Overview

Walk ancient trails to the first 23 temples of the Shikoku Pilgrimage like a real Henro.

This trip is for two or more people seeking an authentic experience of the Shikoku Pilgrimage. You visit all of Tokushima’s 23 numbered temples on foot, with a private car on standby to carry baggage and bridge distances between the trail and accommodation. This route includes walks of 10-15 km per day, with options to shorten or extend them to suit adventurers of all ages and physical capacities.

The route features stays at inns and temple lodging along the pilgrimage trail. While these accommodation are often simple, they’re renowned for being places where people experience Shikoku’s famous hospitality, and for sumptuous home-cooked food. Staying at temples, you also have the opportunity to participate in unforgettable Buddhist rituals.

Tokushima’s pilgrimage trail features stretches of stunning natural beauty as well as walks through towns and cities. This variety is one of the charms of the pilgrimage. We also offer a Shikoku Pilgrimage with Walks Tour for those seeking a more thorough escape into nature.

This private tour can be booked year round at your own convenience.

Who is this tour for?

This is a private tour for two people or more who like to travel with a guide. It’s for people who want to walk part of the Shikoku Pilgrimage like a pilgrim, visiting every temple and staying in typical pilgrim’s accommodation. If you’re thinking of walking the entire pilgrimage route in manageable sections, this is the place to start.

Some of the walks are tough and so you must be fit enough to maintain a good tempo through the daily ups and downs. You’ll also need to have appropriate clothing and footwear. You stay at temple accommodation that has ensuite toilets, but only a shared bath, so you need to be OK with getting naked with strangers, or flannel bathing in your room.

Important: If you like to walk slowly and don’t enjoy hiking hills, this tour is not for you. Also, the pilgrimage route consists of mixed trails, with sections on mountain tracks, gravel paths, and paved roads. It isn’t all through pristine countryside. If you don’t relish a long hike every day, then the Best of Shikoku Pilgrimage tour will suit you better.