Welcome to Shikoku, Japan’s best-kept secret island no one talks about – however everybody ought to be. Translating to ‘4 lands,’ Shikoku is the smallest of Japan’s important islands, but it’s massive on magnificence and journey. However don’t anticipate a bullet practice zipping you across the island as a result of Shikoku prides itself on being essentially the most rugged, distant, and refreshingly under-traveled of Japan’s islands. Fewer roads, fewer crowds – extra appeal.
I first heard of Japan’s Shikoku Island after I had completed the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage and was on the lookout for different hikes to the Camino de Santiago in different nations. The Shikoki 88 Temple Pilgrimage was one of many choices. After I heard about this multi-month Pilgrimage round an obscure island in Japan mountain climbing from temple to temple – I used to be instantly intrigued.
Shikoku presents three issues I really like essentially the most about journey—it’s off the crushed path, filled with cultural alternatives, and has a improbable long-distance mountain climbing journey. I knew Shikoku can be on my itinerary the following time I visited Japan!
Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage
Let’s discuss somewhat about what put Shikoku ‘on the map’ for many journey journey people—the 88 Temple Pilgrimage. The 750-mile hike covers various landscapes, together with mountains, forests, coastal paths, and roads. It’s certainly a rugged and difficult expertise. It’s believed that Kōbō Daishi (akaKūkai), a Buddhist monk who lived throughout the early Heian interval, made this journey initially. Kōbō Daishi is credited with founding the Shingon college of Buddhism and is deeply revered in Japan for his teachings and contributions to Japanese tradition.
The route takes you thru Shikoku’s 4 prefectures: Tokushima, Kagawa, Ehime, and Kochi. The journey via these 4 areas is likened to a symbolic path to enlightenment, with temples 1–23 representing the concept of awakening, 24–39 austerity and self-discipline, 40–65 attaining enlightenment, and 66–88 coming into nirvana. This development mimics Buddha’s path to enlightenment.
Nonetheless, just like the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, you don’t should be non secular or Buddhist to hike the path. Anybody can do it for any purpose. I wished to hike it to immerse myself in Japan’s tradition, eat fabulous meals, expertise the kindness of strangers, and see lovely landscapes.
Surprisingly, I may by no means carve out two months of time to hike your entire route, nevertheless it nonetheless remained on my journey want listing. As an alternative, I hiked the Kumano Kodo in Japan—one other pilgrimage that solely took 5 days—a lot simpler to suit into my busy journey schedule.
Find out how to Expertise the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage
There’s multiple method to deal with the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage! Whether or not you’re hoofing it the old-school method, cruising alongside on a motorcycle, or taking the trendy strategy by automobile, the selection is yours. I used to be shocked after I ran into some Japanese pilgrims at one temple, they usually casually talked about they had been doing the entire thing by automobile. However guess what? That’s really fairly widespread! Most Japanese pilgrims go for the automobile route, whereas 80% of the courageous souls strolling your entire 750 miles are, in reality, foreigners. So whether or not you’re chasing enlightenment on foot or simply road-tripping your method via, Shikoku’s acquired choices for each sort of pilgrim.
How one can expertise the most effective of the Shikoku 88 Temple Hike
If you happen to additionally don’t have 2 months to put aside and hike your entire route, you are able to do the ‘better of’ hikes of the Pilgrimage. Oku Japan presents a number of self-guided choices so that you can select from. I even have a reduction code you need to use should you ebook with them!
Once you ebook on their web site, enter the code OTTSWORLD5 within the notes and particular requests area, and they’re going to apply a 5% low cost to any of their journeys.
Be taught extra in regards to the hike
Iya Valley
Shikoku Island isn’t simply in regards to the 88 Temple hike—enter the Iya Valley, Japan’s reply to time journey. Tucked deep within the mountains, this distant slice of paradise is so off the crushed path that even GPS would possibly wrestle. Count on jaw-dropping pure magnificence, slender river gorges, historic vine bridges, and sizzling springs so enjoyable that you simply’ll overlook what century you’re in. It’s like stepping 100 years again in time—till your abdomen reminds you you’re on a winding street that appears like a rollercoaster! The Iya Valley is infamous for its twisty, turny roads, so pack your sense of journey (and possibly some Dramamine)!
The valley’s inaccessibility led to its use as a hideaway within the late twelfth century for members of the Heike clan. After being defeated, they reportedly fled to Iya Valley, which paved the best way for the primary samurai authorities in Kamakura, close to Tokyo.
There are a number of highlights to see and expertise within the Iya Valley, so make sure to plan one to 2 days there to absorb all the wonder…and somewhat quirkiness!
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Don’t Miss These 10 Experiences in Shikoku
If you happen to aren’t able to decide to a 60-day hike, you possibly can nonetheless go to Shikoku and fill your itinerary with a mixture of distinctive experiences. That is how I visited the island. With Oku Japan’s experience, I organized a multi-day tour to see the most effective of Shikoku, together with a few of the 88 Temple hikes, the Iya Valley, and different particular cultural experiences which you could solely discover on Shikoku Island. Right here’s what I like to recommend.
1. Go to Temple 1 Ryozen-ji
Even should you aren’t a hiker, I recommend you continue to be taught in regards to the 88 Temple Pilgrimage by going to the start temple, Ryozen-ji. Right here, you possibly can be taught extra in regards to the tradition and spirituality behind the hike and luxuriate in a tranquil temple expertise. Plus – you’ll see a number of pilgrims beginning off on their journey. That is the place they collect their conventional pilgrim clothes, strolling stick, and goshuin ebook to gather temple ‘stamps’ alongside the best way.
2. Get Your Arms Soiled and Attempt Indigo Dying
The province of Awa is a area with a centuries-old historical past of indigo cultivation and dyeing. Tokushima’s feudal lord, Hachisuka Iemasa, protected and inspired indigo dye manufacturing, which led to Tokushima’s indigo dyeing flourishing and changing into identified all through Japan and the world.
You’ll have the chance to get ‘hands-on’ and be taught all in regards to the conventional dying technique often known as honaizome dyeing, which has been handed down because the Edo interval. It makes use of pure lye fermentation and is unimaginable to see…and odor!
I visited the Sato Awa Indigo Manufacturing facility and met Sato Akito, the Nineteenth-generation (sure…19 generations!) indigo dyer. He not solely took us via your entire means of how the plant is damaged down, fermented, and became indigo dye, however he additionally taught us dye a bandana scarf and put our personal designs on it!
Our completed bandanas had been cute – nonetheless, it was unimaginable (and humbling) to see Sata Akito dying work. His creativity and designs had been exact. I used to be amazed at how he created the designs by dipping the fabric in a vat. He’s well-known for his kimono work.
Be taught extra in regards to the Aizome Indigo dyeing expertise
3. Stroll over Kazurabashi Vine Bridge – Iya Valley
Deep within the Iya Valley river gorge, you possibly can step again in time and stroll throughout a swinging bridge made fully of vines. Properly,…principally of vines. The bridge represents what it will have been like 800 years in the past once they had been first constructed. Constructed by samurai who fled to Shikoku after the Genpei Struggle, 3 of the 13 bridges nonetheless stay over the Iya River.
For security causes, they added a couple of hidden metal cables for stability. So, as you stand on the foot of the bridge, able to cross, be assured that it could look flimsy, however it’s protected! The bridges are rebuilt each 3 years. The vines are collected in autumn, steamed, and twisted into form by hand. It’s an unimaginable website to see…and stroll throughout. Simply get there early, as strains shortly begin forming on the ticket sales space!
4. Be Entertained at Ochiai Scarecrow Village – Iya Valley
No, this isn’t a haunted Japanese village, however it’s bizarre. A village of 27 individuals and 350 scarecrows is value a go to – proper? Nagoro village is an ageing village that has provide you with a method to breathe new ‘life’ into its inhabitants. The ‘new’ inhabitants is life-sized figures made of fabric and full of newspapers.
It was startling to see the life-size ‘scarecrows’ in teams in locals’ yards as we pulled into Nagoro. However after we walked into the outdated elementary college and noticed lots of of scarecrows within the health club attending promenade, taking part in music as a part of the band, and easily hanging out, it was simply plain bizarre.
What began as a method to preserve the birds from consuming crops in her yard has multiplied into a preferred vacationer cease. Tsukimi Ayano began creating the scarecrows after she returned to the village to handle her father and located it virtually empty. Now, it’s crammed with scarecrows and curious vacationers!
I had the pleasure of assembly Ayano at her residence and seeing one in every of her works in progress.
5. Keep In a single day at a Temple and Tub in Sacred Waters
Even should you don’t hike the 88 Temples, you possibly can nonetheless spend the evening in a temple and be taught extra about Japanese spirituality. Temple 6, Anrakuji, presents a really genuine expertise of sleeping on tatami mats (in addition they have rooms with beds) that may be booked by vacationers and pilgrims. A beautiful dinner and breakfast are included, and you’ll even take part in a particular prayer service.
The temple lodging additionally embody an onsen. This sacred spring is claimed to have been found by Kobo Daishi himself! The new spring water, which led to the temple’s development right here, is claimed to be efficient in treating neuralgia, muscle ache, and restoration.
After we had a pleasant soak and scrumptious dinner assembly different pilgrims, I participated in a particular prayer occasion that the monks hosted after dinner.
We honored a cherished one who had handed by writing their title, age and a want on a bit of wooden. I selected my pal Jane, who handed away from most cancers a couple of years in the past. After the monks chanted for quarter-hour, we entered a sacred a part of the temple to the touch the Buddha. Then, we lit a candle, positioned it in a small stream, and watched it float downstream, symbolizing the spirit’s journey to the afterlife. It was a surreal and delightful second, and although Jane by no means made it to Japan, I used to be glad to have her there in spirit for such a particular expertise.
6. Take pleasure in a Kaiseki Meal in Tokushima Metropolis
Is it artwork, or is it meals? In Japan, generally it’s laborious to inform. One in every of my favourite issues about this nation is the meals, and the crown jewel of Japanese delicacies must be a kaiseki meal. Get able to be amazed—not simply by the sheer variety of tiny, intricate plates that preserve arriving—however by the mind-blowing freshness and a focus to element in each chew. Every dish is sort of a masterpiece… that you simply get to eat!
Kaiseki is a set-course meal chosen by the chef to focus on a particular seasonal theme. I went in September, so the autumn harvest meals had been highlighted. It usually begins with appetizers, adopted by sashimi, cooked dishes, a rice course, and eventually, dessert. You may get kaiseki in lots of locations, however in case you are on the lookout for a particular expertise, then go for this lovely meal in Tokushima Metropolis in Shikoku.
We went to Sasanosho – a conventional Japanese restaurant in a peaceable setting. We had our personal room and sat on tatami mats to eat – a conventional method to dine in Japan. Every dish at Sasanosho was served by a stupendous lady in a kimono. The colourful and delicate dishes had been typically served with contemporary flowers. It is a probability to have an genuine Japanese Kaiseki expertise that I hope everybody who visits Japan can have.
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7. Day Hike Temple 20 Kakurinji to Temple 21 Tairyuji
If you’re visiting Shikoku, you need to no less than attempt one of many iconic hikes alongside the 88 Temple Pilgrimage. You are able to do a day hike between T20 – Kakurinji to T21 Tairyuji and expertise one of the lovely hkes on your entire circuit. Nonetheless – I’ll admit the hike is tougher – most likely a average to superior degree hike – nevertheless it’s so value it! Complete distance is 3.5 miles.
Temple 20 Kakurinji is a scenic temple on the high of Mt. Washigao at 1500 ft. You’ll begin on the distinctive 3 storied pagoda and descend into the forest of big cedar, cypress, and pine timber, some over 1,000 years outdated. The path down is properly maintained. You’ll descend all the way down to the river, the place you’ll discover a residence with a stupendous bonsai tree backyard. From there, you’ll cross a bridge and begin climbing steeply alongside a stream to Temple 21 Tairyuji.
Tairyuji Temple, additionally known as the Temple of the Dragon, is filled with intricate carvings and a number of temples. It sits at 2000 ft. and has a particular connection to Kōbō Daishi. On the age of 15, it’s mentioned that he meditated on this summit for 50 days, reciting the Mantra of the Morning Star a million occasions.
If you happen to don’t need to do the gorgeous however difficult hike, you too can take a gondola as much as Tairyuji Temple and benefit from the historic buildings and huge views.
8. Step as much as the Kotohira Shinto Shrine
Probably the most well-known Shinto shrine in Shikoku is the Kotohira Shrine, which sits excessive above the city of Kotohira. Often called the shrine for fishermen, it’s an astonishing constructing that may depart you questioning, ” How did they construct that?”
The shrine itself is gorgeous – nevertheless it could be greatest identified for its strategy. Be ready to climb up 785 stone steps to the primary Kotohira shrine constructing. And 700 extra steps, and also you’ll arrive on the hidden shrine within the forest. The panoramic view from the highest of the Sanuki Plain was well worth the climb!
Happily, there are a lot of outlets, secondary shrines, fascinating examples of sculpture and structure, and different diversions on the best way, which give an excuse for a break within the climb.
9. Dance at a Nakano Udon Class
Sanuki udon is a specialty of the Kagawa area. Folks journey from throughout Japan to eat udon in Kotohira. It’s identified for its firmness and taste, whose secret lies within the number of wheat produced within the space.
Certain – you possibly can simply eat a scrumptious bowl of Sanuki udon, however why not additionally be taught to make it your self? I really like cooking, so the chance to take a Udon cooking class was a fantastic possibility.
I shortly realized that this wasn’t any typical cooking class—it was a ridiculously enjoyable expertise filled with hands-on duties, dancing…sure, dancing…and comradery! I imply they’d this expertise dialed in – with so many social media’ moments’. It felt like I had stepped onto an iconic Japanese recreation present set, and I used to be one of many contestants!
After you end making your dough, you’ll lower it into noodles, prepare dinner it, and luxuriate in slurping up your scrumptious creation!
A particular word in case you are feeling meals adventurous. After your class, attempt the inexperienced onion soy sauce ice cream you’ll discover everywhere in the streets of Kotohira!
10. Kanamaruza Kabuki Theater Tour
Whereas in Kotohira, go to the Konpira Grand Theatre, a restored Kabuki theatre and the oldest Kabuki theater in Japan. It was initially constructed in 1835 and continues to be in unimaginable situation. Kabuki performs are carried out for one month every year in April. Nonetheless, should you aren’t visiting in April – you possibly can nonetheless stroll via the theater and discover Kanamaruza’s viewers corridor, stage, and dressing rooms. You’ll want to take a look at the basement to see the human-powered rotating stage and trapdoors actors use to dramatically enter and exit performances.
Find out how to Go to the Finest Sights of Shikoku Island
How will you handle to see all these superb sights on Shikoku Island? Certain, you possibly can spend hours researching, mapping out routes, and attempting to decode the native bus schedules.
Or – and listen to me out – you possibly can simply let the specialists at Oku Japan deal with the heavy lifting. They’re an area tour firm, virtually legendary in Japan, they usually’ll plan all the things when you sit again and benefit from the experience! Oku presents self-guided excursions, small group excursions, and even customized adventures. I went the customized route, and belief me, it included all the most effective stops – no stress required!
A self-guided itinerary that features a bit extra mountain climbing however nonetheless visits many of those websites listed. Shikoku Self-guided 10 days
Both method – I even have a reduction code you need to use should you ebook with them!
Enter the code OTTSWORLD5 within the notes and particular requests area once you ebook on their web site, they usually gives you a 5% low cost on any of their journeys.
Whether or not you’re tackling the epic 88 Temple Pilgrimage or getting misplaced (hopefully not actually) within the beautiful Iya Valley, Shikoku offers you a style of Japan that feels untouched by time. With fewer vacationers and extra genuine vibes, this island is the final word hidden gem—so why not be one of many few within the know? It’s the Japan getaway you didn’t know you wanted till now!
