Ohenro | Shikoku Pilgrimage

The Shikoku Pilgrimage—known as Ohenro—is one of Japan’s most iconic spiritual routes. Stretching across the four prefectures of Shikoku, the journey connects 88 sacred temples associated with the Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi. For centuries, pilgrims have walked this path seeking reflection, healing, and a deeper understanding of Japanese culture and spirituality.

What Makes the Shikoku Pilgrimage Special

Unlike ordinary sightseeing, the Shikoku Pilgrimage is a living tradition. Travelers wear a white pilgrim’s vest, carry a staff symbolizing Kobo Daishi, and visit temples where rituals such as stamping a nokyocho book connect each step to the region’s centuries-old heritage.

• 88 temples: each with unique legends, architecture, and rituals.
• Deep cultural immersion: experience the heartfelt hospitality known as osettai.
• Spiritual reflection: a peaceful environment away from Japan’s major cities.
• Stunning landscapes: mountains, coasts, forests, and rural villages.

Whether walked in full or explored in selected sections, Ohenro offers a meaningful journey for travelers seeking authenticity, spirituality, and cultural depth.

Who This Experience Is Perfect For

The Shikoku Pilgrimage appeals to travelers who value meaningful experiences, historical traditions, and Japan’s quieter, more contemplative side.

• Cultural travelers seeking authentic Japanese traditions.
• Nature lovers wanting to explore Shikoku’s landscapes.
• Spiritual travelers looking for reflection and mindfulness.
• Visitors interested in Kobo Daishi and Buddhist heritage.

88-temple route

Cultural heritage

Spiritual travel

Shikoku landscapes

Practical Information

• Location: Shikoku Island (Tokushima, Kochi, Ehime, Kagawa)
• Route Length: Approx. 1,200 km
• Typical Duration: 1 week to several weeks
• Highlights: Temples, pilgrim rituals, rural scenery, local hospitality

Pilgrimage Manners at Each Temple

At every temple on the Shikoku Pilgrimage, simple manners help express respect for the deities, Kobo Daishi, and the generations of pilgrims who have walked before you.

• Bow once toward the Main Hall when you pass through the temple gate.
• Wash your hands and rinse your mouth at the wash basin to gently purify yourself.
• Ring the temple bell once upon arrival. It is considered bad luck to ring it when leaving.
• Light incense and a candle, place your osamefuda (votive name slip) in the dedicated box, then offer coins into the collection box. Bring your hands together in prayer and bow three times.
• After reciting a sutra, bring your hands together once more and bow again to complete your prayer.
• Receive the temple stamp called Goshuin in your stamp book as a record of your visit.
• When you depart, face the main gate and bow once in gratitude before leaving the grounds.

Pilgrim Accessories & Traditional Attire

Pilgrims on Ohenro are free to wear comfortable clothing suitable for the season. However, if you wear the traditional white vest, sedge hat, and carry the wooden pilgrim’s staff, you will be clearly recognized—and warmly respected—as a pilgrim along the route. These items symbolize walking together with Kobo Daishi and connect you to the long history of the Shikoku Pilgrimage.

List of the 88 Temples by Prefecture

Tokushima Prefecture – Temples 1–23

• 1. Ryozenji
• 2. Gokurakuji
• 3. Konsenji
• 4. Dainichiji
• 5. Jizoji
• 6. Anrakuji
• 7. Jurakuji
• 8. Kumadaniji
• 9. Horinji
• 10. Kirihataji
• 11. Fujiidera
• 12. Shosanji
• 13. Dainichiji
• 14. Jorakuji
• 15. Awa Kokubunji
• 16. Kannonji
• 17. Idoji
• 18. Onzanji
• 19. Tatsueji
• 20. Kakurinji
• 21. Tairyuji
• 22. Byodoji
• 23. Yakuoji

Kochi Prefecture – Temples 24–39

• 24. Hotsumisakiji
• 25. Shinshoji
• 26. Kongochoji
• 27. Konomineji
• 28. Dainichiji
• 29. Tosa Kokubunji
• 30. Zenrakuji
• 31. Chikurinji
• 32. Zenjibuji
• 33. Sekkeiji
• 34. Tanemaji
• 35. Kiyotakiji
• 36. Shoryuji
• 37. Iwamotoji
• 38. Kongofukuji
• 39. Enkoji

Ehime Prefecture – Temples 40–65

• 40. Kanjizaiji
• 41. Ryukoji
• 42. Butsumokuji
• 43. Meisekiji
• 44. Daihoji
• 45. Iwayaji
• 46. Joruriji
• 47. Yasakaji
• 48. Sairinji
• 49. Jodoji
• 50. Hantaji
• 51. Ishiteji
• 52. Taisanji
• 53. Enmyoji
• 54. Enmeiji
• 55. Nankobo
• 56. Taisanji
• 57. Eifukuji
• 58. Senyuji
• 59. Iyo Kokubunji
• 60. Yokomineji
• 61. Koonji
• 62. Hojuji
• 63. Kichijoji
• 64. Maegamiji
• 65. Sankakuji

Kagawa Prefecture – Temples 66–88

• 66. Unpenji
• 67. Daikoji
• 68. Jinnein
• 69. Kannonji
• 70. Motoyamaji
• 71. Iyadaniji
• 72. Mandaraji
• 73. Shusshakaji
• 74. Koyamaji
• 75. Zentsuji
• 76. Konzoji
• 77. Doryuji
• 78. Goshoji
• 79. Tennoji
• 80. Sanuki Kokubunji
• 81. Shiromineji
• 82. Negoroji
• 83. Ichinomiyaji
• 84. Yashimaji
• 85. Yakuriji
• 86. Shidoji
• 87. Nagaoji
• 88. Okuboji

The Shikoku Pilgrimage is more than a journey—it is a profound cultural experience shaped by tradition, nature, and heartfelt encounters. Add it to your Japan Deluxe Tours itinerary for a deeper connection to Japan’s spiritual heritage.