Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage

A roughly 1,200km pilgrimage circuit visiting 88 sacred temples associated with the monk Kukai (Kobo Daishi) on Shikoku island. The white-robed pilgrims are an iconic sight, with the full walking circuit taking 30 to 60 days. International pilgrims have been increasing in recent years.

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 pilgrimage route encompassing 88 temples circling Shikoku, traditionally attributed to kobo Daishi Kukai from approximately 1,200 years ago. The approximately 1,400-kilometer historical pilgrimage path attracts about 100,000 pilgrims annually from Japan and globally. The iconic image of white-robed pilgrims walking the route symbolizes Shikoku and represents one of Japan's most significant pilgrimage experiences with international recognition.

An ancient pilgrimage network registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under 'Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.' The trails linking the three Kumano grand shrines share a sister-road partnership with Spain's Camino de Santiago.

A modern pilgrimage culture of visiting real locations featured in anime and manga. Sites like Hida from 'Your Name' and Kamakura from 'Slam Dunk' have become new tourism resources boosting local economies. This phenomenon is closely linked to the Cool Japan strategy.