Day 1: Arrive Tokushima — Pilgrimage Preparation
Arrive at Tokushima Airport. Transfer to accommodation. Orientation and pilgrimage preparation: receive traditional pilgrim attire — white hakui jacket, sugegasa sedge hat, and wagesa stole. Learn pilgrimage etiquette, proper sutra chanting, and the significance of the nokyocho stamp book. Welcome dinner at a local izakaya.
Days 2-3: The First Temples — Walking the Hendo Trail
Begin walking from Ryozenji (Temple 1) along the ancient pilgrim path (henro michi). Visit temples 1 through 12 — each with unique architecture and history. Walk through terraced farmlands and bamboo groves. Receive osettai (gifts of hospitality) from local residents who have supported pilgrims for centuries. Overnights in temple lodgings and traditional minshuku. Daily walking: 15-20km.
Day 4: Temples 13-17 — Mountain Hermitages
Tackle the pilgrimage’s first mountain pass. Visit Dainichiji (Temple 13) through Jorakuji (Temple 14) and Kokubunji (Temple 15) — the provincial temple established by Emperor Shomu in 741 AD. Continue to Kanonji (Temple 16) and Idoji (Temple 17) in the mountains. The trail passes through ancient cedar forests with views to the Pacific. Overnight at a mountainside temple lodging.
Day 5: Pacific Coast Walking — Temples 18-23
Walk the dramatic Pacific coastline section. Visit Onzanji (Temple 18), Tatsueji (Temple 19), and Kakurinji (Temple 20) perched on coastal cliffs. Continue to Tairyuji (Temple 21) — one of the most spectacular locations, reached by Japan’s longest ropeway. Afternoon at Byodoji (Temple 22) and Yakuoji (Temple 23). Overnight at a coastal minshuku with fresh seafood dinner.
Day 6: Tokushima to Kochi — Ferry & Rest
Morning ferry across to Kochi Prefecture — the largest of Shikoku’s four provinces and home to temples 24-39. Rest day or gentle exploration of Kochi city: visit Kochi Castle (one of Japan’s 12 original castles) and the Sunday Market — running continuously for 300 years. Afternoon: short walk to Zenjibuji (Temple 32).
Day 7: Iya Valley — Hidden Japan
Journey deep into the Iya Valley — one of Japan’s three most remote regions, known as “Hidden Japan.” Cross the famous Iya vine bridges suspended high above turquoise rivers. Visit Ochiai Village — a beautifully preserved mountainside hamlet of thatched-roof farmhouses. Afternoon: visit a small temple off the main pilgrimage route. Overnight at a farmhouse minshuku.
Day 8: Pacific Pilgrim Path — Temples 33-39
Walk the coastal section in Kochi — temples 33 (Sekkeiji) through 39 (Enkoji). This is where the pilgrimage hugs the Pacific shore with sweeping ocean views. Visit the temple where the famous haiku poet Masaoka Shiki composed poems about the pilgrimage. Overnight in a fishing village minshuku.
Day 9: Matsuyama & Ishiteji (Temple 51)
Journey to Matsuyama — Shikoku’s largest city. Visit Ishiteji (Temple 51) — one of the most important temples on the circuit, named “Stone Hand Temple” after a miraculous legend. The temple complex includes a mysterious cave passage through the mountain. Afternoon: visit Dogo Onsen, Japan’s oldest hot spring bathhouse (3,000 years), said to have inspired Spirited Away.
Day 10: Temples 52-53 & Completion Ceremony
Visit Taisanji (Temple 52) and Enmyoji (Temple 53) in the Matsuyama area. Afternoon: pilgrimage completion ceremony at Ishiteji — receive a special completion stamp and blessing from the temple priest. You’ve walked sections of the 1,200km circuit that few foreigners ever experience. Farewell dinner at a traditional restaurant.
Day 11: Departure
Transfer to Matsuyama Airport. Depart Shikoku with your pilgrimage stamp book — a sacred record of your 12-century-old walking pilgrimage through Japan’s spiritual heartland.
