Shikoku 88 Sacred Temples Pilgrimage: A 1200-Year Pilgrimage Path Walking with Kobo Daishi

Ohenro: Shikoku's Pilgrimage Culture Continuing for 1200 Years

The pilgrimage to the "88 Sacred Temples of Shikoku," visiting sacred sites where Kobo Daishi Kukai (774–835) trained in Shikoku, commonly called "Ohenro," is a traditional Japanese pilgrimage culture with over 1,200 years of history. It is a journey of approximately 1,400 kilometers total visiting 88 sacred sites scattered across Shikoku's 4 prefectures.

Temple No. 1 Ryozenji (Tokushima)

"Ryozenji" in Oma Town, Naruto City, Tokushima Prefecture, is the first sacred site of the 88 Sacred Temples of Shikoku. This is where pilgrims prepare their pilgrimage attire (white robe, sedge hat, staff) and the starting point for beginning the pilgrimage.

Pilgrimage Methods

Pilgrimage methods vary including "walking pilgrimage" (entire route on foot, approximately 45–60 days), "car pilgrimage" (by automobile, approximately 10–15 days), "bus pilgrimage" (tour participation), and others. In recent years foreign pilgrims have also increased, attracting attention as an international pilgrimage culture.

Osettai Hospitality Culture

In Shikoku, the "osettai" culture of local residents providing food, beverages, and lodging to pilgrims free of charge is deeply rooted. As an expression of respect for Kukai, it is a culture unique to areas where Kobo Daishi faith remains strong.

Access

Ryozenji Temple No. 1 is approximately 5 minutes on foot from JR Bando Station. Approximately 30 minutes by car from Tokushima city.