The Complete Guide to Hiking The Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail

The Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail is one of Japan’s most iconic long-distance walking routes, tracing a 1,200-kilometer circuit around the island of Shikoku. For over a thousand years, it has guided pilgrims to 88 temples linked to the Buddhist monk Kūkai (Kōbō Daishi), offering a journey that blends spirituality, landscape, and culture. Along the way, travelers pass through quiet fishing villages, mountain hamlets, coastal headlands, and fertile valleys, experiencing both the natural beauty of Shikoku and the deep traditions that shape everyday life.

The trail covers an impressive variety of terrain, from rugged mountain passes and forest tracks to seaside promenades and town streets lined with historic shrines. In spring, cherry blossoms brighten temple grounds and rural paths; in summer, rice fields glow green under long days of heat; autumn brings cool air and fiery maple leaves across the hills; and in winter, the pilgrimage takes on a quieter, more contemplative atmosphere.

While many set out to complete the full circuit over several weeks, others choose shorter stretches in regions like Tokushima, Kōchi, Ehime, or Kagawa, each with its own character and highlights. From coastal cliffs to cedar-lined valleys, every section offers a balance of natural scenery and cultural encounters, with temples acting as milestones that mark both progress and reflection. Hiking the Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail is as much about people as it is about places. Local hospitality is expressed through osettai, the tradition of offering gifts or support to pilgrims, while simple inns, guesthouses, and temple lodgings provide shelter and shared meals. Encounters with fellow walkers from around the world add another layer of connection, turning the trail into a space of exchange and shared experience.

Whether you are drawn by the spiritual heritage of Kūkai, the changing landscapes of Japan’s fourth-largest island, or the slower rhythm of life along the way, hiking the Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail offers a journey that is at once personal and timeless.

The Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail is a circular network of routes that link 88 temples across the island of Shikoku, Japan’s fourth largest island. Together they form a 1,200-kilometer loop through four prefectures: Tokushima, Kōchi, Ehime, and Kagawa. Each region offers its own landscapes and cultural character. The pilgrimage begins traditionally at Ryōzenji Temple in Tokushima and continues clockwise around the island before ending at Ōkuboji Temple in Kagawa.

While the full circuit is the classic pilgrimage, many hikers choose shorter sections that highlight particular geographies or cultural sites. Tokushima is known for its steep mountain trails and riverside temples, Kōchi for its long coastal stretches and remote headlands, Ehime for its castle towns and citrus orchards along the Seto Inland Sea, and Kagawa for its rolling hills and the symbolic final temples of the route.

The geography of the trail is strikingly diverse. Pilgrims may find themselves climbing rugged mountain passes, walking forest paths lined with cedar, tracing coastlines that drop into the Pacific, or passing through rural farmland where tea fields and rice paddies reflect the rhythm of local life. Elevations vary widely, from sea level along the coasts to over 900 meters in the island’s central mountains, offering both challenging ascents and gentler walks.

Temples act as cultural anchors along the journey. Some are grand complexes with sweeping gates and ornate halls, while others are humble mountain shrines hidden among rocks and trees. The spaces between temples are just as meaningful, leading walkers through villages, market towns, and fields that have changed little over centuries. Local traditions, from festivals to the practice of osettai, or gifting to pilgrims, remain an inseparable part of the trail.

Access to Shikoku is straightforward thanks to Japan’s excellent transport network. Bridges and ferries connect the island to Honshu, while airports in Tokushima, Matsuyama, and Takamatsu serve domestic and international flights. Rail and bus services link major towns with trailheads, making it easy to begin a pilgrimage from multiple points. Despite its deep historical and spiritual roots, the Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail is never far from modern convenience, balancing accessibility with a timeless sense of journey.

The Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail is accessible from across Japan and abroad, with multiple entry points depending on where you choose to begin. Traditionally, pilgrims start at Temple 1, Ryōzenji, in Tokushima, but it is equally possible to join the route in Kōchi, Ehime, or Kagawa. Because the trail forms a circular loop, there is no single fixed starting point, and access is flexible based on your schedule and interest.

By Air

Shikoku has several regional airports with regular domestic connections. Tokushima Awaodori Airport is the closest to Temple 1, making it ideal for those starting from the traditional beginning of the pilgrimage. Takamatsu Airport in Kagawa, Matsuyama Airport in Ehime, and Kōchi Ryōma Airport in Kōchi all serve as convenient gateways to other sections of the trail. International travelers often arrive first in Osaka, Tokyo, or Fukuoka, then connect via a short domestic flight to one of Shikoku’s airports.

By Rail

Rail services connect Shikoku to Honshu via bridges across the Seto Inland Sea. JR trains run from Okayama on Honshu into Takamatsu, Tokushima, and Matsuyama, with further lines reaching smaller towns near the temples. From Okayama, high-speed Shinkansen services link directly to Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo, and Hiroshima, making the pilgrimage accessible from Japan’s major cities. Local trains on Shikoku itself are slower but scenic, passing through countryside and coastal landscapes that set the rhythm for the walk ahead.

By Bus

Highway buses are another reliable way to reach Shikoku, with frequent services from Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, and Hiroshima to Takamatsu, Tokushima, and Matsuyama. From these hubs, local buses connect to nearby temples and trailheads. Buses are especially useful for reaching rural areas where train coverage is limited, and they remain a popular choice for both pilgrims and budget travelers.

Starting the Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail is remarkably straightforward despite its remote and spiritual atmosphere. Within a short journey from Japan’s biggest cities, travelers can step onto paths that have guided pilgrims for over 1,200 years, leaving behind modern transport hubs for temples, countryside lanes, and the quiet rhythms of island life.

The Shikoku Pilgrimage, or Shikoku Henro, takes its name from the island of Shikoku and the Buddhist term henro, meaning “pilgrim.” It is closely tied to the revered monk Kūkai (also known as Kōbō Daishi), who founded the Shingon school of Buddhism in the 9th century. Tradition holds that Kūkai trained and traveled extensively across Shikoku, and many of the 88 temples along the route are places where he is believed to have studied, meditated, or performed acts of compassion.

The pilgrimage has been undertaken for over a thousand years, beginning as a deeply religious journey for followers seeking spiritual merit, enlightenment, or healing. Walking the circuit of 88 temples came to symbolize the Buddhist path toward awakening, with the journey itself reflecting stages of self-discipline, wisdom, and compassion. Over time, the pilgrimage also became a form of cultural exchange, as villagers built lodgings, provided food, and welcomed travelers who passed through their communities.

By the Edo period (1603–1868), the Shikoku Pilgrimage was firmly established, with guidebooks and maps helping pilgrims navigate the island. Pilgrims traditionally wore white robes, conical sedge hats, and carried wooden staffs inscribed with Buddhist mantras, symbols that remain common on the trail today. The concept of osettai, or acts of generosity from local residents such as offering food or shelter, became an enduring part of the experience and continues to distinguish the pilgrimage from many other long-distance walks.

Like the Camino de Santiago, the Shikoku Pilgrimage has inspired art, literature, and folklore. Woodblock prints, poetry, and local legends preserved stories of miraculous encounters, hardships, and spiritual revelations along the way. The pilgrimage’s circular form also shaped its symbolism, with no fixed beginning or end, echoing the Buddhist teaching that enlightenment is an ongoing path rather than a single destination.

While the number of pilgrims declined in modern times, interest has revived in recent decades. Today, both Japanese and international travelers walk or cycle parts of the 1,200-kilometer route, often blending spiritual intention with cultural discovery. The trail remains a living heritage, where temples, villages, and landscapes connect the past and present, and where walking in Kūkai’s footsteps offers a journey into history, faith, and reflection.

The Shikoku Pilgrimage can be walked year-round, but the experience changes dramatically with the seasons. Because the 1,200-kilometer circuit loops through coastal plains, mountain passes, and subtropical valleys, hikers will encounter a wide range of climates. In general, spring and autumn offer the most pleasant conditions, with moderate temperatures and landscapes at their most vibrant.

Best Season – Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November)

Spring

From March through May, Shikoku bursts into life with cherry blossoms, azaleas, and camellias, turning temple grounds and mountain paths into colorful scenes. Daytime temperatures usually range between 10°C and 22°C (50°F–72°F), making it comfortable for long walking days. This season also coincides with hanami (cherry blossom viewing) and other cultural festivals, giving pilgrims the chance to blend their journey with local celebrations. Spring is one of the most popular times for both domestic and international hikers.

Autumn

September to November is equally atmospheric, with clear skies, cool breezes, and stunning fall foliage. Maple and ginkgo trees surrounding many of the 88 temples turn fiery shades of red and gold, creating some of the pilgrimage’s most memorable vistas. Temperatures average between 12°C and 20°C (54°F–68°F), ideal for steady walking. Autumn also brings harvest festivals, local food traditions, and fewer crowds compared to spring, making it a favorite season for those seeking both beauty and tranquility.

Shoulder Seasons – Summer (June–August) and Winter (December–February)

Summer

Summer is the most challenging time to walk the Shikoku Pilgrimage. From June to mid-July, Japan’s rainy season brings heavy downpours and slippery trails, especially in forested or mountainous sections. By late July and August, temperatures climb above 30°C (86°F), with high humidity that makes walking strenuous. Many pilgrims start their days before dawn to avoid the midday heat. On the positive side, summer offers lush green landscapes, lively festivals such as the Awa Odori dance in Tokushima, and long daylight hours.

Winter

From December to February, the trail is quiet, offering solitude and a contemplative atmosphere. While much of coastal Shikoku remains mild with daytime highs of 5°C to 12°C (41°F–54°F), mountain passes can see snow and icy conditions. Some lodgings in rural areas may close, requiring careful planning. For well-prepared hikers, winter provides serene temple visits, misty valleys, and a slower rhythm that many find spiritually rewarding.

The Shikoku Pilgrimage, or Henro, is a 1,200-kilometer circular route that links 88 Buddhist temples around Japan’s Shikoku Island. While some pilgrims walk the full circuit over six to eight weeks, many choose shorter sections that highlight both spiritual heritage and natural landscapes. Here are the most popular and rewarding ways to experience the Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail:

1. Tokushima Prefecture (Temples 1–23)

This is the traditional starting point of the pilgrimage, beginning at Ryōzenji Temple near Tokushima City. Known as the “Awakening” stage, it covers the eastern part of the island and introduces walkers to the spiritual rhythm of the Henro. The path winds through coastal towns, farmlands, and forested hills before climbing into more mountainous terrain toward temples such as Shōsanji.

Quick Facts

Distance: ~100 km (62 mi) Time Needed: 5–7 days Difficulty Level: Moderate (gradual introduction, with some steep climbs) Highlights: Ryōzenji Temple, coastal landscapes, first encounters with osettai (acts of kindness from locals), Shōsanji’s mountain setting

2. Kochi Prefecture (Temples 24–39)

Kochi represents the longest and most remote stage of the pilgrimage, often called the “Ascetic Training” section. Trails here hug the Pacific coastline, offering dramatic views of cliffs and beaches, as well as long, solitary stretches between temples. This stage is physically demanding due to the distances involved, but the ocean scenery and warm hospitality of fishing towns leave lasting impressions.

Quick Facts

Distance: ~240 km (149 mi) Time Needed: 10–14 days Difficulty Level: Strenuous (long coastal stretches with limited services) Highlights: Cape Muroto, seaside temples, peaceful fishing villages, expansive Pacific views

3. Ehime Prefecture (Temples 40–65)

This section, known as the “Enlightenment” stage, takes pilgrims into the northwest of Shikoku. The route moves inland toward the mountains and valleys of Ehime before reaching the historic town of Matsuyama, home to the famous Dōgo Onsen. The blend of hot springs, traditional towns, and scenic countryside makes this one of the most rewarding stages for those seeking both culture and relaxation.

Quick Facts

Distance: ~320 km (199 mi) Time Needed: 14–16 days Difficulty Level: Moderate (mixed terrain, but good infrastructure) Highlights: Matsuyama Castle, Dōgo Onsen, terraced fields and mountain villages, atmospheric temple complexes

4. Kagawa Prefecture (Temples 66–88)

The final stretch of the pilgrimage is often referred to as the “Nirvana” stage. It leads pilgrims through Kagawa’s rolling hills, olive groves, and farmland before arriving at the journey’s symbolic end at Ōkuboji Temple. The sense of culmination is powerful, as many pilgrims reflect on their journey while receiving a final stamp in their nokyocho (temple stamp book).

Quick Facts

Distance: ~150 km (93 mi) Time Needed: 7–10 days Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate (gentler terrain, shorter stages) Highlights: Olive groves and udon culture of Kagawa, Ritsurin Garden, Ōkuboji Temple as the pilgrimage’s final stop

5. Shortened Pilgrimage Sections

For those without several weeks to complete the full circuit, it is common to hike smaller portions, such as the first few temples in Tokushima, the coastal walks of Kochi, or the cultural highlights around Matsuyama in Ehime. These shorter itineraries provide a meaningful glimpse into the tradition of the Henro without the time commitment of the entire route.

Quick Facts

Distance: Varies (10–100 km depending on chosen stages) Time Needed: 2–7 days Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate Highlights: Accessible introductions to temple culture, flexible itineraries, chance to experience osettai and temple rituals

One of the most distinctive aspects of hiking the Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail is the diversity of accommodations that reflect the island’s blend of tradition and modernity. Pilgrims, known as henro, have been supported for centuries by a culture of hospitality called osettai, where locals provide food, shelter, or small gifts. Today, this spirit continues, with a range of lodgings available to suit different budgets and styles. Options include temple lodgings (shukubō), simple guesthouses (minshuku), Japanese inns (ryokan), and modern hotels in larger towns.

Unlike remote mountain treks, the Shikoku Pilgrimage loops through towns, farming villages, and coastal communities, meaning accommodation is rarely far away. Staying overnight in these places is more than a practical necessity. It offers pilgrims a chance to experience local traditions, seasonal cuisine, and genuine hospitality that are central to the journey.

Here are some of the main accommodation highlights along the most popular stretches:

1. Tokushima Prefecture (Temples 1–23)

At the beginning of the pilgrimage, a wide variety of accommodations cater to both first-time visitors and seasoned walkers. Many temples such as Ryōzenji offer shukubō, where pilgrims can stay in traditional tatami rooms and sometimes join in morning prayers. Towns and villages along the way also provide family-run inns and guesthouses, often serving home-cooked meals that reflect Tokushima’s regional flavors.

Accommodation Highlights: Hotel Komyokaikan (near Temple 7 Jurakuji); Guest House Sakura‑an ‘Henro House’ (near Temple 23); Temple lodgings at Ryōzenji and other early temples; Minshuku in smaller villages; Business hotels in Tokushima City for a convenient start

2. Kochi Prefecture (Temples 24–39)

Kochi is the longest and most remote stretch, with long coastal walks between temples. Accommodations are more spread out here, but small seaside guesthouses and inns provide welcoming stops for weary pilgrims. Some temples also open their doors for simple overnight stays. Fishing villages often feature minshuku where fresh seafood dinners are a highlight after a long day of walking.

Accommodation Highlights: Kuroshio Honjin, Coastal guesthouses with ocean views; Simple temple stays near remote temples; Family-run inns serving fresh fish and local dishes

3. Ehime Prefecture (Temples 40–65)

Ehime blends culture and comfort, offering everything from temple lodgings to modern hotels in Matsuyama. The famous Dōgo Onsen area provides a particularly memorable stay, where pilgrims can soak in one of Japan’s oldest hot springs after a day on the trail. Rural guesthouses and inns continue the tradition of warm, personal hospitality in smaller towns and villages.

Accommodation Highlights: Ryokan and hotels in Matsuyama near Dōgo Onsen; Rural guesthouses with homemade meals; Temple lodging experiences in mountain areas

4. Kagawa Prefecture (Temples 66–88)

The final stretch of the pilgrimage is gentler in terrain and well serviced with accommodations. Pilgrims will find inns and hotels in towns such as Takamatsu, as well as smaller minshuku near the temples. Staying close to Ōkuboji Temple, the pilgrimage’s symbolic endpoint, adds meaning to the journey’s conclusion.

Accommodation Highlights: Inns and hotels in Takamatsu; Minshuku near Ōkuboji Temple; Guesthouses in smaller farming communities

5. Shorter Stages and Section Hikes

For those walking only parts of the trail, accommodations can be chosen strategically near major access points like Tokushima City, Matsuyama, or Kochi. These cities offer modern hotels and guesthouses, while shorter stage hikes also allow for temple stays and local inns that give a strong sense of place. Advance booking is highly recommended in peak pilgrimage seasons (spring and autumn), as smaller lodgings fill quickly.

Accommodation Highlights: Modern hotels in cities for short-stay pilgrims; Temple lodgings for cultural immersion; Guesthouses and ryokan for traditional hospitality

Whether you choose the simplicity of a temple lodging, the warmth of a family-run inn, or the comfort of a city hotel, accommodations on the Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail are part of what makes the journey memorable. Each night’s stay deepens the connection to Shikoku’s landscapes, people, and centuries-old spirit of hospitality.

Do I need a map or GPS to navigate the trail?

The Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail is generally well waymarked, with official signs, color-coded arrows, and temple markers guiding walkers between sites. However, not every section is perfectly signed, especially in rural mountain stretches or through villages where paths split. For peace of mind, most hikers carry a GPS app or download the official route on tools like Henro Helper or AllTrails. These digital aids act as reliable backups in misty weather or more remote areas.

Can I hike just one section instead of the full 1,200 km?

Yes. While the full circuit connects all 88 temples across four prefectures, many pilgrims and hikers choose shorter stretches. Popular options include walking the first ten temples from Tokushima, focusing on the scenic areas around Kochi’s coastline, or exploring temple clusters near Matsuyama. These sections can be covered in about a week or less, making them accessible to travelers who want to sample the tradition and landscapes without committing to the full month-long journey.

Is it realistic to forward luggage or does everything need to be on my back?

Carrying all your belongings is not necessary. Japan’s reliable courier services (takuhaibin) allow you to forward luggage between hotels or even to your next city stop. Many inns and guesthouses along the pilgrimage can arrange this service for a small fee. This makes it easy to hike with only a daypack, keeping the experience more comfortable, especially on longer walking days.

What gear is essential, given the varying terrain and climate?

The pilgrimage covers everything from mountain paths and forest trails to city streets and temple stairways, so packing for variety is key. Essential items include sturdy walking shoes with good grip, lightweight rain gear, and moisture-wicking clothing for humid days. Trekking poles are useful for descents, while a hat and sunscreen help on exposed coastal stretches. Temperatures can swing widely, so layered clothing is recommended to adjust to both cool mornings and warmer afternoons.