The Shikoku Pilgrimage
Some sacred sites along the route Temple 1, Ryōzenji
Over the centuries many people have begun their journey around Shikoku at this temple. In the past, pilgrims from Osaka would come by boat and arrive at Muya port - 13 kilometers east of Ryōzenji - and travel along the “Muya Kaido” (road) to here.
Look for the building beside the main gate that groups from Wakayama have used to hand out mikans (mandarin oranges) to pilgrims in the spring for hundreds of years.
Temple 21, Tairyūji
During the 8th century, the renowned Buddhist priest Kukai (also known as Kobo Daishi, 774-835) trained on the mountain where this temple is located. In fact, today there is a statue of him sitting on a rock overlooking the valley towards the ocean.
Visitors can walk a forest trail or take a cable car - the longest in Western Japan - to visit the massive temple grounds with numerous historical buildings. On a clear day, the view of the surrounding forests and mountains is amazing.
Right photo: Cable car station on the left, statue of Kōbō Daishi on the right.
Temple 11 Fujiidera to Temple 12, Shosanji
The 12-kilometer walking route between these two temples is one of the most arduous along the Shikoku Pilgrimage. There are many ascents and descents, but there are some interesting spots along the way to take a break including a place where in the past pilgrims could stay overnight and a place with a large of statue of Kobo Daishi.
Shosanji (elev 700m) like Tairyuji is a temple located on a mountain with numerous large buildings and massive cedar trees, and at both places Kukai is said to have banished a dragon that tormented the local people into a cave.
(Left colorized photo: Shosanji from approx. 100 years ago.
During my studies at Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto in the early 1990s, I developed a keen interest in Japanese legends and was surprised to discover countless stories about the renowned Buddhist priest Kūkai (774-835), who established Shingon Buddhism in Japan. Several years later, when I entered graduate school at the University of British Columbia, I initially thought that I would investigate the life of Kūkai and why he is so well-known around Japan, but I changed the focus of my research toward the 1,200-kilomter pilgrimage around the island of Shikoku, which he is believed to have completed at the age of forty-two. In 2001, I relocated to Tokushima to work and live, and since then, have participated in a wide variety of activities related to the Shikoku Pilgrimage. With over twenty-five years of experience as a teacher, researcher, and guide in this field, I am confident that I can offer unique and interesting information to anyone interested in experiencing part or all of this pilgrimage route.
For further information about me and my research, please look at this 3min video made by the Tokushima prefectural government in 2016.
David Moreton
Inbound Division, Anabuki Travel
Contact us for a free consultation
It is feasible to undertake a solo journey along the Shikoku pilgrimage route and visit the sacred sites independently. However, the inclusion of a knowledgeable English-speaking guide who possesses a comprehensive understanding of the pilgrimage and Shikoku will undoubtedly elevate the experience to a significantly higher level. At Anabuki Travel, we specialize in the creation of bespoke pilgrimage tours that traverse this remarkable ancient route. Our services are tailored to the specific requirements and availability of each client, ensuring a personalized and fulfilling experience. We invite you to contact us for further information and to discuss how we can assist you in planning your journey.
