Shikoku: The Japanese Island of Pilgrimage and Spirituality

TAKAMATSU, Japan, March 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Shikoku, although the smallest of Japan's main islands, plays a huge role in the country's spiritual heritage. It's home to the legendary 88-temple pilgrimage (Shikoku Henro) — a 1,200-kilometer circular route with 88 official temples, where the Buddhist priest Kūkai is believed to have trained. Shikoku also hosts some of Japan's most dramatic and beautiful nature, a rich and vibrant culinary, arts and crafts history, and is, ultimately, a location packed with a spectrum of activities and must-visit destinations.

Tokushima Prefecture
Ryozen Temple
Ryozen-ji Temple, the first stop on the Shikoku Pilgrimage, marks the beginning of the 1,200-kilometer spiritual journey encompassing 88 temples. Located in Tokushima Prefecture, it features a tranquil koi (carp) pond, a pagoda, and a main hall adorned with hanging lanterns. Pilgrims start here, purchasing traditional clothing and collecting their first stamp. Though attributed to Gyoki, the temple also honors Kūkai, the pilgrimage's founder. Its serene beauty often inspires visitors to begin the journey, with the second temple, Gokuraku-ji, just over a kilometer away — an appropriate beginning for the path of devotion.

Kochi Prefecture
Muroto Mountain / Hotsumisaki temple
Cape Muroto, shaped by volcanic activity, wind, and sea, is a UNESCO Global Geopark renowned for its dramatic rock formations and subtropical vegetation. Visitors can walk the coastal trail, spotting ancient sea creature fossils along the way. The cape offers a rare view of both sunrise and sunset from the same spot, with a heart-shaped monument at the viewing platform. It is also a vital stop on the Shikoku Pilgrimage as the tip of the cape plays host to the 24th temple, Hotsumisaki-ji, where famed Buddhist monk Kūkai is said to have attained enlightenment in Mikurodo Cave.

Ehime Prefecture
Iwaya Temple
Iwaya-ji Temple, Shikoku's 45th pilgrimage site, is a sacred mountain temple known for its dramatic rock formations and serene atmosphere. Situated 700 meters above sea level, the temple appears embedded in a massive rock face, creating a transcendental setting. Its Daishi-dō hall is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property, while the surrounding Japanese horse chestnut grove is recognized as one of Japan's Top 100 Natural Spots. Visitors can participate in meditation, sutra copying, and Buddha tracing experiences. On the 28th of each month, goma fire rituals honor the temple's hidden deity, adding to its spiritual appeal.

Kagawa Prefecture
Okubo Temple
Okubo-ji Temple, the 88th and final stop on the renowned Shikoku Pilgrimage, holds deep spiritual significance for pilgrims completing their journey. Located in Kagawa Prefecture, it offers a serene setting for reflection, with Mount Nyotai towering in the background. The temple features 88 statues representing each pilgrimage temple and a room under Daishi Hall for quiet contemplation. Pilgrims often leave their walking sticks here, symbolizing the end of their spiritual quest. The temple is particularly attractive in November, when its ancient buildings are framed by beautiful autumn foliage.

SOURCE Tourism Shikoku