Yes, definitely! The pilgrimage in Shikoku is called the Shikoku Pilgrimage, or the Shikoku Henro in Japanese. It is a 1,200-kilometer route that circles the island of Shikoku and visits 88 Buddhist temples, each with its own unique history and architecture.
The pilgrims on the Shikoku Henro often wear white robes and wide-brimmed straw hats, and carry walking sticks, chanting sutras as they walk along the route. While some pilgrims complete the entire route on foot, others use bicycles or cars to travel between temples.
The route is divided into four main sections, with the first section starting and ending at the temples in the Kansai region. The second section takes pilgrims along the northern coastline of Shikoku, crossing over to the southern coast in the third section, and finally heading back to the Kansai region for the fourth and final section.
The route is known for its beautiful natural scenery, charming and historic towns, and unique cultural experiences, including hot springs and traditional Japanese hospitality. It is considered a deeply spiritual experience for many pilgrims.
If you are interested in learning more about the Shikoku Pilgrimage, you can find more information and resources at the following links:
- Shikoku Pilgrimage - Japan Guide:
Access and Orientation
- The Shikoku Pilgrimage - Traveling the Sacred Route of 88 Temples - Japan National Tourism Organization:
Destinations | Travel Japan（Japan National Tourism Organization）
- Shikoku Henro Trail:
https://www.shikokuhenrotrail.com/