A Walking Tour of Shikoku Ohenro Pilgrimage
The Shikoku Ohenro Pilgrimage route is a walking trail that connects temple-to-temple spanning 1,200km in Shikoku.The Shikoku Ohenro Pilgrimage, which starts from Tokushima, passes through small towns, mountains, rivers, beaches, and important cultural spots. Kūkai, popularly known as Kōbō Daishi locally, is considered to have spent time in the temples along the trail.
At each temple, one can find the main temple hall where the main deity is celebrated. There is also another temple dedicated to Kōbō Daishi. Pilgrims, known as Ohenro-san, offer prayers at both temples.
There are 88 temples in total, with those in Tokushima (Temples 1 – 23) considered to be in the “Awakening” period of Kōbō Daishi. The temples in Kōchi Prefecture (Temples 24 – 39) are in the “Ascetic Training” period. Temples in Ehime (Temples 40 – 65) are considered to be in the “Enlightenment” period, while those in Kagawa (Temples 66 – 88) are considered to be in the “Nirvana” period of Kōbō Daishi.
At Explore Japan, we offer arrangements for Shikoku Ohenro Pilgrimage walking tours, both guided and self-guided. Please contact us for more details.