Japan Walking & Hiking Tour: Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage with Airfare
- franceschau
- Sep 18
- 4 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Join us for Part 2 of the sacred Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage in Japan, where we continue our journey of the heart and spirit. Having visited 29 temples in Part 1, we now set out to explore another 27 temples across the Tokushima Prefecture, known as the path of "Awakening," and the Ehime Prefecture, symbolizing "Enlightenment." This unique trip is open to returning pilgrims wishing to complete more of the trail, as well as newcomers eager to immerse themselves in Japanese culture and experience the deeper rhythms of walking pilgrimage. We will also visit historic Hiroshima and witness the iconic floating torii gate at Itsukushima Shrine—a powerful symbol of Japan’s spiritual beauty.
Type and trip level: This tour features 6 days of walking and hikingfrom 2.5 to 5 hours per day, on quiet town and country roads and unpaved forest trails. Pilgrims should feel comfortable walking both forested mountain paths and paved village roads, as the journey weaves through nature and everyday life. While on the trails you carry a small to medium daypack.
Public transport in the rural areas of Shikoku is limited and we will travel mainly by bus, but we will still enjoy walking along the ancient route from temple to temple through countryside and forest. We will stay in traditional country inns enjoying regional cuisine prepared from local ingredients from the island, soak in natural hot springs, and enjoy the exceptional hospitality of our hosts.
History: The fourth-largest of Japan's islands, Shikoku is home to the 88 Temple Pilgrimage Trail. Fascinating aspects of this deeply spiritual route include how little is known of its origins, and its mysterious connection with Kobo Daishi, founder of Shingon Buddhism. Pilgrims have walked the trails for 1200 years and even today we will see pilgrims in their distinctive attire and white cloaks throughout the island. The full pilgrimage route encircles Shikoku and connects 88 Buddhist temples, covering more than a thousand kilometers. Pilgrims, known in Japanese as Ohenro, traditionally did the journey from temple to temple on foot over many weeks. However, we do not have a couple free months to make the trek, so we will visit fewer temples at this time, which is called kugiri-uchi.
Pilgrimage Routes: Tokushima in the east, and Ehime in the west.
Travel Date: 11/17/26 – 11/29/26
Price: $6,885
Trip Highlights:
⛩ Visit 27 sacred temples along the Shikoku Pilgrimage route, continuing the journey from Part 1
🌿 Walk through serene forest trails and quiet village streets—ideal for those comfortable with both natural and paved terrain
🌀 Experience Tokushima (“Awakening”) and Ehime (“Enlightenment”)—two prefectures rich with spiritual energy
⛩ Witness the iconic floating torii gate at Itsukushima Shrine—one of Japan’s most revered spiritual landmarks
🕊 Visit Hiroshima, a deeply moving city of remembrance, peace, and resilience
💫 Open to both returning pilgrims and new seekers ready to explore Japan’s spiritual traditions through mindful walking
Itinerary at a Glance:
Day 1 & 3 (Tue, 11.17 – Thu, 11.19): LAX – KIX, Osaka
Day 3 (Thu, 11.19): Arrival in KIX, take the ferry from Wakayama to Tokushima city (Tokushima prefecture). Temple 1 (D)
Day 4 (Fri, 11.20): Temple 7 – 10 (B.D)
Day 5 (Sat, 11.21): Temple 13 – 19 (B.D)
Day 6 (Sun, 11.22): Temple 20 – 23 (B.D)
Day 7 (Mon, 11.23): Transfer and half day rest (Ehime prefecture) (B.D)
Day 8 (Tue, 11.24): Temple 44, 45 (B.D)
Day 9 (Wed, 11.25): Temple 46 – 48, 52, 53 (B.D)
Day 10 (Thu, 11.26): Temple 54 – 59
Day 11 (Fri, 11.27): Ferry Matsuyama to Hiroshima, visit Peace Park and Museum (B.D)
Day 12 (Sat, 11.28): Miyashima all day sightseeing (B.D)
Day 13 (Sun, 11.29): Shinkansen – Osaka – KIX – LAX (B)
Price Includes:
International flights from LAX – KIX – LAX
Full-time services of an English-speaking mountain guide
Lodging Includes traditional ryokan inns, minshuku (similar B&B), hotels, and shukubo temple lodging (which can allow visitors to observe and participate in temple rituals). Some accommodations also have onsen so we can enjoy a relaxing soak.
Daily breakfast & dinners
Private pick up and drop off from and to airport
All transportation between tour locations
Entrance to museums, temples and other sights on the group's itinerary
Forwarding of one item of luggage to next locations
Price Excludes:
Travel insurance
Tipping: $10 person/day for driver(s) and guide(s). To be collected prior to the trip
Personal expenses/meals/sightseeing that are not listed in itinerary
Making Reservations:
Call Catherine at Tarzana Tour and Travel at 626-380-7948
Email a copy of your passport to catherine@tarzanatour.com
By putting your deposit, you have read and agreed to the following:
Reservation Deadline & Cancellation Policy ($500 deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable)
IMPORTANT NOTE:
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:
To be posted soon...
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