The 88 temples of the Shikoku Pilgrimage are sacred sites where Kobo Daishi (also known as Kukai) practised asceticism over 1,200 years ago. The flame of his teachings has been kept alive to this day by the devout faith of his followers.
The 1,400 km pilgrimage route circumnavigates Shikoku and is divided into four stages: awakening in Tokushima, ascetic training in Kochi, enlightenment in Ehime, and nirvana in Kagawa.
The Shikoku Pilgrimage is a journey of self-reflection in which the pilgrim travels alongside Kobo Daishi (dogyo ninin) in search of spiritual enrichment and release from the 88 earthly desires.
Open to people of all faiths and denominations, the pilgrimage invites participants to engage with diverse natural landscapes, from the rugged waves of the Pacific Ocean to the tranquil Seto Inland Sea, and from Shikoku’s steep mountains to peaceful rural scenery. Along the way, pilgrims are encouraged to leave behind worldly concerns, immerse themselves in nature, and embrace the joy of life through encounters with both people and the environment.
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