Shikoku 88-Temple Pilgrimage

The collective name for pilgrimage routes leading to the three Grand Shrines of Kumano on the Kii Peninsula. UNESCO World Heritage listed, they share the distinction with Spain's Santiago de Compostela as one of only two pilgrimage routes with World Heritage status. Walking moss-covered stone paths through cedar forests captivates trekkers worldwide.

A pilgrimage circuit visiting 88 temples scattered across Shikoku island. With approximately 1,200 years of history, it honors Kobo Daishi (Kukai), the founder of Shingon Buddhism. The full circuit spans about 1,400 kilometers. Tens of thousands of pilgrims walk the route annually, seeking spiritual enlightenment and salvation.

A pilgrimage route visiting 88 Buddhist temples scattered across the four Shikoku prefectures (Tokushima, Kochi, Ehime, Kagawa). Based on legends related to Kobo Daishi, it spans approximately 1,400 kilometers. About 1 million people visit annually, many participating as pilgrims in white robes (henro). It is one of Japan's oldest pilgrimage routes, continuing for over 1,000 years.

A 1,200km pilgrimage visiting 88 temples associated with Kobo Daishi. White-clad henro pilgrims are Shikoku's iconic sight. Growing international interest positions it as a global pilgrimage route.

Pilgrimage to Ise Grand Shrine became a massive popular phenomenon in the Edo period with the saying 'once in a lifetime, visit Ise.' Including the Okagehyokocho street food culture and famous Akafuku mochi, it remains a spiritual travel touchstone for Japanese people today.

A sacred site of mountain worship comprising Mount Haguro, Mount Gassan, and Mount Yudono. With over 1,400 years of history as a training ground for Shugendo asceticism, the mountain monks in white robes and their austere practices preserve Japan's mountain ascetic traditions.

One of Japan's oldest pilgrimage circuits, visiting 33 Kannon sacred sites mainly across the Kinki region. Said to have been established in 718, it is known alongside the Shikoku Pilgrimage as one of Japan's two great pilgrimage routes. It was designated a Japan Heritage in 2019.