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Shikoku Temple Pilgrimage - On Tour with Ben

The latest in our Talk Japan series takes us on a virtual guided tour to Shikoku, the smallest of Japan’s four main islands, and the Henro, or Shikoku Temple Pilgrimage. This spiritual trail, which circles the island for over 1,200 kilometres (746 miles) linking 88 Buddhist temples, is heavily associated with Kukai (774-835), the founder of the esoteric Shingon Buddhist sect. He is widely revered in Japan and also often referred to as Kobo Daishi.


The pilgrimage began in the later Heian Period (794-1185) and has since become an ingrained part of Shikoku’s culture and society. It is also popular to this day beckoning pilgrims of all ages and denominations, each undertaking the journey in their own way and for their own reasons, although connected and strengthened in the belief that Kukai walks beside them, supporting, protecting, and when needed, encouraging their efforts and answering their prayers. Traditionally made on foot, in the modern era many also make the journey by bus, car, motorbike and bicycle. 


Our virtual experience of the Shikoku Temple Pilgrimage tour is in the expert company of Ben Corbett, veteran Walk Japan Tour Leader, and is most definitely at a figurative walking pace. Ben takes us through Shikoku’s tranquil and verdant landscape of farming countryside, forested mountains, deep river valleys, to its coast where the shimmering Pacific Ocean stretches out to an endless horizon. En route, we delve into Shikoku’s history including Kūkai and Shingon Buddhism. its geography, cuisine, the practices and customs of modern day pilgrims and how we engage in the spirit of pilgrimage on this tour.

Mar 20, 2023 11:00 AM in Osaka, Sapporo, Tokyo