Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage

A monk (774-835) who founded the Shingon school of Buddhism. Established Kongobuji temple atop Mount Koya, making him one of Japan's most significant Buddhist figures. Kobo Daishi veneration spread throughout Japan, with numerous temples and pilgrimage routes associated with him. The Shikoku 88 Temple pilgrimage represents his journey through his hometown. He holds central importance in Japanese spiritual culture and tourism.

An art facility using the entire island of Naoshima, Kagawa Prefecture, as a canvas. Features international contemporary art museums and outdoor art installations. Also preserves traditional culture through the indigo crafts museum, embodying fusion of art and regional culture. Attracting approximately 800,000 visitors annually, representing Japan's premier cultural tourism destination.

Kobo Daishi founded Shingon Buddhism and established monastic centers. Koyasan Kongoji Temple is his sacred founding site. His teachings profoundly influenced Japanese Buddhist history. Revered as calligraphy founder. Attracts pilgrims and scholars annually. The Shikoku 88 Temple pilgrimage derives from Kobo Daishi-related faith. Represents central to Japanese spiritual culture.

Pilgrimage route section of the Shikoku pilgrimage centered in Ehime Prefecture, covering temples 41-65. Overlaps with hot spring regions, with historic pilgrimage paths still intact. Offers diverse scenery from mountain passes to coastal views. Many henro (pilgrims) visit today, providing deep community engagement and authentic pilgrimage experiences rooted in regional heritage.

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.

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.