Tokushima (City Center)・Naruto

Shikoku Pilgrimage Tours

At Air Travel Tokushima, we offer a variety of one-day and one-week tours related to the renowned Shikoku Pilgrimage (also known as Shikoku Henro). Please contact us for details and/or to book a tour. (Click “Inquiry” under "Trip Planner" below)

Overview of the Shikoku Pilgrimage

This lengthy and arduous Buddhist pilgrimage route to eighty-eight “official” sacred sites and many other religious places around the island of Shikoku has a history of more than 1200 years, but it did not become popular with the general public until the late 17th century when the first guidebooks were published. The pilgrimage has a strong connection with Kūkai (also known as Kōbō Daishi) (774-835), who was born at the present-day Temple 75, Zentsūji in Kagawa Prefecture, who participated in ascetic training around Shikoku, who brought back the teachings of Shingon Buddhism from China, and who made Mt. Kōya in Wakayama Prefecture the headquarters of this new sect. It is believed that Kōbō Daishi is in a state of eternal meditation, so even today, his spirit is with every person who makes the Shikoku pilgrimage. In recent years this pilgrimage route has been widely covered by the media in Japan and around the world, and annually more and more non-Japanese are participating in part or all of this remarkable journey.

Available Tours

JTB, which was founded in 1912 to promote Japan to the world and to assist foreign visitors in Japan, produced this tourist booklet in English in 1936 to promote Shikoku. It is clear from looking at the front cover that JTB felt that the Shikoku Pilgrimage was the most important feature of Shikoku and perhaps felt that this journey was the best way to see Shikoku. Their thinking was correct. At Air Travel Tokushima, we have created some Shikoku pilgrimage tours to help you see what Shikoku has to offer. 4 For example, 4~9-hour tours to sacred sites in Tokushima prefecture. Some tours are on flat ground. Some go up and down mountains. Some involve using public transportation and/or riding a cable car and/or using a chartered taxi. Some are based on themes such as miracles or divine punishments. 1-week tours to all of the “official” sacred sites in each of the four prefectures (Tokushima, Kochi, Ehime, Kagawa). For these tours, a chartered vehicle will be used. The average daily walking distance will be 8~15km. Three of the four tours (Tokushima, Kochi and Kagawa) start and finish in the same capital city, but the Ehime tour starts at Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture and finishes at Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture.

Your Guide

Yes, it is possible to experience the Shikoku Pilgrimage using information from guidebooks, the Internet, etc., but if you want an in-depth experience with someone who has been researching the Shikoku Pilgrimage for 25 years and knows stories and details about the sites etc. that are not on the Internet, then David Moreton is the person you want to guide you on your journey. Originally from Canada, David has lived in Japan for over 30 years. In 2001, after graduating from the University of British Columbia with a Master's degree in Asian Studies (thesis title: "The History of Charitable Giving Along the Shikoku Pilgrimage Route"), he moved to Tokushima and, while working full-time at local universities, conducted research on such topics as the history of Westerners and the Shikoku pilgrimage, Westerners who lived in Tokushima and traveled to Shikoku from the 1930s to the 1950s, and the history of inbound tourism and travel to Shikoku. He has also written many articles about the Shikoku Pilgrimage, appeared on numerous television programs and documentaries about the Shikoku Pilgrimage, and conducted extensive research and interviews with people who have made this amazing journey around Shikoku.

【Shikoku Pilgrimage Guided Tours】Temples 1 and 2

Learn about various historical objects on the temple grounds of the first two temples along the Shikoku pilgrimage route - Temple 1, Ryōzenji and Temple 2, Gokurakuji.

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【Shikoku Pilgrimage Guided Tours】Temples 1, 2, and 3

Learn about various historical objects on the temple grounds of the first three temples along the Shikoku pilgrimage route - Temple 1, Ryōzenji, Temple 2, Gokurakuji, and Temple 3, Konsenji.

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【Shikoku Pilgrimage Guided Tours】Temples 1 to 5

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【Shikoku Pilgrimage Guided Tours】4 Temple Tour in Tokushima City

Learn about various historical objects on the temple grounds of four temples in Tokushima City: Temple 13, Dainichiji; Temple 14, Jōrakuji; Temple 15, Kokubunji; and Temple 16 Kanonji.

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【Shikoku Pilgrimage Guided Tours】Visit Three Temples, One Shrine, and the Naruto German House

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【Shikoku Pilgrimage Guided Tours】The Hair of Two Women Enshrined at Two Temples

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【Shikoku Pilgrimage Guided Tours】Spiritual Checkpoint Temple Tour

Learn about the tales, blessings, and history of Shikoku pilgrimage temple 19, Tatsueji; and walk a mini Shikoku pilgrimage.

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【Shikoku Pilgrimage Guided Tours】Cranes and Dragons – Hike to Temple 20 and 21

Learn about various historical objects on the temple grounds of the first two temples along the Shikoku pilgrimage route - Temple 20, Kakurinji and Temple 21, Tairyūji.

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【Shikoku Pilgrimage Guided Tours】Dragons and Wagons – Hike to Temple 21 and 22

Learn about various historical objects on the temple grounds of the first two temples along the Shikoku pilgrimage route - Temple 21, Tairyūji and Temple 22, Byōdōji.

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【Shikoku Pilgrimage Guided Tours】A Walk Along the Coast to Temple 23, Yakuōji

Learn about various historical objects on the temple grounds of the twenty-third temple of the Shikoku pilgrimage route - Temple 23, Yakuōji.

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【Shikoku Pilgrimage Guided Tours】Temples 1 and 2

Learn about various historical objects on the temple grounds of the first two temples along the Shikoku pilgrimage route - Temple 1, Ryōzenji and Temple 2, Gokurakuji Places to Visit: ◆Temple 1, Ryōzenji ◆Temple 2, Gokurakuji Temple 1 Ryōzenji: If you are starting your journey here, perhaps you might be interested in buying some of the accouterments – such as sedge hat, wooden staff, pilgrimage book, white pilgrim coat etc. – that people get to show that are making this journey as a henro (Shikoku pilgrim). Enjoy the atmosphere, feel free to take photographs (except for the innermost part of the main hall where the altar is), look at the various buildings and statues, and perhaps take your pilgrimage book to the temple office to have it signed and stamped. Temple 2 Gokurakuji: As you walk along the path, you will most likely be impressed by the large garden on your left and various statues on your right. After you turn left and walk a little bit further, you will see a huge tree in front of you. It is called “the cedar of long life” (chōmei sugi) and is believed to have been planted by the well-known 8th century Buddhist priest Kūkai/Kōbō Daishi, who founded many of the temples along the Shikoku Pilgrimage route. Next, go up a flight of steep stone stairs to see the main hall and Daishi hall, the latter which has a statue of Kūkai/Kōbō Daishi enshrined inside. In front of the Daishi hall are many amulets and wooden tablets related to the safe birth of a child. In fact, the large statue of Kōbō Daishi was given to the temple by a woman during the Meiji period (1868-1912) when she had a safe childbirth after visiting this temple. Price (Per Person) Group of 1: 25,000 Yen Group of 2: 12,500 Yen Group of 3: 8,000 Yen Group of 4: 6,250 Yen Age: 10 & Older Walking Distance: Approx. 4 km Time Needed: Approx. 4 Hours *The schedule is only an estimate and may change depending on the day, weather, etc.

Tokushima (City Center)・Naruto

Culture

Hiking/Walking

JPY 25,000 ~ (Incl. tax)

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【Shikoku Pilgrimage Guided Tours】Temples 1, 2, and 3

Learn about various historical objects on the temple grounds of the first three temples along the Shikoku pilgrimage route - Temple 1, Ryōzenji, Temple 2, Gokurakuji, and Temple 3, Konsenji. Places to Visit: ◆Temple 1, Ryōzenji ◆Temple 2, Gokurakuji ◆Temple 3, Konsenji Temple 1 Ryōzenji: If you are starting your journey here, perhaps you might be interested in buying some of the accouterments – such as sedge hat, wooden staff, pilgrimage book, white pilgrim coat etc. – that people get to show that are making this journey as a henro (Shikoku pilgrim). Enjoy the atmosphere, feel free to take photographs (except for the innermost part of the main hall where the altar is), look at the various buildings and statues, and perhaps take your pilgrimage book to the temple office to have it signed and stamped. Temple 2 Gokurakuji: As you walk along the path, you will most likely be impressed by the large garden on your left and various statues on your right. After you turn left and walk a little bit further, you will see a huge tree in front of you. It is called “the cedar of long life” (chōmei sugi) and is believed to have been planted by the well-known 8th century Buddhist priest Kūkai/Kōbō Daishi, who founded many of the temples along the Shikoku Pilgrimage route. Next, go up a flight of steep stone stairs to see the main hall and Daishi hall, the latter which has a statue of Kūkai/Kōbō Daishi enshrined inside. In front of the Daishi hall are many amulets and wooden tablets related to the safe birth of a child. In fact, the large statue of Kōbō Daishi was given to the temple by a woman during the Meiji period (1868-1912) when she had a safe childbirth after visiting this temple. Temple 3 Konsenji: Recommended Points: ◆A well beside the Daishi hall, which is said to have been dug by Kōbō Daishi for the benefit of the local people when he visited here in the 9th century. It is said that if you can see your reflection in the water, you will live a long life. ◆“Benkei`s stone of strength”, which is in the garden in front of the temple office. It is believed that warrior-monk Benkei (1155-1189) lifted this stone during the 12th century when he came here on his way to fight in the Battle of Yashima in present-day Kagawa prefecture. Price (Per Person) Group of 1: 40,000 Yen Group of 2: 20,000 Yen Group of 3: 13,000 Yen Group of 4: 10,000 Yen Age: 10 & Older Walking Distance: Approx. 6.5 km Time Needed: Approx. 5 Hours *The schedule is only an estimate and may change depending on the day, weather, etc.

Tokushima (City Center)・Naruto

Culture

Hiking/Walking

JPY 40,000 ~ (Incl. tax)

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【Shikoku Pilgrimage Guided Tours】Temples 1 to 5

Learn about various historical objects on the temple grounds of the first five temples along the Shikoku pilgrimage route - Temple 1, Ryōzenji; Temple 2, Gokurakuji; Temple 3, Konsenji; Temple 4, Dainichiji; and Temple 5, Jizōji. Places to Visit: ◆Temple 1, Ryōzenji ◆Temple 2, Gokurakuji ◆Temple 3, Konsenji ◆Temple 4, Dainichiji ◆Temple 5, Jizōji Temple 1 Ryōzenji: If you are starting your journey here, perhaps you might be interested in buying some of the accouterments – such as sedge hat, wooden staff, pilgrimage book, white pilgrim coat etc. – that people get to show that are making this journey as a henro (Shikoku pilgrim). Enjoy the atmosphere, feel free to take photographs (except for the innermost part of the main hall where the altar is), look at the various buildings and statues, and perhaps take your pilgrimage book to the temple office to have it signed and stamped. Temple 2 Gokurakuji: As you walk along the path, you will most likely be impressed by the large garden on your left and various statues on your right. After you turn left and walk a little bit further, you will see a huge tree in front of you. It is called “the cedar of long life” (chōmei sugi) and is believed to have been planted by the well-known 8th century Buddhist priest Kūkai/Kōbō Daishi, who founded many of the temples along the Shikoku Pilgrimage route. Next, go up a flight of steep stone stairs to see the main hall and Daishi hall, the latter which has a statue of Kūkai/Kōbō Daishi enshrined inside. In front of the Daishi hall are many amulets and wooden tablets related to the safe birth of a child. In fact, the large statue of Kōbō Daishi was given to the temple by a woman during the Meiji period (1868-1912) when she had a safe childbirth after visiting this temple. Temple 3 Konsenji: Recommended Points: ◆A well beside the Daishi hall, which is said to have been dug by Kōbō Daishi for the benefit of the local people when he visited here in the 9th century. It is said that if you can see your reflection in the water, you will live a long life. ◆ “Benkei`s stone of strength”, which is in the garden in front of the temple office. It is believed that warrior-monk Benkei (1155-1189) lifted this stone during the 12th century when he came here on his way to fight in the Battle of Yashima in present-day Kagawa prefecture. Temple 4 Dainichiji: Over the past few years Dainichiji has been involved an extensive restoration project including rebuilding the main gate and restoring thirty-three wooden statues made in the 18th century that represent each temple along the 33-sacred site pilgrimage route in the Saigoku region. These statues are located in a covered corridor between the main hall and the Daishi hall. Temple 5 Jizōji: It's recommended to go into the “500 Rakan” building up the stairs behind the temple. Inside the U-shaped building, you will see approximately 200 wooden statues of rakan (arhats in English), which are disciples of Buddha. At the end of the building, you will see many small wooden statues representing the main deities of the pilgrimage routes around Shikoku, Bando, Chichibu and Saigoku. Price (Per Person) Group of 1: 60,000 Yen Group of 2: 30,000 Yen Group of 3: 20,000 Yen Group of 4: 15,000 Yen Age: 14 & Older Walking Distance: Approx. 12 km Time Needed: Approx. 9 Hours *The schedule is only an estimate and may change depending on the day, weather, etc.

Tokushima (City Center)・Naruto

Culture

Hiking/Walking

JPY 60,000 ~ (Incl. tax)

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【Shikoku Pilgrimage Guided Tours】4 Temple Tour in Tokushima City

Learn about various historical objects on the temple grounds of four temples in Tokushima City: Temple 13, Dainichiji; Temple 14, Jōrakuji; Temple 15, Kokubunji; and Temple 16 Kanonji. Places to Visit: ◆Temple 13, Dainichiji ◆Temple 14, Jōrakuji ◆Temple 15, Kokubunji ◆Temple 16, Kanonji Temple 13 Dainichiji: Visit Ichinomiya Shrine across the street – the original sacred site. See a statue of Kannon with large clasped hands that people go to for happiness. Temple 14 Jōrakuji: See the unique temple grounds known as “ryusuigan no niwa” (garden of flowing rocks) that is on an outcrop of sedimentary rock. See a tree by the main hall with a small statue of Daishi in it. People believed that by boiling the tree leaves and drinking the tea that it would cure diabetes. Temple 15 Kokubunji: See the large, dry landscape garden made in the 1600s. See the foundation stone for the central column of an ancient 7-story pagoda. See the “god of the toilets.” See the recently restored main hall. Temple 16 Kanonji: See a Jizo statue that people pray to to stop children from crying at night, for children to be cured of illness, and for children to grow up strong and healthy. See a painting about a woman from one hundred ago who clothes caught on fire as a divine punishment for doing something bad. Price (Per Person) Group of 1: 40,000 Yen Group of 2: 20,000 Yen Group of 3: 13,000 Yen Group of 4: 10,000 Yen Walking Distance: Approx. 6.5 km Time Needed: Approx. 5.5 Hours *The schedule is only an estimate and may change depending on the day, weather, etc.

Tokushima (City Center)・Naruto

Culture

Hiking/Walking

JPY 40,000 ~ (Incl. tax)

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【Shikoku Pilgrimage Guided Tours】Visit Three Temples, One Shrine, and the Naruto German House (8 Hours)

Learn about various historical objects on the temple grounds of the first three temples along the Shikoku pilgrimage route - Temple 1, Ryōzenji, Temple 2, Gokurakuji, and Temple 3, Konsenji; one of the largest Shinto shrines in Tokushima; and the Naruto German House, a "museum" about the German POWs. Places to Visit: ◆Temple 1, Ryōzenji ◆Temple 2, Gokurakuji ◆Temple 3, Konsenji ◆Oasa Hiko Jinja Shrine ◆Naruto German House Temple 1 Ryōzenji: If you are starting your journey here, perhaps you might be interested in buying some of the accouterments – such as sedge hat, wooden staff, pilgrimage book, white pilgrim coat etc. – that people get to show that are making this journey as a henro (Shikoku pilgrim). Enjoy the atmosphere, feel free to take photographs (except for the innermost part of the main hall where the altar is), look at the various buildings and statues, and perhaps take your pilgrimage book to the temple office to have it signed and stamped. Temple 2 Gokurakuji: As you walk along the path, you will most likely be impressed by the large garden on your left and various statues on your right. After you turn left and walk a little bit further, you will see a huge tree in front of you. It is called “the cedar of long life” (chōmei sugi) and is believed to have been planted by the well-known 8th century Buddhist priest Kūkai/Kōbō Daishi, who founded many of the temples along the Shikoku Pilgrimage route. Next, go up a flight of steep stone stairs to see the main hall and Daishi hall, the latter which has a statue of Kūkai/Kōbō Daishi enshrined inside. In front of the Daishi hall are many amulets and wooden tablets related to the safe birth of a child. In fact, the large statue of Kōbō Daishi was given to the temple by a woman during the Meiji period (1868-1912) when she had a safe childbirth after visiting this temple. Temple 3 Konsenji: Recommended Points: ◆A well beside the Daishi hall, which is said to have been dug by Kōbō Daishi for the benefit of the local people when he visited here in the 9th century. It is said that if you can see your reflection in the water, you will live a long life. ◆“Benkei`s stone of strength”, which is in the garden in front of the temple office. It is believed that warrior-monk Benkei (1155-1189) lifted this stone during the 12th century when he came here on his way to fight in the Battle of Yashima in present-day Kagawa prefecture. Price (Per Person) Group of 1: 50,000 Yen Group of 2: 25,000 Yen Group of 3: 16,500 Yen Group of 4: 12,500 Yen (For more than four people, please contact us) Age: 10 & Older Walking Distance: Approx. 9 km Time Needed: Approx. 8 Hours *The schedule is only an estimate and may change depending on the day, weather, etc.

Tokushima (City Center)・Naruto

Culture

Hiking/Walking

JPY 50,000 ~ (Incl. tax)

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【Shikoku Pilgrimage Guided Tours】The Hair of Two Women Enshrined at Two Temples (7 hours)

Learn about various historical objects on the temple grounds of two of the temples along the Shikoku pilgrimage route - Temple 18, Ozanji and Temple 19, Tatsueji, as well as a mini-Shikoku pilgrimage route. Places to Visit: ◆Temple 18, Onzanji ◆Temple 19, Tatsueji ◆Mini-Shikoku pilgrimage route Price (Per Person) Group of 1: 50,000 Yen Group of 2: 25,000 Yen Group of 3: 16,500 Yen Group of 4: 12,500 Yen (For more than four people, please contact us) Walking Distance: Approx. 10 km Time Needed: Approx. 7 Hours *The schedule is only an estimate and may change depending on the day, weather, etc.

Anan・Naka・Kito

Culture

Hiking/Walking

JPY 50,000 ~ (Incl. tax)

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【Shikoku Pilgrimage Guided Tours】Spiritual Checkpoint Temple Tour (6 hours)

Learn about the tales, blessings, and history of Shikoku pilgrimage temple 19, Tatsueji; and walk a mini Shikoku pilgrimage. Places to Visit: ◆Temple 19, Tatsueji ◆Place where a woman called Okyo lived in the 1800s ◆Mini 88-temple Shikoku pilgrimage route Price (Per Person) Group of 1: 40,000 Yen Group of 2: 20,000 Yen Group of 3: 13,000 Yen Group of 4: 10,000 Yen (For more than four people, please contact us) Age: 10 & Older Walking Distance: Approx. 8 km Time Needed: Approx. 6 Hours *The schedule is only an estimate and may change depending on the day, weather, etc.

Anan・Naka・Kito

Culture

Hiking/Walking

JPY 40,000 ~ (Incl. tax)

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【Shikoku Pilgrimage Guided Tours】Cranes and Dragons – Hike to Temple 20 and 21 (9 hours)

Learn about various historical objects on the temple grounds of the first two temples along the Shikoku pilgrimage route - Temple 20, Kakurinji and Temple 21, Tairyūji. Places to Visit: ◆Temple 20, Kakurinji ◆Temple 21, Tairyūji Price (Per Person) Group of 1: 90,000 Yen Group of 2: 45,000 Yen Group of 3: 30,000 Yen Group of 4: 22,500 Yen (For more than four people, please contact us. Max: 7 people) Age: 15 & Older Walking Distance: Approx. 10 km Time Needed: Approx. 9 Hours *The schedule is only an estimate and may change depending on the day, weather, etc.

Minami・Mugi・Shishikui

Culture

Hiking/Walking

JPY 90,000 ~ (Incl. tax)

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【Shikoku Pilgrimage Guided Tours】Dragons and Wagons – Hike to Temple 21 and 22 (9 hours)

Learn about various historical objects on the temple grounds of the first two temples along the Shikoku pilgrimage route - Temple 21, Tairyūji and Temple 22, Byōdōji. Places to Visit: ◆Temple 21, Tairyūji ◆Temple 22, Byōdōji Price (Per Person) Group of 1: 90,000 Yen Group of 2: 45,000 Yen Group of 3: 30,000 Yen Group of 4: 22,500 Yen (For more than four people, please contact us. Max: 7 people) Age: 15 & Older Walking Distance: Approx. 12 km Time Needed: Approx. 9 Hours *The schedule is only an estimate and may change depending on the day, weather, etc.

Anan・Naka・Kito

Culture

Hiking/Walking

JPY 22,500 ~ (Incl. tax)

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【Shikoku Pilgrimage Guided Tours】A Walk Along the Coast to Temple 23, Yakuōji（9 hours）

Learn about various historical objects on the temple grounds of the twenty-third temple of the Shikoku pilgrimage route - Temple 23, Yakuōji. Places to Visit: ◆Temple 23, Yakuōji Price (Per Person) Group of 1: 60,000 Yen Group of 2: 30,000 Yen Group of 3: 20,000 Yen Group of 4: 15,000 Yen (For more than four people, please contact us) Age: 15 & Older Walking Distance: Approx. 17 km Time Needed: Approx. 9 Hours *The schedule is only an estimate and may change depending on the day, weather, etc.

Minami・Mugi・Shishikui

Culture

Hiking/Walking

JPY 60,000 ~ (Incl. tax)

See plan

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We can prepare a personalized trip based on where you would like to go and what you would like to do.
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