For everyone considering a trip to Japan, pilgrimage journeys along the Shikoku region have become a popular trend.
In the ancient land of Shikoku, there are numerous temples and sacred sites with a long history.
“Ohenro” refers to the act of circumambulating the 88 sacred places associated with Kobo Daishi Kukai, a revered Buddhist monk in Shikoku, for the purpose of prayer.
Completing the pilgrimage in sequential order, starting from the first temple, Ryozenji, to the final one, Okuboji, is known as “Manngann.”
The pilgrimage, surrounded by picturesque landscapes changing with each season, serves as a refreshing experience for both the mind and body.
This sacred pilgrimage route, beloved by many, resonates with history and tradition, gaining recognition as the ultimate pilgrimage not only in Japan but also worldwide.
- Scenic Beauty
Pilgrimage in Shikoku is adorned with the beauty of nature and landscapes. Wandering along the coastlines and through mountains, visitors are captivated by the ever-changing scenery, from fresh greenery to autumn foliage and snow-covered landscapes. Alongside the scent of the wind, one’s heart is guided to serene places.
2. Exploring History
Each temple, steeped in history, provides a tranquil space for visitors to reflect on themselves and refine their spirits.
3. Warm Hospitality
The warm hospitality of the people in Shikoku is another charming aspect of the pilgrimage. Engaging with locals allows visitors to experience the region’s culture and customs. Heartwarming interactions contribute to the overall appeal of the journey.
The pilgrimage to the 88 sacred places in Shikoku offers a therapeutic experience for the soul and a chance to immerse oneself in Japan’s traditional culture.
The sense of fulfillment derived from walking and the warmth received from encounters with people will guide travelers towards new discoveries.
Why not embark on a Shikoku pilgrimage to rejuvenate both mind and body, and venture towards new horizons?
In September 2015, when I was 25 years old, I went on a pilgrimage by bike to visit 88 temples in Shikoku, what is called Ohenro (お遍路）in Japanese. Why did I decide to turn my experience into a book five years after that?
The answer is Covid-19. The pandemic engulfed the world and Japan and gave the biggest damage to the Japanese economy since WWII. Also, it has ruined the mind of many people, as well as their bodies.
So I have decided to write this book to explain the fascination of the pilgrimage to 88 Reijo (holy or religious sites) in Shikoku to those who embrace life in such a harsh time and help them change their spirits.
Also, after the pandemic, we will see the shift of the trend of lifestyle from the urban-centered life to the one in rural areas. So I want people, especially young people, to express the advantages of rural life, especially in Tokushima and Shikoku. Urban life may be good, but you will love life in Tokushima, where there are many delicious foods and many beautiful ladies!
By the way, compared to the pilgrimage on foot, the pilgrimage by bike, or “bike pilgrimage,” can shorten the schedule and save accommodation fees and other travel expenses. When you make a walking pilgrimage, you will stay at hotels and inns for many days, increasing the accommodation fees.
Also, I could complete the pilgrimage despite the under exercising due to the Tokyo life. Therefore, I recommend the bike pilgrimage based on schedule, expenses, and challenge level.
For your information, some information was added later to my original experience in 2015.
(The information on Ohenro will not change in a few years, so I think this book will be useful for a long time.)
日本への旅行を考えているみなさん
四国で「お遍路旅」がブームになっています。
日本の四国には、古くから存在する寺院や霊場がたくさんあります。お遍路とは、祈願の目的で、四国の弘法大師空海の霊場88カ所を巡り歩くことをいいます。一番札所の霊山寺から最後の大窪寺まで順番にまわると「満願」といいます。四季折々の美しい風景に包まれながら巡ることで心身のリフレッシュになります。多くの人々に愛され、歴史と伝統が息づくこの神聖な巡礼路は、日本だけでなく世界各地で究極の巡礼として知られています。
1. 美しい景色
四国のお遍路巡りは、美しい自然と風景が旅を彩ります。海沿いや山々の中を巡りながら、新緑、紅葉、そして雪景色など、四季折々の美しい風景が訪れる者を魅了します。歩きながら感じる風の匂いと共に、心が清らかなる場所へと導かれることでしょう。
2. 歴史の調べ
歴史が息づく各地の寺院では、参拝者が静寂な中で自己と向き合い、心を洗練することができます。
3. 人々の温かいおもてなし
四国のお遍路巡りは、人々の温かいおもてなしも魅力の一つです。地元の人々と触れ合うことで、地域の文化や習慣を感じることができます。心温まる交流があるのも、魅力のひとつです。
四国88カ所のお遍路旅は、心の癒しと日本の伝統文化を感じることができます。歩くことで得られる充実感と、出会う人々から得られる温かさが、旅人を新たなる旅路へと導くことでしょう。是非、四国のお遍路巡りで心と体を整え、新たなる発見へと向かいませんか。
