Japan Walking & Hiking: Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage with Airfare

The fourth-largest of Japan's islands, Shikoku is home to the 88 Temple Pilgrimage Trail. Fascinating aspects of this deeply spiritual route include how little is known of its origins, and its mysterious connection with Kobo Daishi, founder of Shingon Buddhism. Pilgrims have walked the trails for 1200 years and even today we will see pilgrims in their distinctive attire and white cloaks throughout the island. The full pilgrimage route encircles Shikoku and connects 88 Buddhist temples, covering more than a thousand kilometers. Pilgrims, known in Japanese as Ohenro, traditionally did the journey from temple to temple on foot over many weeks. However, we do not have a couple free months to make the trek, so we will visit fewer temples at this time, which is called kugiri-uchi.

We will also visit historic Hiroshima and witness the iconic floating torii gate at Itsukushima Shrine—a powerful symbol of Japan’s spiritual beauty.

Type and trip level: This tour features 6 days of walking and hiking from 2.5 to 5 hours per day, on quiet town and country roads and unpaved forest trails. Pilgrims should feel comfortable walking both forested mountain paths and paved village roads, as the journey weaves through nature and everyday life. While on the trails you carry a small to medium daypack.

Public transport in the rural areas of Shikoku is limited and we will travel mainly by bus, but we will still enjoy walking along the ancient route from temple to temple through countryside and forest. We will stay in traditional country inns enjoying regional cuisine prepared from local ingredients from the island, soak in natural hot springs, and enjoy the exceptional hospitality of our hosts.

History: The fourth-largest of Japan's islands, Shikoku is home to the 88 Temple Pilgrimage Trail. Fascinating aspects of this deeply spiritual route include how little is known of its origins, and its mysterious connection with Kobo Daishi, founder of Shingon Buddhism. Pilgrims have walked the trails for 1200 years and even today we will see pilgrims in their distinctive attire and white cloaks throughout the island. The full pilgrimage route encircles Shikoku and connects 88 Buddhist temples, covering more than a thousand kilometers. Pilgrims, known in Japanese as Ohenro, traditionally did the journey from temple to temple on foot over many weeks. However, we do not have a couple free months to make the trek, so we will visit fewer temples at this time, which is called kugiri-uchi.

Pilgrimage Routes: Tokushima in the east, and Ehime in the west.

Travel Date: 11/17/26 – 11/29/26

Price: $6,885

Trip Highlights:

• Visit 27 sacred temples along the Shikoku Pilgrimage route, continuing the journey from Part 1

• Walk through serene forest trails and quiet village streets—ideal for those comfortabl with both natural and paved terrain

• Experience Tokushima (“Awakening”) and Ehime (“Enlightenment”)—two prefecture rich with spiritual energy

• Witness the iconic floating torii gate at Itsukushima Shrine—one of Japan’s most revered spiritual landmarks

• Visit Hiroshima, a deeply moving city of remembrance, peace, and resilience

• Open to both returning pilgrims and new seekers ready to explore Japan’s spiritua traditions through mindful walking

Trip Schedule

• Day 1 & 3 (Tue, 11.17 – Thu, 11.19): LAX – KIX, Osaka

• Day 3 (Thu, 11.19): Arrival in KIX, take the ferry from Wakayama to Tokushima city (Tokushima prefecture). Temple 1 (D)

• Day 4 (Fri, 11.20): Temple 7 – 10 (B.D)

• Day 5 (Sat, 11.21): Temple 13 – 19 (B.D)

• Day 6 (Sun, 11.22): Temple 20 – 23 (B.D)

• Day 7 (Mon, 11.23): Transfer and half day rest (Ehime prefecture) (B.D)

• Day 8 (Tue, 11.24): Temple 44, 45 (B.D)

• Day 9 (Wed, 11.25): Temple 46 – 48, 52, 53 (B.D)

• Day 10 (Thu, 11.26): Temple 54 – 59

• Day 11 (Fri, 11.27): Ferry Matsuyama to Hiroshima, visit Peace Park and Museum (B.D)

• Day 12 (Sat, 11.28): Miyashima all day sightseeing (B.D)

• Day 13 (Sun, 11.29): Shinkansen – Osaka – KIX – LAX (B)

Price Includes

• International flights from LAX – KIX – LAX

• Full-time services of an English-speaking mountain guide

• Lodging Includes traditional ryokan inns, minshuku (similar B&B), hotels, and shukubo temple lodging (which can allow visitors to observe and participate in temple rituals). Some accommodations also have onsen so we can enjoy a relaxing soak.

• Daily breakfast & dinners

• Private pick up and drop off from and to airport

• All transportation between tour locations

• Entrance to museums, temples and other sights on the group's itinerary

• Forwarding of one item of luggage to next locations

Price Excludes

• Travel insurance

• Tipping: $10 person/day for driver(s) and guide(s). To be collected prior to the trip

• Personal expenses/meals/sightseeing that are not listed in itinerary

Making Reservations:

• Call Catherine at Tarzana Tour and Travel at 626-380-7948

• Email a copy of your passport to catherine@tarzanatour.com

• By putting your deposit, you have read and agreed to the following:

• Reservation Deadline & Cancellation Policy ($500 deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable)

IMPORTANT NOTE:

In the current global climate, we strongly recommend all guests purchase flight and travel insurance to cover all contingencies and nonrefundable deposits and expenses.

• Airfares are constantly fluctuating now more than ever, making prices subject to change without prior notice.

• A reservation without a deposit does not secure your spot on the trip.