- 2022.04.16
-
The perfect one-day Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage route
In our previous posts about the Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage, we noticed that a lot of you shared your concerns about its length. Walking the entire 1,200 kilometers is certainly a commitment, but don’t forget you can build your own itinerary! Whether you walk, drive or take public transportation over the course of a day or month, it’s all up to you. As long as you are respectful at the sacred sites, there is no ""correct"" way to complete this life-changing journey
For those who might only have one day for the pilgrimage, we highly recommend walking the 12-km route around three glorious temples located near the UNESCO-designated geopark around Cape Muroto at the eastern tip of Kochi Prefecture
Collectively known as Muroto Sanzan, you can visit the three temples below on your trek
Hotsumisaki-ji Temple
This temple is home to one of our favorite ancient pagodas in Kochi. I mean, just look at that intricately-designed, wooden architecture! Definitely visit the nearby Mikurodo Cave too, where Kukai (one of Japan’s most influential Buddhist monks and initiator of the pilgrimage) is believed to have achieved enlightenment over 1,200 years ago
Shinsho-ji Temple
About 6 kilometers away from Hotsumisaki-ji Temple, keep an eye out for a vivid red bell tower atop a flight of stone steps. Welcome to Shinsho-ji Temple, a sacred place that has protected local fishermen at sea for centuries
Kongocho-ji Temple
The last temple of your one-day pilgrimage is another 5 kilometers from Shinsho-ji Temple. You might be intimidated by the flight of stairs, but you can do it! Know that if you make it to the top, you’ll get to see a giant pair of straw sandals believed to ward off evil, a beautiful incense urn with dragon ornamentation, a six-pillared bell tower, and an impressive main hall with an elegant roof!
Learn more about the Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage: https://visitkochijapan.com/en/highlights/henro
For those who might only have one day for the pilgrimage, we highly recommend walking the 12-km route around three glorious temples located near the UNESCO-designated geopark around Cape Muroto at the eastern tip of Kochi Prefecture
Collectively known as Muroto Sanzan, you can visit the three temples below on your trek
Hotsumisaki-ji Temple
This temple is home to one of our favorite ancient pagodas in Kochi. I mean, just look at that intricately-designed, wooden architecture! Definitely visit the nearby Mikurodo Cave too, where Kukai (one of Japan’s most influential Buddhist monks and initiator of the pilgrimage) is believed to have achieved enlightenment over 1,200 years ago
Shinsho-ji Temple
About 6 kilometers away from Hotsumisaki-ji Temple, keep an eye out for a vivid red bell tower atop a flight of stone steps. Welcome to Shinsho-ji Temple, a sacred place that has protected local fishermen at sea for centuries
Kongocho-ji Temple
The last temple of your one-day pilgrimage is another 5 kilometers from Shinsho-ji Temple. You might be intimidated by the flight of stairs, but you can do it! Know that if you make it to the top, you’ll get to see a giant pair of straw sandals believed to ward off evil, a beautiful incense urn with dragon ornamentation, a six-pillared bell tower, and an impressive main hall with an elegant roof!
Learn more about the Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage: https://visitkochijapan.com/en/highlights/henro
