Walk the trail towards enlightenment: a selection of the best trails on the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, journeying from temple to temple on a mixture of paved town roads and unpaved forest trails. This tour is occasionally strenuous, with days of up to 8 hours of hiking.
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Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage self-guided 5 days
- Duration: 5 days
- Trip level:Intermediate
- Availability: Recommended from March to November
- Type:Self-guided
- Price: From USD 1,360(Price per person, based on 2 travellers sharing a room)
Highlights
- Visit some of the most atmospheric temples on the trail
- Stay overnight in a shukubō temple lodging
- Sample authentic shojin ryōri Buddhist cuisine
- Enjoy wonderful views over cedar forests and rural villages
- Walk on the loveliest parts of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage trail in Tokushima and Kagawa
- Visit the relaxing hot spring town of Kotohira Onsen
Shikoku's ancient circular pilgrimage route – one of the few of its kind in the world – offers a rare spiritual journey that has drawn pilgrims for over a millennium to follow in the steps of the venerated monk Kūkai. The route connects 88 temples across 1,200 kilometres and Shikoku’s four prefectures, winding through some of Japan’s most pristine natural landscapes.
Our self-guided Shikoku Pilgrimage tour invites you to hike curated sections of this remarkable pilgrimage at your own pace. Beautiful forest trails and misty mountain paths open up to atmospheric temples that have greeted ohenro – Shikoku pilgrims – for centuries. Challenge yourself across Shikoku’s winding terrain, including a hike up to Shosan-ji Temple, the second-highest temple of the entire pilgrimage. You will also have the chance to join in a prayer service at your shukubō, your temple lodging, where you will enjoy traditional Buddhist cuisine.
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.
Read about luggage options here.
What is included
 | 4 nights at Japanese inns on Shikoku Island |
 | 4 breakfasts and 3 dinners |
 | Round-trip transportation from Kyōto or Ōsaka and 3 pre-paid taxis |
 | Detailed day-by-day itinerary and walking directions and Shikoku Island guidebook |
 | Topographical maps |
 | Local support by telephone |
 | Our Preparing for your trip and Travelling in Japan guidebooks |
What is not included
 | Flights |
 | Airport transfers |
 | Drinks and meals not included in itinerary |
 | Local bus journeys which must be paid directly to the bus driver and the cable car journey on Day 3 |
 | Single room supplement(s) for solo occupancy |
 | Daily Luggage Transfer |
Itinerary
Tour itineraries are subject to change. We will inform you of any amendments as soon as we become aware of them.