9-Day Ultimate Shikoku Pilgrimage Walking Tour

Set out on an 8-day retreat through the picturesque island of Shikoku for a culturally and spiritually enlightening experience! Follow in Kukai's footsteps, admire the splendor of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, and gain an understanding of the interesting ancient pilgrim practices. See the best of Shikoku Henro Pilgrimage taking you through the majestic historic treasures around Tokushima, Ehime, and Kagawa Prefectures. Without a doubt, one of the best culturally enriching and spiritual journeys to date!

Tour Highlights

• Experience a spiritual journey following the footsteps of Kukai in 9 days

• Walk along the most picturesque trails of the Shikoku Pilgrimage

• Take in the beautiful and historic temples of the Shikoku Pilgrimage

• Get an insight into the history, sacred sites, and nature of Shikoku Island

• Taste Shikoku’s exquisite local delicacies

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Tokushima

Greet your guide at the designated pick up location.

Visit Temples 1 to 3 of the Shikoku Pilgrimage

Begin your Shikoku Henro Pilgrimage journey with a pleasant introduction to the walks on Shikoku through the quiet neighborhoods of Tokushima. Visit three of the most eye-catching temples on the entire trail, Ryozenji Temple (1st Temple), Gokurakuji Temple (2nd Temple), and Konsenji Temple (3rd Temple). Spend the night in a Shukubo Temple Lodging, as all pilgrims ought to. 

Walking Distance: 5.8 km / 3.6 milesElevation Gain: Negligible Ascent and Descent

Time Required: About 2 Hours

*An optional additional walk along paved roads to Jurakuji Temple (7th Temple) can extend the day by 3 km / 1.9 miles and around 45 minutes.

Day 2

Visit Temples 11 to 12 of the Shikoku Pilgrimage

Start the day with a trip to Fujiidera Temple (11th Temple), situated at the base of an amazing hillside temple complex. Take a challenging hike heading to Shosanji Temple (12th Temple). The entire walk is one of the hardest and longest, but definitely one of the most rewarding because of the picturesque scenery. Continue your journey by walking onwards to Yorii, where you will take a bus to the quaint Onsen village of Kamiyama.

Walking Distance: 19.2 km / 11.9 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,330 m / 4,365 ft of Ascent and 1,210 m / 3,970 ft of Descent

Time Required: About 7-8 Hours

*Reduce the walk to 4-5 hours (10.4 km / 6.5 miles) and avoid the first half of the strenuous ascent up to Mt. Shosanji by taking a taxi. 

Day 3

Visit Temples 20 to 21 of the Shikoku Pilgrimage

Begin the day with a journey to the most beautiful and scenic trail on the entire Shikoku Pilgrimage route. From Kakurinji Temple (20th Temple), the trail descends to the hamlet of Anan, crossing Nakagawa River, and ascending to Tairyuji Temple (21st Temple). Take a scenic cable car ride, offering stunning views over a cedar forest and the village. 

Walking Distance: 8.2 km / 5.1 miles

Elevation Gain: 460 m / 1,510 ft of Ascent and 470 m / 1,540 ft of Descent

Time Required: About 3-4 Hour

Day 4

Visit Temples 82 to 80 of the Shikoku Pilgrimage

Start the day with a trip to Northern Kagawa Prefecture for a rewarding hike through the magnificent Negoroji Temple (82nd Temple), historical Shiromineji Temple (81st Temple), and fascinating Kokubunji Temple (80th Temple). Afterwards, hop on a train to the lovely town of Kotohira where you will spend the night.

Walking Distance: 13.5 km / 8.4 miles

Elevation Gain: 335 m / 1,100 ft of Ascent and 655 m / 2,150 ft of Descent

Time Required: About 5 Hours

*Reduce the walk by 1.5 hours (5.4 km / 3.4 miles) by omitting the round trip section to Shiromineji Temple (81st Temple)

Day 5

Visit Temples 57 to 58 of the Shikoku Pilgrimage

Make your way to Imabari in Northern Ehime and start your hike to Eifukuji Temple (57th Temple). The path gradually transitions from urban townscape to rural farming communities as you enter a forest to climb up Senyuji Temple (58th Temple). You can also take a side trip to Taisanji Temple (56th Temple) before heading to Senyuji Temple’s Shukubo Pilgrims Lodging, where you will spend the night.

Walking Distance: 4.4 km / 2.7 miles

Elevation Gain: 250 m / 820 ft of Ascent and Negligible Descent

Time Required: About 1.5 Hours

Day 6

Visit Temples 57 to 58 of the Shikoku Pilgrimage

Start the day with a walk down the mountain from Senyuji Temple (58th Temple), with the opportunity to explore the charming village along the way. Afterwards, return to the town of Imabari to board a train to Matsuyama. You may opt to extend with an optional hike to Iyo Kokubunji Temple (59th Temple) and try your hand at Sanuki Udon Noodle Making.

Walking Distance: 4.4 km / 2.7 miles

Elevation Gain: Negligible Ascent and 250 m / 820 ft of Descent

Time Required: About 1 Hour

*An optional additional walk along paved roads can extend the day by 4.1 km / 2.5 miles and around 1.5 hours.

Day 7

Visit Temples 45 to 44 of the Shikoku Pilgrimage

Begin the day with a trip to Iwayaji Temple (45th Temple), a temple closely linked to Kobo Daishi who established Shingon Buddhism and Mount Koya. Climb the legendary ladder to see his meditation spot and enjoy the breathtaking scenic views of the area. From Iwayaji Temple, leisurely stroll through the lush, serene forest leading to Daihoji Temple (44th Temple). Then, return to Matsuyama and spend the night in Dogo Onsen.

Walking Distance: 11.7 km / 7.3 miles

Elevation Gain: 650 m / 2,130 ft of Ascent and 580 m / 1,900 ft of Descent

Time Required: About 4 Hours

Day 8

Visit Temples 60 to 62 of the Shikoku Pilgrimage

Journey to the East of Ehime Prefecture and walk your way through Yokomineji Temple (60th Temple), Koonji Temple (61st Temple), and Hojuji Temple (62nd Temple). Take in the beautiful natural scenery as you hike pass through a quaint, rural part of Shikoku. 

Walking Distance: 13.7 km / 8.5 miles

Elevation Gain: 620 m / 2,050 ft of Ascent and 870 m / 3,850 ft of Descent

Time Required: About 4-5 Hours

*Reduce the walk by 1 hour (11.3 km / 7 miles) by omitting the first uphill section and taking a taxi to Yokomineji Temple (60th Temple). 

Day 9

Depart from Matsuyama

Take a convenient transport to Matsuyama Station for your onward journey.

 Inclusions

• 8 Nights Accommodation in High International Standard Hotel 

• Breakfast (8)

• Dinner (7)

• English-Speaking Local Guide

• Transportation as Per Itinerary

• Admission Fees and Activities as Per Itinerary

Exclusions

• Local and International Flights to and from Shikoku

• Airport Transfers

• Local Hotel Tax

• Meals Not Mentioned

• Drinks

• Visas

• Travel Insurance

• Personal Expenses

• Gratuities (Optional)

Additional Information

• The tour operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.

• Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level.

• A moderate amount of walking is involved; Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

• Arrival time at each location may vary depending on the season and the day of the week due to traffic conditions.

• If there is insufficient time for all attractions on the itinerary, the tour guide will adjust the length of time spent at other attractions. 

• Delays, shortening of the tours, or omissions to the itinerary due to traffic, weather, or other unforeseen circumstances are not subject to refund.

• Itinerary is subject to change and the attractions may be closed due to traffic, weather, and force majeure. An alternative itinerary may also be omitted depending on road conditions.

• Please note that on days in which no activities are planned, you are free to explore at your leisure; all activities and purchases will be at your own expense. You will have your tour guide's mobile number in case of emergency.