Shikoku Eighty-eight Temple Pilgrimage

The Shikoku pilgrimage (四国八十八箇所), or henro, circles the island of Shikoku through eighty-eight temples associated with Kōbō Daishi, who was born on the island. About 1,200 kilometres long, it takes walkers some six weeks and remains the most demanding and most beloved pilgrimage in Japan.

Temples 88
First temple Ryōzenji, Tokushima
Last temple Ōkuboji, Kagawa
Length Around 1,200 kilometres
Companion Kōbō Daishi, who by tradition walks with every pilgrim

Four stages

The four prefectures of Shikoku are read as stages of the path: Tokushima for awakening the aspiration, Kōchi for ascetic training, Ehime for enlightenment and Kagawa for nirvana. Zentsūji in Kagawa, the seventy-fifth temple, is honoured as Kūkai's birthplace. Many pilgrims finish by visiting Mount Kōya to report their journey.

Two travelling together

Pilgrims wear white and a sedge hat inscribed with the words two travelling together, dōgyō ninin, for the Daishi accompanies them. The staff is treated as his body and is washed at each night's lodging. Local people offer pilgrims food, rest or lodging, a custom called settai, because to help a pilgrim is to help the Daishi.

Collecting notes

  • Completed stamp books, scrolls and white robes stamped at each temple are kept as heirlooms. Edo and Meiji examples are moving historical documents.
  • Portraits of the walking Daishi and temple prints are popular devotional collectables.

In the collection

Search the collection for Kōbō Daishi or browse esoteric Buddhist art. Our collector concierge can search Japan for Shikoku pilgrimage material.

See also

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