Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail

Take the express train from Osaka Kansai Int. Airport to Kyoto City (approx. 70mins), then a local taxi to your first hotel. (approx. 10mins).

Enjoy a rest day in the incredible city of Kyoto, famous for its Buddhist temples, tranquil gardens, and traditional teahouses. We recommend visiting the historical city of Nara, full of cultural treasures and expansive parks, located approx. 1hr from Kyoto city on the train.

Travel by long distance bus to Tokushima Prefecture (included) where you’ll begin your pilgrimage with a gentle introduction to the walks on Shikoku through quiet neighbourhoods of Tokushima. Visit three of the most eye-catching temples on whole trail – Temple 1 Ryozen-ji, Temple 2 Gokuraku-ji and Temple 3 Konsen-ji. Spend your first night as all pilgrims should – with a stay in a Shukubo Temple Lodging. There is also the option of staying at a traditional Ryokan for this first night.

Travel south by pre-booked and pre-paid taxi to Temple 11 Fujii-dera, a fascinating hillside temple complex. After time to explore Fujii-dera, your taxi will bring you to Ryusuian Temple, part-way up the mountain en-route to Shosan-ji. From there you walk up the rest of the mountain to Temple 12 Shosan-ji, then finally descend to the east. The walk is fairly strenuous, but very rewarding with beautiful scenery. Walk onwards to Yorii and board a bus to the small Onsen village of Kamiyama and your inn for the evening.

Travel by pre-paid taxi to one of the most beautiful and varied hikes on the entire Pilgrimage route. From Temple 20 Kakurin-ji the trail descends to the hamlet of Anan, crosses the Nakagawa River and climbs again to Temple 21 Tairyu-ji. End the day with a cable car ride with wonderful views over a cedar forest and the small town below; this is the longest ropeway in Japan with a total length of 2,775m! Travel by bus to your accommodation for the evening.

Leaving Tokushima, you’ll take the train, bus and a pre-booked and prepaid taxi to a rewarding hike in northern Kagawa Prefecture. Walk through lovely scenery and visit a fine collection of temples – Temple 82 Negoro-ji, Temple 81 Shiromine-ji and finally Temple 80 Kokubun-ji. Travel onwards by train for an overnight stay in the old hot-spring town of Kotohira Spa.

Enjoy a full day at leisure in Kotohira Onsen, one of Shikoku’s most important pilgrimage towns. Climb the stone steps to the revered Konpira Shrine, perched on the slopes of Mount Zōzu, and soak up panoramic views across the surrounding countryside. Refuel with a bowl of the region’s famous handmade udon noodles, renowned throughout Japan for their thick, satisfying texture. You may also wish to visit the beautifully preserved Kanamaruza Kabuki Hall, Japan’s oldest original kabuki theatre, or explore Zentsū-ji Temple (temple 75), the birthplace of Kōbō Daishi, founder of Shingon Buddhism.

After breakfast, travel to Dōgo Onsen via Matsuyama (you can take your luggage with you at this point and leave it at the hotel, before traveling to Dogo Onsen, or send it forward to Osaka via Takkyubin, payable locally), Japan’s oldest hot spring resort, whose history is said to stretch back more than 3,000 years. On arrival, the rest of the day is yours to explore at leisure. Wander through the atmospheric shopping arcade lined with traditional cafes, restaurants and local shops, visit the iconic Dōgo Onsen bathhouse, or stroll through Dōgo Park beneath the ruins of an ancient castle. For sweeping views across the city, head to nearby Matsuyama Castle. We also recommend a visit to Temple 51, Ishite-ji, one of the most important stops on the Shikoku pilgrimage route, home to several buildings designated as Important Cultural Properties. You then go back to your hotel in Matsuyama via tram.

Take a pre-paid taxi from your ryokan to Temple 45 Iwaya-ji, a temple closely linked to Kōbō Daishi – the priest who founded Shingon Buddhism and Mount Koya. Climb the iconic ladder to his meditation spot, with its spectacular views over the surrounding region. From Iwaya-ji, enjoy a lovely forest hike to Temple 44 Daiho-ji before returning by bus to your hotel in Matsuyama.

Your pilgrimage ends with a rewarding hike in the east of Ehime Prefecture. Travel by train and a pre-paid taxi to reach the starting point. Walk to Temple 60 Yokomine-ji, Temple 61 Kōon-ji and onwards to Temple 62 Hoju-ji. The walk passes through a rural area of Shikoku and the temples are in lovely natural settings. After the walk, travel onwards by train to Osaka, arriving mid-evening for your final night of the tour.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before taking the train back to Osaka Kansai Int. Airport (approx. 35mins).