For further access details please visit the Organization for Promotion of

Tourism in SHIKOKU website. w w w.t o u r i s m s h i ko k u .o r g

Shikoku can be accessed by various transportation modes, including airplane, train, and highway bus.
The“ALL SHIKOKU Rail Pass”is convenient for travel within Shikoku,
and is available to overseas travelers exclusively allowing unlimited train travel on 6 of the railways,
including JR, that run through Shikoku.
For locations difficult to reach by railway, we recommend traveling by bus or rent-a-car.

ALL SHIKOKU Rail Pass

shikoku-railwaytrip.com
Let your soul set the pace
When people step away from their everyday lives, they take a hard
look at, and often converse with the person they truly are deep
down inside. Here in Shikoku, travelers seeking an opportunity for

inner reflection gather from all over the world. Perhaps it is because
the ancient power of this mysterious place resonates in their hearts.
 The Buddhist teachings found in Shikoku, regardless of faith, have relieved the troubles and suffering of countless numbers of people. The As you travel around Shikoku, we hope you find at least one source of positive energy to take home with you. The sacred trees with their
“gomadaki”( ritual of consecrated fire ) performed by monks is just one of the teachings that brings us heavenly thoughts. Of the many branches rustling in the breeze and the power they have amassed over time, are one example of this energy. The warmth exuding from their
hallowed temples scattered throughout Shikoku, one is certain to resonate with you. stout trunks is sure to wind its way into the folds of your heart.
Your first Shikoku
Pilgrimage
Kagawa

K ō b ō Daishi ( K ū kai )
Ehime
Kochi Tokushima
Born June 15th in the 5th year of the H ō ki era ( 774
A.D. ) in the Sanuki Province and named Mao, it is
said he was exceedingly perceptive from the time he
was a child. At age 15 he traveled to Kyoto where he
studied Buddhism. Troubled that he could not help
people with academics alone, he became a monk at
age 22 taking on the name Kūkai and establishing the
hallowed temples of Shikoku in the 6th year of the
Kōnin era (815 A.D.), approximately 1200 years ago.

● The Shikoku Pilgrimage of 88 Temples

● 20 additional sacred temples

Temple Lodging The Shikoku Pilgrimage of

At temple lodgings you can experience devotional 88 Temples
exercises, meditation, copying of the sutras, and The Shikoku Pilgrimage is a pilgrimage of 88
listening to Dharma sermons. It can also be a sacred temples in Shikoku; each of the 88
soothing place to escape daily life and realign your spirit. Feeling the traditional hallowed temples possessing its own ancient
culture with your heart and studying the history that has been preserved since history is said to somehow be tied to Kōbō Daishi
ancient times will ensure that you do not leave without gaining something. (Kūkai).

The pilgrimage is generally made“jun-uchi”( in

Pilgrimage Gear numerical order) from the first temple, Ryozen-ji

The gear required for making the pilgrimage includes a white vest or jacket called i n To k u s h i m a t h r o u g h t h e 8 8 t h t e m p l e i n
“byakue,”a“sugekasa”( sedge hat ) , a“wagesa”( Buddhist stole ) ,“osame-fuda” K a g a w a , O k u b o - j i . H o w e v e r, y o u c a n a l s o
( nameslips ) ,“senko”( incense sticks ) ,“r ō soku”( candles ) , and a“n ō ky ō ch ō ” coordinate your visit to the four prefectures of
(pilgrim book). Traditionally a white shroud is worn however, if you wear the white Shikoku with the seasons as it suits you, visiting
byakue jacket over your clothes and add a wagesa around your neck, taking your
Ryozen-ji Temple in summer, Chikurin-ji Temple
“kongozue”( walking stick ) and“juzu”( prayer beads ) in hand, you are ready to
in spring, Iwaya-ji Temple in winter, and Okubo-ji
start your pilgrimage. In recent years, there are a growing number of people who
make their pilgrimages wearing casual clothing. Feel free to make your pilgrimage Temple in autumn.
in the style of your choice. It should also be noted that in leaps years it is
said performing the pilgrimage“gyaku-uchi”( in
reverse order) will reap three times the benefits.
 Osettai (Giving alms to pilgrims)

“Osettai”is part of the hospitality of the local

people and also carries a meaning of“receiving
thanks from Master Daishi.”It is very important
that the pilgrim on the receiving end of osettai
does not refuse it. If you receive osettai, it is
customary to offer one of your“osame-fuda”
(nameslips) in return. In modern times the culture
of osettai is fading making it all the more moving
to experience just how warm people can be.

Adding Shikoku’s additional 20 sacred temples to the original 88 of Shikoku’s pilgrimage makes the
20 additional
total 108, the same number as man’s 108 worldly desires.
sacred temples Hence, it is said to be“good for eradicating worldly desires.”

roughly 1,400 km in total will purify both your mind and body as
Walking Pilgrimage
you travel through Awa ( awakening ) , Tosa ( discipline ) , Iyo
On a walking pilgrimage you can commune with the beautiful ( enlightenment) , and Sanuki ( nirvana ) . There are also a variety of
nature of Shikoku, connect with people, and encounter unexpected other ways to make the pilgrimage, such as taking public
surprises on a daily basis. It is said that the process of walking the transportation or a driving pilgrimage in a rent-a-car.
1 2
1. Shimanami｜Ehime 2. Angel Road｜Kagawa 3. Ashizuri Cape｜Kochi 4. Mt. Tsurugi｜Tokushima
3 4
 Bordering the Seto Inland Sea, Ehime carries on the Although it is Japan’s smallest prefecture, Kagawa is
history of the Iyo naval forces and continues to support home to the world’s largest bridge, the Great Seto
the shipping industry and maritime traffic in earnest. It Bridge and is the largest producer of udon noodles in

愛媛 was these same Iyo naval forces that also gave us

“Tai-meshi”(sea bream in rice) which was first enjoyed
香川 Japan. Famous for its high-quality wheat, soy sauce,
and salt since ancient times,“Sanuki Udon”is still
EHIME KAGAWA
aboard their ships. It is said that“mikan”(tangerines) beloved today. The juicy meat of“hone-tsuki dori,”
are the gift of the Seto Inland Sea as they are grown chicken leg grilled on-the-bone, will make your mouth
with the plentiful sunlight reflected off the sea. water.

It is said that the waters of the Niyodo and Shimanto Rivers Many people visit Tokushima as the first stop on the
are of the highest quality in Japan. The side dishes that Shikoku Pilgrimage. The powerful, yet gentle cuisine of
accompany Japanese sake made with this pure water are Tokushima awaits the pilgrims as they arrive with their

高知 also hearty and delicious.“Katsuo-no-tataki”( seared

bonito) will stimulate all five senses with its fresh, grilled
徳島 individual travel purposes. Pork back ribs and raw egg
are mixed into the soup of“Tokushima ramen”giving it
KOCHI TOKUSHIMA
aroma. Crisp on the outside, juicy on the inside, both the the heartiness of a hot pot. The“Awa Uiro”(sweet bean
skin and meat of“utsubo-no-karaage”(deep-fried moray confection) has a nostalgic flavor, which comes from its
eel) are full of nutrients and will leave you begging for more. elegant sweetness and the doughy texture of rice flour.
 遊子水荷浦の段畑 栗林公園 ｜ Ritsurin Garden
Yusumizugaura Terrace Field Ritsurin Garden, designated a national Special
This terraced produce field is a manifestation of Place of Scenic Beauty, is a“daimyo teien”
the phrase“cultivating the way to heaven.”Stone (garden of a feudal lord) whose flowers render the

walls with a height and width of one meter scenery of the four seasons and the trees and
continue all the way to the mountain’ s summit. stones provide plentiful elegance. Seasonal events,

道後温泉 ｜ Dōgo Onsen (hot springs) 金刀比羅宮 ｜ Kotohira-gu Shrine

The long manmade history and spectacular beauty like the cherry blossoms in spring and changing
of the steep-sloped mountain is overwhelming. leaves of autumn, are particularly spectacular.

With a history of 3000 years, it is said to be the oldest hot spring in Japan. There Kotohira-gu Shrine is worshipped as the guardian deity of maritime navigation and visited by
are two baths,“Kami-no-yu”( bath of the gods ) and“Tama-no-yu”( bath of the three million tourists annually. Built on a mountainside, it has a long stone stairwell leading to
spirits ) , with large lounges and private rooms where you can rest. The modern the shrine for which it is famous. There are 785 steps leading to the“hon-gu”main shrine,

Ref lect . Adjust .

Japanese-style building, which was the model for the bathhouse in the movie and a total of 1368 steps that lead to the inner shrine,“okusha.”In addition to Asahi-sha
“Spirited Away,”will make you feel as if you have been whisked away to a Shrine, an important cultural property, and many other venerable shrines and halls scattered
mysterious, special world. throughout the sprawling grounds, there are numerous attractions to be found here,
including the path leading up to the shrine lined on both sides with souvenir and udon shops.

Move for ward .

四万十川 ｜ Shimanto River 大歩危小歩危 ｜ Oboke and Koboke Gorges
Just as everyone leads his or her own life, the manner in which everyone enjoys
Shikoku is different. Here you will find time and space full of deep meaning that
you may feel and interpret for yourself as you travel at your own pace. What will you
Said to be Japan ’ s last clear stream, the Shimanto River is the longest river in reflect on? What will you find? An island that will change your life. That is Shikoku. It has taken 200 million years for the furious flow of the Yoshino River to create
Shikoku stretching across 196 km. The name clear stream is befitting to the this 8-km gorge cutting through the Shikoku Mountains. The mysteriously shaped
crystalline water found in the river, which flows from Mt. Irazu where it accumulates rocks and crags are the source of numerous legends surrounding spirits and
pure mountain water. The low-water crossing designed to be submerged when the apparitions. Boasting a beautiful landscape that looks as if it might be sculpted
water rises is synonymous with the Shimanto River, and as the scenery blends into marble the area can also be enjoyed in a thrilling raft ride.
the mountainous backdrop it somehow evokes feelings of nostalgia.

御厨人窟 ｜ Mikuro-do Cave 鳴門の渦潮 ｜ Naruto

Whirlpools
This is the cave where Kōbō Daishi is said to have Whirlpools occur in the Naruto Strait
achieved enlightenment in his youth. All that can be connecting the Seto Inland Sea and the Pacific
seen from the cave is a view of the sky and sea. It is Ocean. One of the world ’ s three largest tidal
said this view is the origin from which Kōbō Daishi currents, during spring tide the fast current can
took his name Kūkai, which means“sky”and“sea.” create whirlpools of up to 20 meters in diameter.