pilgrimage is the main draw of the region and a wonderful experience for those fond of long walks, the small towns of Shikoku also deserve a trip on their own. Amélie Geeraert / April 9, 2021. The Shikoku Pilgrimage (四国遍路, Shikoku Henro) or Shikoku Junrei (四国巡礼) is a multi-site pilgrimage of 88 temples associated with the Buddhist monk Kūkai (Kōbō Daishi) on the island of Shikoku, Japan. Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage: a 1200-year-old journey. And I received many more! [8], The pilgrim's traditional costume comprises a white shirt (白衣, oizuru), conical Asian hat (すげ笠, suge-kasa), and staff (金剛杖, kongō-zue). Multi-site pilgrimage of 88 temples associated with the Buddhist monk Kūkai (Kōbō Daishi) on the island of Shikoku, Japan, Sanuki Kokubun-ji (Shikoku Pilgrimage #80). We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. The full pilgrimage trail is actually over 750 miles and takes 30-60 days of walking, however, we have created two trips that focus on the best parts of the route. We offer various self-guided tours on the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage trail, from 4 days to 10 days. | CHRISTINA SJOGREN Can Only Henro Walk the Shikoku Pilgrimage? [4][5], The legends and cult of Kōbō Daishi, such as the episode of Emon Saburō, were maintained and developed by the monks of Kōya-san who travelled to expound Shingon and were active, along with other hijiri, in Shikoku. To complete the pilgrimage, it is not necessary to visit the temples in order; in some cases it is even considered lucky[citation needed] to travel in reverse order. The henro also carries a bag (頭陀袋, zuda-bukuro) containing name slips (納札, osame-fuda), prayer beads (数珠, juzu) (also known as nenju (念珠)), a booklet (納経帳, nōkyō-chō) to collect stamps/seals (朱印, shuin), incense sticks (線香, senkō), and coins used as offerings (お賽銭, o-saisen). Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage Slide Show. He is posthumously known as Kōbō Daishi. The full pilgrimage trail is 750miles and takes 30-60 days of walking, however, we are aware that this is not possible for most people, so we have created … The Shikoku Pilgrimage お~HENRO is a centuries old Buddhist pilgrimage inspired by the monk Kobo Daishi . The Shikoku Pilgrimage is a journey to find oneself, shedding one's spiritual baggage simply by walking. The Shikoku pilgrimage is the only known pilgrimage going in a circular direction. Typically centred upon holy mountains, particular divinities, or charismatic individuals, they are usually to Buddhist sites although those to the shrines of Kumano and Ise are notable exceptions. Walking: This will take about 6 weeks (average 30km/day) and cost about 400,000 yen. The island is also the setting for an ancient walking trail, the challenging Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage. The Pilgrim’s 88-temple Walk in Shikoku Japan’s famous henro pilgrimage trail stretches over about 1,200 kilometers, tracing the circumference of the southern island of Shikoku. Although the pilgrimage is traditionally completed on foot, which takes around 30 to 60 days, modern means of transportation have become much more common today. Walking as a Pilgrim. The local Shikoku population apparently take great interest and pride in the pilgrimage, and as I understand the process they will offer Henro small gifts called osettai ranging from a few candies, to a meal and even money. The Shikoku pilgrimage is arguably Japan's best-known pilgrimage route, and certainly its biggest pilgrimage-challenge: a 1,150km or so, 1,200 year old pilgrimage linking 88 (a lucky number) temples in a sacred circuit in the footsteps of the monk-saint Kukai (or Kobo Daishi) into the heart of Japanese Shingon Buddhism. - YouTube. He established the Shingon retreat of Kōya-san, was an active writer, undertook a programme of public works, and during visits to the island of his birth is popularly said to have established or visited many of its temples and to have carved many of their images. Japan will surprise you with its wealth of stunning landscapes. Pilgrimages have played an important part in Japanese religious practice since at least the Heian period. The trail connects 88 Buddhist temples and the full walk … [3] These include a 150 kilometres (93 mi) circuit on Shōdo Island northeast of Takamatsu;[10] a 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) course on the grounds of Ninna-ji in Kyoto;[11] a route on the Chita Peninsula near Nagoya;[12] and circuits in Edo and Chiba Prefecture. The trail connects 88 Buddhist temples and the full route covers more than a thousand kilometres. Spend 10 days walking and hiking Shikoku's 88 Temple Pilgrimage Trail, visiting historic Buddhist temples along the way. The trail connects 88 Buddhist temples and the full walk covers more than a thousand kilometres. The Shikoku Pilgrimage, or Henro, is one of Japan’s best-known walks.