Making core memories during the Shikoku Pilgrimage

Any pilgrimage encourages introspection, but the people you meet along the way are often the most memorable aspects of the journey. I speak from personal experience when I say that the Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage is no exception

Once you put on the pilgrim’s white garb, you become part of a community, and conversations come easy, whatever the language. People from all sorts of backgrounds embark on the journey for all kinds of reasons so you never know who you might meet. This certainly makes every day that much more varied and fun

At Chikurin-ji Temple (under 30 minutes from Kochi Station on the MY-YU sightseeing bus), I started chatting, not to a fellow pilgrim, but to one of the gardeners charged with the formidable task of caring for the temple’s sacred grounds. He kindly pointed out some tiny, pretty plants I would have otherwise missed. This interaction reminded me of how much my journey was always enriched by the people I met

After taking a stroll around the vermillion five-storied pagoda, I headed to the serene 14-century garden (accessible with a small fee). I reflected on all the friendly faces I've had the honor of crossing paths thus far, and felt excited for who I would get to meet next

Chikurin-ji Temple
https://goo.gl/maps/opQbjPTeSSHo5mQu9

Learn more about Chikurin-ji Temple: https://visitkochijapan.com/en/see-and-do/10056