- 2023.03.17
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Our Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage experience
“Immediately after officially retiring, I saw my chance and took the plunge. Being fully present in the serenity of the temples and diverse landscapes and (during) spontaneous conversations with monks, shop owners and fellow pilgrims — the journey reminded me of the beauty and authenticity of traveling in the old days.”
“My greatest takeaway from the pilgrimage was probably the physical challenge of the steep hills and stairs, which brought home that I want to keep myself in better shape. It was an eye-opener to think about what I need to do at age 64 to see my kids properly grow up.”
– Larry Bates
“As cliche as it sounds, besides the physical challenge of completing the whole pilgrimage, I also wanted to do it for the mental part. In a way, this experience of just walking for hours every day is totally unproductive, and I wanted to move away from the mindset of having to be productive every minute of the day.”
“Iwamoto-ji Temple in Kochi Prefecture was my favorite. The priest was so kind and friendly, and the Shimanto River and the scenery were serene and beautiful. And while it may seem obvious since it stands out so much, I also loved the temple’s ceiling, which is decorated with hundreds of different paintings in all sorts of styles.”
– Jane McBride
Thank you to @Larry Bates and @Jane McBride for letting us share your reflections on doing the Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage! Your stories give us a glimpse into the kind of peace and eye-opening discoveries that can be found along the journey
Learn more about the Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage: https://visitkochijapan.com/en/highlights/henro
Read more about their experiences here: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2022/07/24/general/shikoku-pilgrims/
“My greatest takeaway from the pilgrimage was probably the physical challenge of the steep hills and stairs, which brought home that I want to keep myself in better shape. It was an eye-opener to think about what I need to do at age 64 to see my kids properly grow up.”
– Larry Bates
“As cliche as it sounds, besides the physical challenge of completing the whole pilgrimage, I also wanted to do it for the mental part. In a way, this experience of just walking for hours every day is totally unproductive, and I wanted to move away from the mindset of having to be productive every minute of the day.”
“Iwamoto-ji Temple in Kochi Prefecture was my favorite. The priest was so kind and friendly, and the Shimanto River and the scenery were serene and beautiful. And while it may seem obvious since it stands out so much, I also loved the temple’s ceiling, which is decorated with hundreds of different paintings in all sorts of styles.”
– Jane McBride
Thank you to @Larry Bates and @Jane McBride for letting us share your reflections on doing the Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage! Your stories give us a glimpse into the kind of peace and eye-opening discoveries that can be found along the journey
Learn more about the Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage: https://visitkochijapan.com/en/highlights/henro
Read more about their experiences here: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2022/07/24/general/shikoku-pilgrims/
