Walk Japan’s Sacred Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage

Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage Hiking

Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage Hiking Trip

Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage Hiking Trip

Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage Hiking

Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage Hiking

Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage Hiking

Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage Hiking

Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage Hiking

Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage Hiking

Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage Hiking

Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage Hiking

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 selected 4* high-standard hotels and traditional inns, many featuring onsen for restful evenings.

• Travel with greater ease at a more relaxed pace, supported by seamless logistics, 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

• Day 1–3: LAX → Osaka (KIX)

• Day 4: Osaka → Tokushima | Temple #1

• Days 5–7: Walking pilgrimage days (Temples #7–#23)

• Day 8: Transfer to Matsuyama | Rest & sightseeing

• Days 9–10: Walking pilgrimage days (Temples #44–#59)

• Day 11: Matsuyama → Hiroshima

• Day 12: Miyajima Island

• Day 13: Departure from Osaka (KIX)

✔️ What’s Included

• Roundtrip international airfare (LAX–KIX–LAX)

• English-speaking mountain guide throughout

• All 4* accommodations

  • 1 night at Hotel Royal Classic Osaka

  • 4 nights at Hotel Sunroute Tokushima

  • 2 nights at ANA Crowne Plaza Matsuyama

  • 1 night at Yamatoya Honten, Matsuyama

  • 2 nights at RIHGA Royal Hotel Hiroshima

• 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

Overnight at Hotel Royal Classic Osaka

Day 4 – Fri, Nov 20 | Osaka → Tokushima | Temple #1 (B, D)

• Temple #1 – Ryozen-ji (霊山寺) The sacred starting point of the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage. Ryozen-ji marks the formal beginning of the journey, where pilgrims receive their first stamp and set their intention for the path ahead.

Walking: ~2 mi

Elevation: ~100 ft

Difficulty: 🟢 Easy

Gentle introduction to the pilgrimage

Overnight at Hotel Sunroute Tokushima

Day 5 – Sat, Nov 21 | Walk Temples #7–#10 (B, D)

• Temple #7 – Juroku-ji (十楽寺) Known as the “Temple of Ten Joys,” it symbolizes the blessings of spiritual and worldly happiness gained through sincere practice.

  Temple #8 – Kumadani-ji (熊谷寺) Distinguished by its impressive wooden gate, this temple reflects strength, protection, and steady progress along the pilgrim path.

  Temple #9 – Horin-ji (法輪寺) Associated with the Dharma Wheel, Horin-ji represents the turning of Buddhist teachings and the unfolding of wisdom.

  Temple #10 – Kirihata-ji (切幡寺) Set on a hillside reached by a long stone stairway, this temple symbolizes dedication and effort, reminding pilgrims that perseverance brings spiritual growth.

Walking: 10.5km / ~6.5 mi

Elevation: ~600 ft

Difficulty: 🟡 Easy–Moderate

Rolling countryside, steady but manageable

Overnight at Hotel Sunroute Tokushima

Day 6 – Sun, Nov 22 | Walk Temples #13–#19 (B, D)

• Temple #13 – Dainichiji (大日寺)Dedicated to Dainichi Nyorai, embodying cosmic wisdom and illumination. A place for awakening insight and clarity.

• Temple #14 – Joraku-ji (常楽寺)A serene temple associated with rebirth and spiritual renewal, inviting quiet reflection and inner transformation.

• Temple #15 – Kokubun-ji (国分寺)One of the provincial temples established by Emperor Shōmu to protect the nation, representing harmony between state and faith.

• Temple #16 – Kannon-ji (観音寺)Dedicated to Kannon, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, offering blessings of mercy and loving-kindness.

• Temple #17 – Ido-ji (井戸寺)Known for its sacred well, said to have been dug by Kōbō Daishi to relieve suffering, symbolizing purification and healing.

• Temple #18 – Onzan-ji (恩山寺)Associated with gratitude and filial devotion, traditionally connected to Kōbō Daishi’s mother, and a place to honor family blessings.

• Temple #19 – Tatsue-ji (立江寺)A temple of repentance and purification, regarded as a spiritual checkpoint for reflection before continuing the pilgrimage.

Walking: 8.4km / ~5.2 mi

Elevation: ~800 ft

Difficulty:  🟡 Easy–Moderate

Longer day with gentle hills and village paths

Overnight at Hotel Sunroute Tokushima

Day 7 – Mon, Nov 23 | Mountain Trail: Temples #20–#23 (B, D)

• Temple #20 – Kakurin-ji (鶴林寺) Perched high in the mountains and known as “The Crane Forest Temple,” this sacred site is associated with ascetic training and perseverance, offering expansive views and a deep sense of spiritual discipline.

  Temple #21 – Tairyu-ji (太龍寺) Nestled on Mount Tairyū, this dramatic temple is reached high above the forested valley and is linked to Kōbō Daishi’s early training. A place of strength, devotion, and mountain mysticism.

• Temple #22 – Byodo-ji (平等寺)A peaceful temple whose name means “Equality Temple,” symbolizing compassion without distinction. It offers a quiet space for reflection and balanced awareness.

• Temple #23 – Yakuo-ji (薬王寺)Dedicated to Yakushi Nyorai, the Medicine Buddha, this temple is associated with healing and protection from misfortune. Pilgrims climb its stone steps in prayer for health, renewal, and safe passage forward.

Walking: 9.5km / ~5.9 mi

Elevation: ~1,300 ft

Difficulty: 🟠 Moderate

Forested mountain trail and stone steps

Overnight at Hotel Sunroute Tokushima

Day 8 – Tue, Nov 24 | Tokushima → Matsuyama (B, D)

Travel + castle visit

Walking: ~2 mi

Overnight at  ANA Crowne Plaza Matsuyama

Day 9 – Wed, Nov 25 | Mountain Trail: Temples #44–#48 (B, D)

• Temple #44 – Daiho-ji (大寶寺) Surrounded by ancient cedar forest, this serene temple invites quiet contemplation. Its moss-covered grounds and mountain setting create a peaceful atmosphere of retreat and renewal.

• Temple #45 – Iwaya-ji (岩屋寺) Dramatically set against towering cliffs, this temple is known for its striking rock formations and cave sanctuaries, symbolizing spiritual resilience and the power of nature.

• Temple #46 – Joruri-ji (浄瑠璃寺) A graceful temple associated with the Pure Land tradition, offering a tranquil garden setting that reflects harmony, balance, and spiritual clarity.

• Temple #47 – Yasaka-ji (八坂寺) Known for its quiet charm and welcoming atmosphere, this temple represents purification and steady progress along the pilgrim path.

• Temple #48 – Sairin-ji (西林寺) Associated with water purification rituals, this temple offers a reflective pause, symbolizing cleansing and renewal before continuing the journey.

Walking: 9.3km / ~5.8 mi

Elevation: ~820 ft

Difficulty: 🟠 Moderate

Steady ascent and descent, quiet mountain paths

Overnight at  ANA Crowne Plaza Matsuyama

Day 10 – Thu, Nov 26 | Walk Temples #52–#59 (B, D)

• Temple #52 – Taisan-ji (太山寺) A historic temple with ancient wooden halls and traditional architecture, representing endurance and the deep cultural heritage of the pilgrimage.

• Temple #53 – Enmei-ji (円明寺) A welcoming temple known for prayers for longevity and well-being. Its peaceful setting offers a gentle pause as pilgrims continue through Ehime.

• Temple #54 – Enmyo-ji (延命寺) Associated with extended life and protection, this temple represents blessings for health and safe travels along the pilgrimage path.

• Temple #55 – Nankobo (南光坊) Distinct for its temple gate and vibrant atmosphere, Nankōbō reflects both spiritual devotion and the living community surrounding the pilgrimage.

• Temple #56 – Taisan-ji (泰山寺) A historic temple linked to legends of filial devotion, symbolizing gratitude, protection, and heartfelt prayers for family.

• Temple #57 – Eifuku-ji (栄福寺) Known for its connection to maritime safety, this temple offers blessings for safe journeys by land and sea, reflecting Shikoku’s coastal spirit.

• Temple #58 – Senyu-ji (仙遊寺) Set high above the Seto Inland Sea, this hillside temple provides sweeping views and a sense of spiritual elevation and insight.

• Temple #59 – Kokubun-ji (国分寺) One of the provincial temples established by Emperor Shōmu, representing national harmony, cultural heritage, and the enduring legacy of Buddhism in Japan.

Walking: 10.8km / ~6.8 mi

Elevation: ~900 ft

Difficulty: 🟠 Moderate

Longest walking day, mixed terrain, well-supported

Overnight at Yamatoya Honten, Matsuyama

Day 11 – Fri, Nov 27 | Matsuyama → Hiroshima (B, D)

Ferry + Peace memorial & musuem visits

Walking: ~2.5 mi

Overnight at RIHGA Royal Hotel Hiroshima

Day 12 – Sat, Nov 28 | Miyajima Island (B, D)

Walking: ~3–4 mi

Elevation: ~500–650 ft

Difficulty: 🟢 Easy

Optional ropeway, scenic walking

Overnight at RIHGA Royal Hotel Hiroshima

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.