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Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage: Complete Guide to Henro History & Routes
The Shikoku 88 pilgrimage traces 1,400 km across four prefectures, visiting temples linked to Kobo Daishi Kukai. From the first temple Ryozenji to the 88th Okuboji, this guide covers history, manners, attire, and key sites with practical visiting tips.
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Author
Hijiri
| Shrines & Temples
Contents
MOKUJI
一
Origins of the Henro Pilgrimage
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二
The Four Stages
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三
Pilgrim Attire and Manners
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四
Modern Routes
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五
Completing the Journey
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Shikoku 88 is a 1,400-km pilgrimage circuit visiting 88 temples linked to Kobo Daishi Kukai (774-835), traversing four prefectures (Tokushima, Kochi, Ehime, Kagawa). From Temple 1 Ryozenji to Temple 88 Okuboji, pilgrims walk clockwise around Shikoku, traditionally taking 40-60 days on foot.
Origins of the Henro Pilgrimage
The pilgrimage commemorates Kukai’s training journey across Shikoku in his youth. The 88-temple system was codified by the Edo period, with monk Shin’nen erecting over 200 stone markers in the 1680s and publishing the first guidebook in 1687, transforming the route into a popular folk pilgrimage.
The Four Stages
Prefecture
Temples
Stage
Tokushima
1-23
Awakening
Kochi
24-39
Training
Ehime
40-65
Enlightenment
Kagawa
66-88
Nirvana
Pilgrim Attire and Manners
The traditional white robe (byakue), straw hat, walking staff (kongozue), prayer beads, and book of stamps (nokyocho) are sold at Temple 1 Ryozenji. The phrase “Dogyo Ninin” (“Two Pilgrims Together”) expresses the belief that Kobo Daishi accompanies every walker.
Modern Routes
Today most pilgrims travel by car (10-14 days), bus tours, or in segments over years. About 3,000-5,000 walkers complete the full route annually. Spring (May-June) and autumn (October-November) are the best seasons.
Completing the Journey
After Temple 88 Okuboji, pilgrims traditionally make a “thank-you visit” to Mt. Koya’s Okunoin in Wakayama, where Kobo Daishi is said to remain in eternal meditation. Only after this final visit is the pilgrimage truly complete.
Last updated: April 27, 2026
Main Hall of Ryozenji, the first temple of the Shikoku 88 — the starting point of all pilgrims
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / photo by 663highland
East Gate of Temple 75 Zentsuji in Kagawa — head temple of the Zentsuji branch on Kukai's birthplace
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / photo by 663highland
National Treasure Niomon Gate of Temple 51 Ishiteji — birthplace of the Emon Saburo legend
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / photo by 松岡明芳
Main Hall of Temple 88 Okuboji in Kagawa — pilgrims dedicate their walking staffs upon completing the journey
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / photo by 松岡明芳
Walking pilgrim in traditional white robe and conical hat — embodying the "Two Pilgrims Together" spirit
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / photo by Reggaeman
Precincts of Temple 85 Yakuriji on Yashima — a temple of the Nirvana stage tied to the Battle of Yashima
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / photo by 松岡明芳
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Author
Hijiri（ひじり）
Shrines & Temples
Toku editorial team — shrines and temples. Former designer who reads temple architecture and gardens through an aesthetic lens, quietly tracing the lineages of sects and doctrines.
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