Day 1: Arrive Osaka
Arrive at Kansai International Airport. Transfer to hotel. Evening welcome briefing. Explore Dotonbori’s neon-lit canal and sample Osaka’s legendary street food — takoyaki and okonomiyaki. Overnight in Osaka.
Day 2: Himeji Castle & Shimanami Kaido
Morning bullet train to Himeji. Visit Himeji Castle — Japan’s most magnificent feudal fortress, the “White Heron Castle,” a UNESCO World Heritage site. Afternoon: cross the spectacular Shimanami Kaido — a chain of bridges connecting Honshu to Shikoku Island across the Seto Inland Sea. Panoramic views of scattered islands and traditional fishing villages. Arrive in Takamatsu, Shikoku.
Day 3: Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage Begins
Begin your Shikoku pilgrimage journey. Visit Ryozenji (Temple 1) — where the 1,200km circular pilgrimage route begins, established by the monk Kobo Daishi (Kukai) over 1,200 years ago. Continue to Gokurakuji (Temple 2) and Konsenji (Temple 3). Receive your nokyocho (pilgrimage stamp book) and collect your first temple stamps. Afternoon: visit Zentsuji — the temple built on Kobo Daishi’s birthplace. Evening in Kotohira.
Day 4: Naruto Whirlpools & Takamatsu
Morning visit to Ritsurin Garden — one of Japan’s finest feudal gardens, a masterpiece of landscape design. Cross to Naruto to witness the famous Naruto Whirlpools — massive tidal vortexes in the Naruto Strait, viewed from the glass-floored Uzu-no-Michi walkway. Afternoon return to Takamatsu for free exploration of the harbor district.
Day 5: Sacred Mount Koya (Koyasan)
Journey by train and cable car to Mount Koya — the sacred mountain monastery complex founded by Kobo Daishi in 816 AD, home to over 100 temples. Visit Okunoin — Japan’s largest cemetery with 200,000 tombstones leading to Kobo Daishi’s mausoleum where he is believed to be in eternal meditation. Evening: stay in a shukubo (temple lodging) — sleep on tatami mats, enjoy shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine), and participate in morning prayers with monks.
Day 6: Kumano Kodo — Ancient Pilgrimage Trail
Descend from Mount Koya into the sacred mountains of the Kii Peninsula. Begin walking the Kumano Kodo — a UNESCO World Heritage pilgrimage route used for over 1,000 years by emperors, samurai, and commoners. Hike the Daimonzaka section — a beautiful stone-paved path through ancient cedar forest leading to Kumano Nachi Taisha, with Japan’s tallest waterfall (133m) as its backdrop. Overnight at a traditional ryokan with onsen.
Day 7: Kumano Hongu Taisha & Hayatama Taisha
Visit Kumano Hongu Taisha — headquarters of all Kumano shrines, marked by the world’s largest torii gate (33.9m). Continue to Kumano Hayatama Taisha, home to a sacred 800-year-old Nagi tree. Receive your Dual Pilgrim certificate if you’ve also walked the Camino de Santiago. Afternoon: journey along the rugged Kii Peninsula coast toward Ise.
Day 8: Ise Grand Shrine — Soul of Japan
Visit Ise Grand Shrine (Ise Jingu) — Japan’s most sacred Shinto sanctuary. The Naiku (Inner Shrine) houses the Sacred Mirror, one of Japan’s three Imperial Regalia, and is dedicated to Amaterasu — the sun goddess and mythical ancestor of the Imperial family. The shrine is rebuilt every 20 years in a tradition dating back 1,300 years. Walk the sacred Uji Bridge and the ancient forest paths. Afternoon return to Osaka. Farewell kaiseki dinner.
Day 9: Departure
Transfer to Kansai International Airport. Depart with your pilgrimage stamp book, temple memories, and perhaps a Dual Pilgrim certificate.
