06/09/2025
🌄 1. What is the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage?
The Shikoku Henro (四国遍路), also known as the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, is one of the most famous Buddhist pilgrimage routes in Japan. Its origin is deeply connected to Kōbō Daishi (Kūkai), a revered monk from the Heian period.
• “Shikoku” refers to Japan’s fourth-largest island, made up of four prefectures: Tokushima, Kagawa, Ehime, and Kōchi.
• “88” represents the 88 Buddhist temples scattered across Shikoku Island that are associated with Kōbō Daishi.
• Pilgrims traditionally visit these temples in a specific order, forming a circular route known as “completing the vow” (結願, kegansuru).
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📜 2. Origin of the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage:
1. Kūkai’s Life and Legends (9th century)
• Kōbō Daishi (Kūkai) (774–835) was the founder of the Shingon School of Esoteric Buddhism in Japan.
• He was born in Shikoku and is believed to have trained and meditated at many sacred sites throughout the island, especially in places like Cape Muroto (in Kōchi) and Temple 12: Shōsan-ji (in Tokushima).
• Over time, temples connected with his life and teachings were collected into a pilgrimage route of 88 official sites.
💡 Why the number 88?
One interpretation is that 88 symbolizes the number of worldly desires or “defilements” in human life. The pilgrimage is a spiritual journey to overcome these attachments.
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🗺️ 3. The Pilgrimage Route and Sequence:
• The traditional pilgrimage starts at Temple No. 1: Ryōzen-ji (霊山寺) in Tokushima Prefecture and follows a clockwise route, ending at Temple No. 88: Ōkubo-ji (大窪寺) in Kagawa Prefecture.
• The full route is about 1,200 kilometers (745 miles) long.
• Walking the full route takes 40 to 60 days.
• It can also be done by bicycle, car, or public transport.
• Pilgrims are called “Ohenro-san” (お遍路さん) and traditionally wear:
• White robes
• Conical hats
• Walking staffs
• Symbolizing traveling together with Kōbō Daishi (called “Dōgyō Ninin” - “two traveling as one”).
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🛕 4. Religious and Cultural Significance:
1. Spiritual Practice: Each temple represents a stage of spiritual development. The pilgrimage helps purify the mind and body.
2. Faith in Kōbō Daishi: Pilgrims believe Kōbō Daishi walks with them spiritually, offering guidance and protection.
3. Cultural Exchange and Hospitality: The pilgrimage preserves local traditions and the culture of “Osettai”, where locals offer gifts or help to pilgrims out of kindness.
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🧭 5. Modern Relevance:
• Today, people from all walks of life—religious or not—take on the pilgrimage for reasons such as:
• Healing
• Life transitions
• Spiritual or personal reflection
• The route has even inspired or connected with other global pilgrimages like:
• The Camino de Santiago in Spain
• Korea’s Ollegil or Temple routes
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