Many people who first hear about the Shikoku 88 Temples Pilgrimage wonder: “What exactly is it? Which temples should I visit?” In short, the Shikoku Pilgrimage is a sacred journey across the island of Shikoku, visiting 88 temples associated with the Buddhist monk Kūkai (Kōbō Daishi). It is one of Japan’s most famous pilgrimages, blending history, spirituality, and the beauty of travel. In this article, we’ll explain the origins and meaning of the pilgrimage, introduce basic knowledge for beginners, provide a complete temple list, and highlight 5 must-visit temples that are especially significant.
- What Is the Shikoku 88 Temples Pilgrimage? Its History and Meaning
- Basic Knowledge for First-Time Pilgrims
- Complete Temple List of the Shikoku 88
- Highlights of the Pilgrimage Experience
- 5 Must-Visit Highlight Temples
- Tips for Enjoying the Pilgrimage
- Conclusion: A Journey to Balance Mind and Body
- A Message from the Guide
What Is the Shikoku 88 Temples Pilgrimage? Its History and Meaning
Origins and the Connection to Kōbō Daishi
The pilgrimage traces back to the Heian period and follows the footsteps of Kōbō Daishi, the founder of the Shingon school of Buddhism. Each temple is believed to be a place where he practiced ascetic training or performed miracles. Over the centuries, pilgrims have walked this route as an act of devotion, seeking spiritual growth and blessings.
Religious and Cultural Significance
The pilgrimage is more than sightseeing—it is an act of prayer, reflection, and gratitude. Pilgrims (henro) traditionally wear white robes, carry a staff, and chant sutras at each temple. The route also preserves local traditions, festivals, and connections between travelers and the communities along the way.
Why It Still Attracts Visitors Today
Even today, thousands of people undertake the pilgrimage each year. Some walk the entire 1,200 km route, while others use buses or cars to visit specific temples. For many, it’s a way to disconnect from daily life, reflect on personal challenges, and enjoy the natural beauty and cultural richness of Shikoku.
Basic Knowledge for First-Time Pilgrims
What Is a Temple (Fudasho)?
Each of the 88 temples is called a fudasho, a designated sacred site with its own number and history. Pilgrims visit them in sequence, starting from Temple 1 and finishing at Temple 88 to achieve “kechigan,” or completion.
Duration and Transportation
Walking the entire pilgrimage takes about 40–60 days, depending on pace. By car or bus, it can be done in 1–2 weeks. Many choose “section pilgrimages,” visiting smaller groups of temples over time.
Essential Items for Beginners
Pilgrim’s Attire and Tools
Traditional attire includes a white vest (hakui), a sash (wagesa), and a wooden staff (kongō-zue). While not mandatory, these items help identify you as a pilgrim and connect you with tradition. Comfortable shoes, rain gear, and small change for donations are also essential.
Goshuin and Pilgrim Book (Nōkyōchō)
At each temple, pilgrims can collect a red stamp and calligraphy in a nōkyōchō (stamp book). This is a cherished record of the journey and a symbol of having received blessings.
Complete Temple List of the Shikoku 88
The 88 temples are spread across the four prefectures of Shikoku: Tokushima, Kōchi, Ehime, and Kagawa. Each region has its own character, from coastal temples to mountain sanctuaries.
Tokushima (Temples 1–23)
- Ryōzen-ji (Naruto)
- Gokuraku-ji (Naruto)
- Konsen-ji (Itano)
- Dainichi-ji (Itano)
- Jizō-ji (Itano)
- Anraku-ji (Kamiita)
- Jūraku-ji (Awa)
- Kumadani-ji (Awa)
- Hōrin-ji (Awa)
- Kirihata-ji (Awa)
- Fujiidera (Yoshinogawa)
- Shōsan-ji (Kamiyama)
- Dainichi-ji (Tokushima)
- Jōraku-ji (Tokushima)
- Kokubun-ji (Tokushima)
- Kannon-ji (Tokushima)
- Idō-ji (Tokushima)
- Onzan-ji (Komatsushima)
- Tatsue-ji (Komatsushima)
- Kakurin-ji (Katsuura)
- Tairyū-ji (Anan)
- Byōdō-ji (Anan)
- Yakuō-ji (Minami)
Kōchi (Temples 24–39)
- Hotsumisaki-ji (Muroto)
- Shinshō-ji (Muroto)
- Kongōchō-ji (Muroto)
- Kōnomine-ji (Aki)
- Dainichi-ji (Aki)
- Kokubun-ji (Nankoku)
- Zenraku-ji (Kōchi)
- Chikurin-ji (Kōchi)
- Zenjibu-ji (Kōchi)
- Sekkei-ji (Kōchi)
- Tanema-ji (Kōchi)
- Seiryū-ji (Tosa)
- Shōryū-ji (Tosa)
- Iwamoto-ji (Shimanto Town)
- Kongōfuku-ji (Tosashimizu)
- Enkō-ji (Sukumo)
Ehime (Temples 40–65)
- Kanjizai-ji (Ainan)
- Ryūkō-ji (Uwajima)
- Butsumoku-ji (Uwajima)
- Meisekiji (Seiyo)
- Daihō-ji (Kumakōgen)
- Iwaya-ji (Kumakōgen)
- Jōruri-ji (Matsuyama)
- Yasaka-ji (Matsuyama)
- Sairin-ji (Matsuyama)
- Jōdo-ji (Matsuyama)
- Hantaji (Matsuyama)
- Ishite-ji (Matsuyama)
- Taisan-ji (Matsuyama)
- Enmyō-ji (Matsuyama)
- Enmei-ji (Imabari)
- Nankōbō (Imabari)
- Taisan-ji (Imabari)
- Eifuku-ji (Imabari)
- Senyū-ji (Imabari)
- Kokubun-ji (Imabari)
- Yokomine-ji (Saijō)
- Kōon-ji (Saijō)
- Hōju-ji (Saijō)
- Kisshō-ji (Saijō)
- Maegami-ji (Saijō)
- Sankaku-ji (Shikokuchūō)
Kagawa (Temples 66–88)
- Unpen-ji (Kanonji/Miyoshi)
- Daikō-ji (Mitoyo)
- Jinne-in (Kanonji)
- Kannon-ji (Kanonji)
- Motoyama-ji (Mitoyo)
- Iyadaniji (Mitoyo)
- Mandara-ji (Zentsuji)
- Shusshaka-ji (Zentsuji)
- Kōyama-ji (Zentsuji)
- Zentsū-ji (Zentsuji)
- Konkō-ji (Zentsuji)
- Dōryū-ji (Tadotsu)
- Gosho-ji (Utazu)
- Tennō-ji (Sakaide)
- Kokubun-ji (Takamatsu)
- Shiramine-ji (Sakaide)
- Negoro-ji (Takamatsu)
- Ichinomiya-ji (Takamatsu)
- Yashima-ji (Takamatsu)
- Yakuri-ji (Takamatsu)
- Shidō-ji (Sanuki)
- Nagao-ji (Sanuki)
- Ōkubo-ji (Sanuki)
Highlights of the Pilgrimage Experience
Spiritual Encounters Along the Way
Walking temple to temple allows pilgrims to meditate, chant, and reflect deeply. Many find inner peace through encounters with locals who support pilgrims along the way.
Nature and Local Culture
The route winds through mountains, coastlines, and rural landscapes. Alongside temples, travelers encounter historic towns, traditional crafts, and warm hospitality.
Local Food and Hot Springs
Part of the charm lies in sampling regional specialties: Sanuki udon in Kagawa, katsuo (bonito) dishes in Kōchi, and citrus fruits in Ehime. Many towns also offer hot springs that refresh tired bodies after long walks.
5 Must-Visit Highlight Temples
Temple 1: Ryōzen-ji – The Starting Point
Known as the “first step” of the pilgrimage, this temple is where most pilgrims begin their journey. It’s an excellent place to purchase pilgrim attire and learn rituals.
Temple 23: Yakuō-ji – Famous for Warding Off Misfortune
Located in Tokushima, this temple is visited by those seeking protection from bad luck and illness. Its stairs symbolize different ages, and climbing them has spiritual meaning.
Temple 51: Ishite-ji – Home to National Treasures
This temple in Matsuyama features historic architecture, Buddhist statues, and a rich cultural atmosphere, making it one of the most visited temples on the route.
Temple 75: Zentsū-ji – Birthplace of Kōbō Daishi
One of the largest and most significant temples, Zentsū-ji is revered as the birthplace of Kōbō Daishi. Its grand temple grounds leave a lasting impression.
Temple 88: Ōkubo-ji – The Final Goal
Known as the temple of completion, Ōkubo-ji represents the fulfillment of the pilgrimage. Pilgrims often feel deep emotion when reaching this sacred site.
Tips for Enjoying the Pilgrimage
Recommended Routes for Beginners
First-timers often start with shorter sections or one prefecture at a time. Traveling in order (Temple 1 to 88) is common, but some choose to reverse the order for symbolic reasons.
The Appeal of Section Pilgrimages
“Section pilgrimages” allow you to complete the route gradually over multiple visits. Each stage gives a sense of accomplishment while building toward the whole.
Accommodation and Etiquette
Pilgrims can stay in inns, guesthouses, and even temple lodgings (shukubō). Respectful behavior is essential: remain quiet in temple grounds, follow photography rules, and observe local customs.
Conclusion: A Journey to Balance Mind and Body
Reaffirming the Value of the Pilgrimage
The Shikoku 88 Temples Pilgrimage offers not only a spiritual journey but also a chance to enjoy Japan’s landscapes and cultural heritage.
The Value of Visiting the Highlight Temples
The five highlighted temples—starting point, milestones, and the final temple—capture the essence of the pilgrimage. Whether you aim to complete all 88 or just visit a few, the journey promises profound meaning and unforgettable experiences.
A Message from the Guide
After completing the pilgrimage to all 88 temples, many people also visit Mount Koya’s Kongobu-ji Temple for a final greeting.
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