Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage

Tokushima · Difficulty ★★★★☆

"Where mountains swallow the path and silence becomes the teacher"

• ·Dawn bells at Temple 1 drift in with sea breeze from Naruto Strait
• ·Ancient cedar forests canopy the trail between temples 11–12
• ·Night walking by lantern light to Temple 21 on Mt. Tairyu

Kochi · Difficulty ★★★☆☆

"The Pacific opens to your left and the sky has no ceiling"

• ·Temple 24 perches on a cliff where the Pacific stretches to the horizon
• ·Katsurahama beach — black sand, crashing waves, and solitude between temples
• ·Ryugado cave near temple 31: limestone stalactites formed over 100,000 years

Ehime · Difficulty ★★☆☆☆

"Citrus groves and thermal springs — the body heals while the mind wanders"

• ·Dōgo Onsen, 3,000 years old, reportedly where the gods bathe
• ·Mt. Ishizuchi (1,982m) — Shikoku's highest peak, visible from the trail
• ·Temple 45: cedar trees over 800 years old line the stone-paved approach

Kagawa · Difficulty ★★☆☆☆

"The end of the circle is also its beginning — Kōbō Daishi was born here"

• ·Zentsūji (Temple 75): pilgrims walk a pitch-black corridor holding a golden rope to Daishi's hand
• ·Naoshima island — contemporary art pavilions hidden among traditional fishing villages
• ·Final bell at Ōkubo-ji (Temple 88): many pilgrims weep as the circle closes

Starting point of the Shikoku Henro. Pilgrimage supplies (white coat, walking staff, sedge hat) can be purchased here. Open 6:00–17:00.

World-class whirlpools in the Naruto Strait. Close to Temple 1 Ryozenji. Viewable from the Uzuno-michi walkway below the Onaruto Bridge. Best viewed at spring tides.

Site of the Mikurodo cave where young Kukai (Kobo Daishi) meditated and attained enlightenment. Cape Muroto is Shikoku's southeastern tip with spectacular ocean views.

White lighthouse built in 1899, standing at the very tip of Cape Muroto. Offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. A short walk from the henro trail near Temple 24 Higashidera.

Kochi's most famous scenic beach, renowned for moon-viewing. A large bronze statue of Sakamoto Ryoma gazes out to sea. Scenic stop near Temple 30. Known for its pine-lined crescent shore.

One of Japan's 12 original surviving castles. Close to Temple 30 Zenrakuji and a major Kochi sightseeing spot. Retains its original Edo-period appearance.