Welcome to Shikoku, Japan’s best-kept secret island no person talks about – however everybody needs to be. Translating to ‘4 lands,’ Shikoku is the smallest of Japan’s principal 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 attraction.
I first heard of Japan’s Shikoku Island after I had completed the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage and was searching for various hikes to the Camino de Santiago in different nations. The Shikoki 88 Temple Pilgrimage was one of many choices. Once 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 overwhelmed path, stuffed with cultural alternatives, and has a improbable long-distance mountain climbing journey. I knew Shikoku could 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 numerous 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 faculty 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 by way of these 4 areas is likened to a symbolic path to enlightenment, with temples 1–23 representing the thought of awakening, 24–39 austerity and self-discipline, 40–65 attaining enlightenment, and 66–88 getting into nirvana. This development mimics Buddha’s path to enlightenment.
Nevertheless, just like the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, you don’t must be non secular or Buddhist to hike the path. Anybody can do it for any purpose. I needed to hike it to immerse myself in Japan’s tradition, eat fabulous meals, expertise the kindness of strangers, and see stunning landscapes.
Unusually, I may by no means carve out two months of time to hike the complete route, nevertheless it nonetheless remained on my journey want record. 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.
The right way to Expertise the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage
There’s a couple of method to sort out the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage! Whether or not you’re hoofing it the old-school means, cruising alongside on a motorbike, or taking the fashionable method by automotive, the selection is yours. I used to be stunned once I ran into some Japanese pilgrims at one temple, they usually casually talked about they have been doing the entire thing by automotive. However guess what? That’s really fairly frequent! Most Japanese pilgrims go for the automotive route, whereas 80% of the courageous souls strolling the complete 750 miles are, in truth, foreigners. So whether or not you’re chasing enlightenment on foot or simply road-tripping your means by way of, Shikoku’s bought choices for each type 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 the complete 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 guide with them!
Once you guide on their web site, enter the code OTTSWORLD5 within the notes and particular requests area, and they’ll apply a 5% low cost to any of their journeys.
Study 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 overwhelmed path that even GPS would possibly wrestle. Anticipate jaw-dropping pure magnificence, slender river gorges, historic vine bridges, and sizzling springs so stress-free that you just’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 highway 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 way in which 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 you should definitely plan one to 2 days there to absorb all the wonder…and somewhat quirkiness!
Learn 8 Locations to Get Off the Crushed Path in Japan
Don’t Miss These 10 Experiences in Shikoku
If you happen to aren’t able to decide to a 60-day hike, you may 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 number of the 88 Temple hike, the Iya Valley, and different particular cultural experiences you can 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 counsel you continue to study in regards to the 88 Temple Pilgrimage by going to the start temple, Ryozen-ji. Right here, you may study extra in regards to the tradition and spirituality behind the hike and revel 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 guide to gather temple ‘stamps’ alongside the way in which.
2. Get Your Fingers Soiled and Strive 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 turning into identified all through Japan and the world.
You’ll have the chance to get ‘hands-on’ and study all in regards to the conventional dying methodology referred to as honaizome dyeing, which has been handed down for the reason that Edo interval. It makes use of pure lye fermentation and is unimaginable to see…and odor!
I visited the Sato Awa Indigo Manufacturing unit and met Sato Akito, the Nineteenth-generation (sure…19 generations!) indigo dyer. He not solely took us by way of the complete means of how the plant is damaged down, fermented, and become indigo dye, however he additionally taught us learn how to dye a bandana scarf and put our personal designs on it!
Our completed bandanas have been cute – nevertheless, it was unimaginable (and humbling) to see Sata Akito dying work. His creativity and designs have 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.
Study 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 may step again in time and stroll throughout a swinging bridge made completely of vines. Effectively,…largely of vines. The bridge represents what it will have been like 800 years in the past once they have 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 just a few hidden metal cables for stability. So, as you stand on the foot of the bridge, able to cross, be assured that it might 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 traces rapidly 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 growing older village that has give you a method to breath new ‘life’ into its inhabitants. The ‘new’ inhabitants is life-sized figures made of material and full of newspapers.
It was startling to see the life-size ‘scarecrows’ in teams in locals’ yards as we pulled into Nagoro. However once we walked into the previous elementary faculty and noticed lots of of scarecrows within the fitness center 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 vegetation in her yard has multiplied into a well-liked 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 stuffed with scarecrows and curious vacationers!
I had the pleasure of assembly Ayano at her dwelling and seeing one among 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 may nonetheless spend the evening in a temple and study 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 stunning 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 building 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 liked one who had handed by writing their identify, age and a want on a bit of wooden. I selected my good friend Jane, who handed away from most cancers just a few 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. Get pleasure from a Kaiseki Meal in Tokushima Metropolis
Is it artwork, or is it meals? In Japan, typically it’s exhausting to inform. Certainly one 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 spotlight to element in each chunk. Every dish is sort of a masterpiece… that you just get to eat!
Kaiseki is a set-course meal chosen by the chef to spotlight a selected seasonal theme. I went in September, so the autumn harvest meals have been highlighted. It usually begins with appetizers, adopted by sashimi, cooked dishes, a rice course, and eventually, dessert. You will get kaiseki in lots of locations, however in case you are searching for a particular expertise, then go for this stunning meal in Tokushima Metropolis in Shikoku.
We went to Sasanosho – a standard Japanese restaurant in a peaceable setting. We had our personal room and sat on tatami mats to eat – a standard method to dine in Japan. Every dish at Sasanosho was served by a gorgeous lady in a kimono. The colourful and delicate dishes have been usually served with contemporary flowers. It is a likelihood 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, it’s best to not less than strive 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 stunning hkes on the complete circuit. Nevertheless – I’ll admit the hike is more difficult – in all probability a reasonable to superior degree hike – nevertheless it’s so value it! Whole distance is 3.5 miles.
Temple 20 Kakurinji is a scenic temple on the prime 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 previous. The path down is properly maintained. You’ll descend right down to the river, the place you’ll discover a dwelling with a gorgeous 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 stuffed 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 stated that he meditated on this summit for 50 days, reciting the Mantra of the Morning Star a million instances.
If you happen to don’t need to do the attractive however difficult hike, you may also 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
Essentially the most well-known Shinto shrine in Shikoku is the Kotohira Shrine, which sits excessive above the city of Kotohira. Often known as the shrine for fishermen, it’s an astonishing constructing that may go away you questioning, ” How did they construct that?”
The shrine itself is gorgeous – nevertheless it is perhaps greatest identified for its method. 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 definitely worth the climb!
Thankfully, there are various retailers, secondary shrines, fascinating examples of sculpture and structure, and different diversions on the way in which, which offer an excuse for a break within the climb.
9. Dance at a Nakano Udon Class
Sanuki udon is a specialty of the Kagawa area. Individuals 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 may simply eat a scrumptious bowl of Sanuki udon, however why not additionally study to make it your self! I really like cooking, so the chance to take a Udon cooking class was a terrific possibility.
I rapidly discovered that this wasn’t any typical cooking class—it was a ridiculously enjoyable expertise stuffed 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 reduce it into noodles, prepare dinner it, and revel in slurping up your scrumptious creation!
A particular be aware in case you are feeling meals adventurous. After your class, strive the inexperienced onion soy sauce ice cream you’ll discover all around 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. Nevertheless, should you aren’t visiting in April – you may nonetheless stroll by way of the theater and discover Kanamaruza’s viewers corridor, stage, and dressing rooms. Make sure you take a look at the basement to see the human-powered rotating stage and trapdoors actors use to dramatically enter and exit performances.
The right way to Go to the Greatest Sights of Shikoku Island
How will you handle to see all these wonderful sights on Shikoku Island? Certain, you may spend hours researching, mapping out routes, and attempting to decode the native bus schedules.
Or – and listen to me out – you may simply let the specialists at Oku Japan deal with the heavy lifting. They’re a neighborhood tour firm, virtually legendary in Japan, they usually’ll plan all the pieces whilst 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!
Self-guided itinerary that features a bit extra mountain climbing however nonetheless visits many of those websites listed.Shikoku Self-guided 10 days
Both means – I even have a reduction code you need to use should you guide with them!
Enter the code OTTSWORLD5 within the notes and particular requests area while you guide on their web site, they usually offers 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 gorgeous Iya Valley, Shikoku provides you a style of Japan that feels untouched by time. With fewer vacationers and extra genuine vibes, this island is the last 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!
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