Walk Japan’s Sacred Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage
- Sep 18, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Feb 4
A gentle, supported walking journey designed for ease, beauty, and depth through Japan's sacred path.
Step into one of Japan’s most beautiful and enduring traditions—the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, walked for over 1,200 years. This journey is intentionally crafted for travel lovers who value comfort, culture, and meaning, not speed or endurance.We walk gently and selectively, with full support throughout—allowing you to enjoy the rhythm of the path without pressure. Days unfold through forested trails, quiet countryside roads, and traditional villages, balanced with restorative accommodations, nourishing meals, and time to rest.
This is a pilgrimage that meets you where you are—offering space to walk, reflect, soak, and savor Japan at a human pace.
✨ The Experience
Walk meaningful sections of the pilgrimage across Tokushima (Awakening) and Ehime (Enlightenment)
Visit 27 sacred temples, continuing the journey from Part 1
Encounter fellow pilgrims (Ohenro) and the living legacy of Kobo Daishi
Enjoy thoughtfully chosen inns, temple lodgings, and hotels—many with onsen for evening relaxation
Travel comfortably with private transportation and an experienced English-speaking guide
Beyond Shikoku, we journey onward to Hiroshima and Miyajima Island, where history, beauty, and reflection naturally deepen the experience.
📍 Pilgrimage Regions
Tokushima (east) & Ehime (west), Japan
📅 Travel Dates
November 17-29, 2026
Price: $6,885
🌿 Trip Highlights
⛩ Walk selected sections of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage
🌿 Forest paths, village roads, and scenic countryside—varied, beautiful, and approachable
🌀 Experience Tokushima (“Awakening”) and Ehime (“Enlightenment”)
🍱 Enjoy daily fine Japanese cuisine, thoughtfully prepared and served each evening
🛁 Stay in traditional ryokan, minshuku, and shukubo, some with onsen
⛩ Visit the floating torii gate at Itsukushima Shrine
🕊 Reflect in Hiroshima, a city of remembrance and peace
💫 Open to returning pilgrims and first-time travelers drawn to ease, beauty and cultural depth
🚶 Walking Style & Daily Rhythm
This journey blends walking, travel, and rest. Distances and terrain vary, with full support and flexibility built in. You’ll carry only a daypack, and pacing is adapted to the group.Highlights include:
Gentle introductory days
Scenic countryside walks
A few mountain sections for those comfortable with moderate terrain
Recovery and travel days woven in intentionally
Walking details are shared in advance so you can choose with confidence.
🗓 Itinerary at a Glance
✔️ What’s Included
Roundtrip international airfare (LAX–KIX–LAX)
English-speaking mountain guide throughout
All accommodations (ryokan, minshuku, hotels, shukubo)
Daily breakfast and dinner
Private airport transfers
All ground transportation
Temple and museum admissions
Forwarding of one piece of luggage
❌ Not Included
Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Tips for guides and drivers ($8/day)
Personal expenses or meals not listed
📌 Reservations
Call Catherine at Tarzana Tour & Travel: 626-380-7948
Email passport copy to: catherine@tarzanatour.com
$500 deposit required to secure your spot (non-refundable)
A final note
This pilgrimage is not about completing something.
It’s about entering the path with care, pleasure, and presence—and allowing Japan to reveal itself, one beautiful day at a time.
In the current global climate, we strongly recommend all guests purchase flight and travel insurance to cover all contingencies and nonrefundable deposits and expenses.
Airfares are constantly fluctuating now more than ever, making prices subject to change without prior notice.
A reservation without a deposit does not secure your spot on the trip.
Itinerary Details*:
Difficulty Scale 🟢 Easy · 🟡 Easy–Moderate · 🟠 Moderate
Day 1 – 3 | Tue, Nov 17 – Thu, Nov 19 | USA to Osaka, Japan
Day 3 – Thu, Nov 19 | Arrival in Osaka (D)
Arrival at Kansai International Airport
Nankai Train transfer to Osaka Namba
Explore Namba & Dotonbori
Welcome dinner at local restaurant
Day 4 – Fri, Nov 20 | Osaka → Tokushima | Temple #1 (B, D)
Ryozenji: The traditional starting point of the pilgrimage, founded in the 8th century and associated with Kōbō Daishi (Kūkai); a place of intention-setting for pilgrims.
Walking: ~2 mi
Elevation: ~100 ft
Difficulty: 🟢 Easy
Gentle introduction to the pilgrimage
Day 5 – Sat, Nov 21 | Walk Temples #7–#10 (B, D)
Jūrakuji: Known as the “Temple of Longevity,” traditionally visited to pray for health and long life.
Kumadaniji: A serene forest temple believed to offer protection and spiritual grounding.
Hōrinji: Historically linked to learning and wisdom, once a place of study for monks.
Kirihataji: A hillside temple reached by many steps, symbolizing effort and perseverance early in the journey.
Walking: ~6.5 mi
Elevation: ~600 ft
Difficulty: 🟡 Easy–Moderate
Rolling countryside, steady but manageable
Day 6 – Sun, Nov 22 | Walk Temples #13–#17 (B, D)
Dainichiji: Dedicated to Dainichi Nyorai, representing cosmic wisdom and illumination.
Jōrakuji: A quiet temple associated with rebirth and spiritual renewal.
Kokubunji: One of the provincial temples ordered by Emperor Shōmu to protect the nation.
Kannonji: Dedicated to Kannon, the bodhisattva of compassion.
Idoji: Known for its well said to have been dug by Kōbō Daishi to relieve suffering.
Walking: ~7 mi
Elevation: ~800 ft
Difficulty: 🟡 Easy–Moderate
Longer day with gentle hills and village paths
Day 7 – Mon, Nov 23 | Mountain Trail: Temples #20–#21 (B, D)
Kakurinji: A sacred mountain temple symbolizing introspection and discipline.
Tairyūji: One of the most revered mountain temples, associated with deep spiritual transformation.
Walking: ~5.5 mi
Elevation: ~1,600 ft
Difficulty: 🟠 Moderate
Forested mountain trail and stone steps
Day 8 – Tue, Nov 24 | Tokushima → Matsuyama (B, D)
Travel + castle visit
Walking: ~2 mi
Elevation: ~300 ft
Difficulty: 🟢 Easy. Recovery day
Day 9 – Wed, Nov 25 | Mountain Trail: Temples #44–#45 (B, D)
Daihōji: A forest temple associated with perseverance and quiet resolve.
Iwayaji: Dramatically built into rock cliffs, symbolizing endurance and faith under pressure.
Walking: ~6 mi
Elevation: ~1,400 ft
Difficulty: 🟠 Moderate
Steady ascent and descent, quiet mountain paths
Jōruriji: Known for its peaceful grounds and healing atmosphere.
Yasakaji: A temple traditionally visited to remove obstacles and misfortune.
Sairinji: Associated with protection and safe passage.
Taisanji: Founded to pray for national peace and protection.
Enmeiji: Known for prayers for longevity and well-being.
Walking: ~7.5 mi
Elevation: ~900 ft
Difficulty: 🟠 Moderate
Longest walking day, mixed terrain, well-supported
Day 11 – Fri, Nov 27 | Matsuyama → Hiroshima (B, D)
Ferry + memorial visits
Walking: ~2.5 mi
Elevation: Flat
Difficulty: 🟢 Easy
Day 12 – Sat, Nov 28 | Miyajima Island (B, D)
Walking: ~3–4 mi
Elevation: ~500–650 ft
Difficulty: 🟢 Easy
Optional ropeway, scenic walking
Day 13 – Sun, Nov 29 | Departure (B)
Shinkansen Hiroshima → Shin-Osaka
Limited Express to Kansai International Airport
Depart Osaka (KIX)
Overall Difficulty: 🟡 Easy–Moderate
This journey is designed for travelers who enjoy walking, can manage uneven terrain, and appreciate a well-paced itinerary with vehicle support on challenging days.
* This itinerary is subject to change depending on weather and local conditions, with adjustments made to ensure comfort and safety.
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