Guided Temples and Trails of Shikoku Hiking and Walking Tour

Arrive at Kansai International Airport and head to your comfortable hotel in Osaka, Japan’s lively food capital.

Osaka is the third largest city in Japan after Tokyo and Yokohama and serves as the commercial and cultural hub of western Japan. Known for its lively street food scene, neon-lit districts like Dotonbori, and warm, outgoing locals, Osaka combines modern energy with historic charm, making it an ideal starting point for exploring nearby regions such as Shikoku, Kyoto, and Nara.

After settling in and taking a little time to relax, meet your guide and fellow travelers in the early evening for a friendly welcome briefing.

End your first day with a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, where you’ll savor authentic Japanese dishes and enjoy warm conversations with your group in a relaxed and cheerful setting.

We begin our day with a scenic highway bus journey to Tokushima Prefecture, once known as Awa Province, located in eastern Shikoku. Today’s walk leads us through tranquil suburban neighborhoods as we explore the first three temples of the renowned Shikoku pilgrimage route, each admired for its serene beauty and spiritual atmosphere.

Our journey starts at Ryozen-ji (Vulture Mountain Temple), founded in the 8th century and considered the starting point of the pilgrimage. We then proceed to Gokuraku-ji (Celestial Temple), where Kōbō Daishi performed 37 days of sacred ritual practice at the age of 42. The walk concludes at the enchanting Konsen-ji (Golden Fountain Temple), famed for its striking red pagoda and graceful bridge.

After our temple visits, we transfer by private coach to our shukubō, a traditional temple lodging, where we’ll spend a peaceful night immersed in the tranquil spirit of monastic life.

Shukubos are lodgings in Buddhist temples originally meant for pilgrims, but now open to anyone. The rooms are similar to ryokan or minshuku, though with fewer facilities. The food is excellent vegetarian Buddhist ‘shojin-ryori’ cuisine. It is a wonderful experience to stay in a shukubō and there is also the opportunity to join the early morning religious service.

Elevation gain: Negligible

In the morning, we set off by private coach to Fujii-dera, Temple 11, also known as the Temple of the Wisteria Well, nestled at the foot of Mount Shōsanji. From here, we begin one of the pilgrimage’s most demanding and scenic routes, a trail known as henro-korogashi, which twists through dense forests and climbs over three mountain peaks. The trail reaches an elevation of about 900 meters (nearly 3,000 feet), the highest point of our entire journey.

The hike is steep in places, but the effort is richly rewarded with stunning views and a deep sense of accomplishment. Our goal, Shosan-ji Temple, sits impressively atop the mountainside, offering sweeping vistas of the valley below. Travelers who prefer a lighter option can take a coach to meet the group at a halfway point along the trail. The day ends at a charming Japanese inn, where we relax and enjoy a delicious dinner of local specialties, celebrating a day full of adventure and achievement.

Elevation gain: 1,230 m

In the morning, we travel by private coach to Temple 20, Kakurin-ji (Crane Forest Temple), sitting gracefully atop Mount Washigao at 550 meters. The approach, or sandō, is lined with majestic pine and hinoki cypress trees, creating a tranquil and picturesque setting. Established by Kōbō Daishi in 799 under an imperial decree from Emperor Kanmu, Kakurin-ji is celebrated as one of the most atmospheric temples on the pilgrimage.

Our next stop is Temple 21, Tairyu-ji (Temple of the Mystical Dragon), perched near the 618-meter summit of Mount Tairyu. This is where Kōbō Daishi underwent rigorous spiritual training at 19 before founding the temple in 793. The day concludes with a scenic cable car ride, offering sweeping views across cedar forests and out toward the sea. From there, we continue by bus to our Tokushima accommodation, where we unwind after a day full of history, nature, and spiritual exploration.

Elevation gain: 460 m

After breakfast, we dive into the art of Aizome, or indigo dyeing, where you can try your hand at this traditional craft and discover how indigo leaves are cultivated and processed using tools from centuries ago. We then visit a historic indigo merchant’s mansion, a rare building that has stood intact since the Edo period.

Our journey continues into the Iya Valley, a secluded part of Shikoku famous for its steep mountains and dramatic gorges. Here, villagers once built vine bridges to link remote settlements, and we will cross the Iya Kazurabashi Vine Bridge, an impressive relic of their resourcefulness. Later, we enjoy a boat ride along Oboke Gorge, drifting along the emerald waters of the Yoshino River while taking in towering cliffs and serene scenery. This 30-minute ride offers a calm and memorable way to appreciate the valley’s rugged beauty.

Travel by private coach to Kōchi Prefecture, once known as Tosa Province, a remote and tranquil region of Shikoku. Despite its size, Kōchi’s small population gives it a relaxed and open feel, perfect for exploration.

Enjoy lunch at Hirome Ichiba Market, a lively hall with over 60 stalls offering an incredible variety of local specialties. Spend the afternoon at Temple 31, Chikurin-ji (Bamboo Forest Temple), where you can admire a museum of treasured artifacts and a stunning garden designed by Zen master Musō Soseki, celebrated nationwide for its beauty.

Next, visit Kōchi Castle, one of Japan’s few original castles still standing, and then head to Katsurahama Beach, famous for its dramatic rock formations rising from the sea. We end the day with an overnight stay at a hotel near a roadside station outside Kōchi, giving you a chance to soak in the region’s history, culture, and natural charm, including the clear waters of the Niyodo River.

Begin the day with a hands-on Washi paper making workshop, learning the delicate art of traditional Japanese paper crafting. Afterward, enjoy a scenic drive through the Kochi countryside on the way to Matsuyama, with opportunities to experience local culture along the route. Stop for lunch in a charming rural setting before taking a short walk along Nakatsu Gorge, a gentle 2.3 km riverside trail that crosses the Nakatsu River on steppingstones and small bridges, ending at Uryu no Taki Waterfall, where the water drops 20 meters into crystal-clear pools.

On arrival in Matsuyama, explore Dogo Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest hot spring areas, before checking into your hotel for the evening. Dinner is at leisure.

This morning, we travel into the Kumakōgen Highlands near the Ehime-Kōchi border to begin our hike from Temple 44, Daihō-ji (Great Treasure Temple), an important halfway point on the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. We follow a scenic forest trail to Temple 45, Iwaya-ji (Rock Cavern Temple), dramatically set into the mountainside and surrounded by hundreds of Jizō statues. Kōbō Daishi meditated here after founding the temple in 805, and a ladder leads to a secluded cave where he is said to have spent long hours in prayer. Coins pressed into the cave walls show the devotion of pilgrims past and present.

After completing the hike, we return by bus to Matsuyama in the late afternoon. Enjoy the evening and dinner at leisure.

Elevation gain: 650 m

Begin the day in Sanuki Province at a temple whose ancient halls and structures exude history and tradition. From here, ascend to Temple 81, Shiromine-ji (White Peak Temple) at the top of Mount Shiromine, then walk down to Temple 82, Negoro-ji (Fragrant Root Temple), a serene complex dotted with elegant stone lanterns that create a peaceful, timeless atmosphere.

In the afternoon, visit the picturesque town of Kotohira, home to Konpirasan, the famous Shinto shrine dedicated to sailors and maritime safety. Tonight, unwind at a cozy onsen ryokan, soaking in the restorative hot spring baths and enjoying a relaxing evening immersed in Japanese tradition.

Elevation gain: 655 m

After breakfast, we begin the final leg of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, walking from Temple 87, Nagao-ji (Temple of the Long Tail) to Temple 88, Ōkubō-ji (Great Hollow Temple). Known as the Completion of the Vow, Ōkubō-ji is a sacred site where pilgrims traditionally offer prayers and make a wish, believed to be granted upon reaching this spiritual milestone.

The trail winds through peaceful countryside and charming rural landscapes, giving plenty of time to reflect and soak in the serene surroundings before arriving at the temple gates. After the walk, we return by private coach to our accommodation, enjoying a final relaxing soak in the onsen and a celebratory dinner to mark the completion of this unforgettable journey.

Elevation gain: 538 m

After breakfast, your Shikoku journey comes to an end. Your guide will be available to answer any last questions and provide advice for your onward travel to the airport. Please note that airport transfers are not included in the tour.

We wish you safe travels and fond memories as you carry the spirit of Shikoku with you.