Where is Shikoku?

Shikoku Temple

Shikoku Temple

Shikoku is the smallest of the four main islands of Japan and is most well known for its ‘88 Temple Pilgrimage’, associated with priest Kukai. Most henro (pilgrims) these days travel by bus, taxi etc, rather than choosing to walk it. The entire circuit taking in all 88 Temples, is 1,200km long and can take 30-60 days to visit all 88 Temples by foot.

True pilgrims are seen wearing white jackets with the characters reading ‘dogyo futari’ meaning “two travelling together”. Travelling in Shikoku is considered very safe, especially when robed in the traditional henro garments. It is estimated that 100,000 pilgrims visit annually.

Map


View Larger Map

One Great Reason to Visit Shikoku

One great reason to visit Shikoku is to witness the traditional henro on the 88 Temple Pilgrimage.

Shikoku Temples

For More Information

  • Wikipedia
  • 4 Responses to “SHIKOKU, Japan: 88 Temple Pilgrimage”
    1. [...] India: Historic Architecture, Beaches and the Exotic! SHIKOKU, Japan: 88 Temple Pilgrimage » 30 06 [...]

    2. I have been to Tokyo, Kobe, Oita and Osaka. The Japanese sights and sounds are very very interesting. I like the cleanliness and sense of cultural/religious history of Japan.

    3. I have Japan down on my #dream list! Would love to see sites like this temple and the gardens in Japan look amazingly lovely too! Cherry blossom season in particular. One day!!

    4. [...] « SHIKOKU, Japan: 88 Temple Pilgrimage WATERTON LAKES NATIONAL PARK, Alberta, Canada: Bison, Prairies and Lakes » 01 07 2009 [...]

    Leave a Reply