5 days pilgrimage Shikoku

5 days Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage

Day 1 Tokushima

The island of Shikoku is known because of its 1400 kilometer long pilgrimage route. The 88-temple pilgrimage was established in the 9th century by the Buddhist saint, Kobo Daishi, the founder of Shingon Zen Buddhism. He visited many of these temples, so this route follows his footsteps. In Tokushima take the local train to Bando station in Naruto. Most pilgrims begin their journey from temple 1, Ryozen-ji, where they also spend the night. Naruto is a coastal town famous for its swirling whirlpools. These can be seen in the Strait of Naruto underneath the Onaruto Bridge connecting Tokushima to Awaji Island. These whirlpools are created by the large volumes of water moving between high and low tide, combined with the unique underwater geography of the narrow strait.

Day 2 Temple 1 till temple 7

Walk the 15 kilometers from the first Ryozenji temple along many other temples to temple number 7. You will spend the night at the stunning Jurakuji temple, where monks will be more than willing to give you a tour.

Day 3 Temple 8 till temple 11

Today you walk 20 kilometers along temple 8, 9 and 10 to the 11th temple: the Fujiidera temple (“wisteria temple”), where you stay the night in a ryokan near the temple. The Fujiidera temple is the first temple on the route south of the Yoshino River. The Fujiidera Temple became a Rinzai Zen Temple in the Edo Period and is one of the only three Zen temples among the 88 temples of the pilgrimage.

Day 4 Temple 12

The route from the Fujiidera temple to the Shozanji 12th temple takes 13 kilometers and has been nicknamed the “pilgrim’s killer”. While the views from the trail are spectacular, with its many ups and downs, this is definitely one of the most tiring hikes. You will feel as if you earned this beautiful temple surrounded by cedar trees, a great spot to spend the night.

Day 5 Temple 13

The route to the 13th Dainichiji temple is 22 kilometers and goes mainly downhill through some nice forests. Not a big deal after yesterday’s tough hike. You have the option of spending the night at the temple or in a hotel in Tokushima, where you can find many restaurants as well.