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The Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage stands out as one of the world's few circular holy walks, linking 88 Shingon Buddhist temples across Shikoku Island over 1,200 kilometers through four prefectures. Walkers follow the footsteps of 9th-century monk Kobo Daishi, blending physical endurance with spiritual rituals like temple stamps and chants. Unlike linear treks, it returns pilgrims to the start, symbolizing life's cycle.
Core experiences include collecting goshuin stamps at each temple, staying in shukubo lodgings with monk-led vegetarian meals, and navigating coastal paths, mountain ascents, and rural roads. Top segments span Tokushima's first 23 temples, Kochi's rugged interior from 24-39, Ehime's 40-65 with onsen soaks, and Kagawa's 66-88 finale. Add 20 bekkaku side temples for deeper immersion.
Walk March-May or October-November to dodge summer heat and typhoons, with daily hikes of 20-30km gaining 22,000m elevation total. Expect road walking, village interactions, and variable weather; train fitness for long days. Prepare with maps, as signage aids jun-ichi clockwise direction.
Henro pilgrims don white attire, fostering encounters with locals offering osettai like food or rides, rooted in Kobo Daishi's legacy. Communities in Tokushima and Kochi sustain the tradition through festivals and minshuku support. Insiders reverse the route (gyaku-uchi) for solitude or join guided tours for history lessons.
Plan 40-60 days for the full 1,200km walking route starting at Temple 1 in Tokushima, or segment into prefectures over weeks. Book shukubo temple lodgings months ahead via apps like Henro Navi, especially in peak spring. Purchase the nokyocho stamp book at Ryōzenji for JPY 300 to collect temple seals.
Wear white henro robes and conical hat for cultural immersion and osettai alms from locals. Pack rain gear for Shikoku's frequent showers and lightweight backpack for mountain stages. Carry cash for rural areas lacking ATMs and learn basic phrases like "goshuin onegai shimasu" for stamps.