Shikoku Pilgrimage Highlights Walking Tour– Selected Sections

The Shikoku Pilgrimage is a long‑respected walking journey that connects a series of temples across the island of Shikoku. For centuries, people have followed these paths to reflect, pray, or simply take time away from daily life. Today, many travelers join the pilgrimage not only for spiritual reasons but also to enjoy nature, slow travel, and meaningful encounters along the way. You don’t need to visit all 88 temples to take part. What matters is walking at your own pace, appreciating the landscapes, and connecting with the culture and people you meet.

The Spirit of Osettai
Along the pilgrimage routes, you may experience osettai—a local tradition of offering kindness to walkers. This can be as simple as a friendly greeting, directions, a drink, or small treats shared with no expectation of anything in return. It reflects the warm hospitality of Shikoku and the belief that helping pilgrims brings good to both giver and receiver. When you receive osettai, a sincere “thank you” is all that’s needed. These small moments of generosity often become some of the most memorable parts of the journey.

The hotels listed above are currently on tentative hold. Depending on the number of participants and overall circumstances, they may be changed to another hotel of the same standard. Thank you for your understanding.
The distances shown above are approximate. They may vary depending on road conditions, as the route may be adjusted accordingly.

Highlights

Day1 Welcome to Tokushima

We gather in Tokushima for a warm welcome evening that sets the tone for the journey ahead. This first night is relaxed and friendly, giving you time to meet your guides and fellow walkers. Over dinner, we introduce the culture and meaning behind the pilgrimage, explaining the traditions, mindset, and simple customs that shape the experience. It’s a gentle start that helps you feel grounded and prepared before stepping onto the trail. By the end of the evening, you’ll have a clear sense of what the week will look like and feel ready to begin your own pilgrimage journey.

Day2 First Steps of the Pilgrimage

Our walking begins at the first temple, where you learn basic customs and prepare your gear for the days ahead. The route follows quiet town streets as we visit the first six temples, each offering a different atmosphere and glimpse into local life. The pace is comfortable, with time to enjoy the surroundings and settle into the rhythm of the pilgrimage. We end the day at a temple lodging, where overnight guests can join a special evening ceremony. This peaceful experience offers a deeper connection to the tradition and marks a memorable start to the journey.

Day3 Mountain Challenge and Forest Trails

This is the most physically demanding day of the tour, with a long mountain walk that takes around six hours. The trail leads through deep forest and steady climbs, offering a powerful sense of what earlier pilgrims experienced on these paths. Although challenging, the pace is flexible, with breaks to rest, breathe, and enjoy the quiet natural surroundings. Reaching the mountaintop temple is deeply rewarding, giving you a strong feeling of accomplishment. This day often becomes a favorite for many walkers, as it blends effort, reflection, and the beauty of untouched nature.

Day4 A Temple Connected to Pilgrimage Origins

Today’s walk is calmer, leading through forested paths to a temple closely tied to the origins of the pilgrimage tradition. The atmosphere is peaceful and reflective, offering a chance to slow down after the previous day’s challenge. The temple’s setting encourages quiet moments, whether you choose to explore the grounds or simply sit and take in the surroundings. This day helps balance the physical and spiritual sides of the journey, giving you space to appreciate the history and stories that shaped these routes. It’s a meaningful transition toward the second half of the tour.

Day5 Final Walk in Tokushima with Ocean Views

Our last day in Tokushima is a longer walk that gradually leads toward the coast. As the landscape opens, you’ll see wide ocean views that lift your energy and make the final stretch especially memorable. The final temple in this region is large and impressive, a fitting place to complete the Tokushima section of the pilgrimage. The sense of progression is strong—you’ve walked from towns to mountains to the sea, experiencing the variety of the region. This day marks a natural turning point as we prepare to continue the journey into Kochi.

Day6 Entering Kochi and Walking Coastal Paths

We begin the Kochi section near a quiet coastal cave, a place long associated with reflection and spiritual practice. From here, the route follows seaside paths toward several temples, offering a refreshing change in scenery. The combination of ocean air, open views, and gentle walking makes this day feel lighter and more relaxed. It’s a smooth transition into a new region, with landscapes that contrast beautifully with the forests and mountains of Tokushima. By the end of the day, you’ll feel the shift in atmosphere as the journey continues along the coast.

Day7 Final Temples and Celebration in Kochi City

Our final walking day takes us through open fields and coastal roads toward three temples near Kochi City. The route is varied and enjoyable, ending at a temple surrounded by bamboo and peaceful gardens. It’s a meaningful place to complete your selected‑section pilgrimage. In the evening, we gather in the city for a celebratory dinner featuring local food and warm conversation. It’s a chance to reflect on the week, share stories, and enjoy the sense of accomplishment that comes from completing this journey together.

Day8 Departure

After a final breakfast, the journey comes to a close. This is a relaxed departure day, giving you time to pack, say goodbye, and continue to your next destination by bus, train, or plane. Many travelers choose to explore more of Shikoku or head onward to other parts of Japan. Whatever your plans, you leave with a week’s worth of memories—mountain trails, coastal paths, quiet temples, and the shared experience of walking a meaningful part of the pilgrimage. It’s a gentle and fitting end to the adventure

This walking tour is designed for travelers with a moderate level of fitness. Each day includes an average of 13 km of walking, covering a mix of paved roads, forest trails, and traditional pilgrimage paths. Some sections include steady climbs or uneven terrain, but the pace is relaxed and we take regular breaks to rest, hydrate, and enjoy the surroundings.

A support vehicle stays close throughout the journey, carrying your luggage and providing assistance whenever needed. If you feel tired or prefer to skip a section, you can ride in the support car and rejoin the group later. With this flexible structure, the tour remains accessible while still offering the rewarding experience of walking key pilgrimage routes in Tokushima and Kochi.

Arriving in Tokushima

From Tokyo

• Take a domestic flight to Tokushima Awaodori Airport (approx. 1 hour 20 minutes)
• Take an airport bus to Tokushima Station (approx. 30 minutes)

From Osaka/Kyoto

• Take the express bus to Tokushima Station (approx. 2.5 hours)

Departing from Kochi

To Tokyo

• Flight from Kōchi Airport to Haneda Airport (approx. 1.5 hours)

To Osaka

• Flight from Kōchi Airport to Itami Airport (approx. 50 minutes)

To Hiroshima

• Express train to Okayama Station (approx. 2.5 hours)
• Then Shinkansen to Hiroshima Station (approx. 40 minutes)

We provide domestic insurance coverage for basic adventure tours within Japan. However, please note that any medical expenses incurred outside of Japan—such as treatment for injuries discovered after returning to your home country—are not covered. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance in your home country that includes adventure tour coverage.