The Shikoku 88 Buddhist Temple Pilgrimage is shut down for the time being due to the Corona Virus Pandemic. Legend has it that the Shikoku Pilgrimage follows in the footsteps of Japanese Buddhist monk Kūkai, known posthumously as Kōbō-Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism. Others do it as a break from the repetition of their everyday life. You don’t even need to visit the temples in order! Whatever the case may be, osettai has become a tradition in Shikoku and a key part of Ohenro. Like most of Shikoku’s historic tales of note, the Shikoku Pilgrimage starts with Kobo Daishi (774–834). A Pilgrimage of Nature and Humanity. ride), and finally, at Takamatsu, transfer to the Uzushio Line (Limited Express Uzushio 15 for Tokushima) to arrive at Tokushima Station (1 hour 10 min ride). There are many reasons why you might want to go on the Ohenro Pilgrimage. Sometimes, visitors to Japan will describe the inhabitants of Tokyo as polite but distant. He is also known as a deity of good marriages, happiness, and relationships. For an in-depth explanation of this temple-hopping trend, please have a look at Complete Guide to the Goshuin Trend: Collect Japan's Gorgeous Temple Stamps! His birth name was Siddhartha Gautama. It has a history dating back over 1,200 years. Join us today as we dive into the adventure of a lifetime, Shikoku’s Ohenro pilgrimage. Others go in reverse order, called gyaku-uchi, but there is no rule as to what order you visit the temples. Although Shikoku is separated from Japan’s main island by Japan’s inland sea, getting there is pretty straight forward. This two-day model tour in Tokushima Prefecture focuses on the first … This is osettai. The Shikoku Henro, or 88 Temple Pilgrimage, is one of the oldest pilgrimages in the world and continues to attract pilgrims from Japan and abroad. Emon Saburō. The Shikoku pilgrimage (四国遍路) is a 1,200-year-old, 1,200km pilgrimage of 88 Buddhist temples located on the island of Shikoku, Japan. Traveling the route is certainly a spiritual experience and feeling the warm hospitality of osettai from the people of Shikoku is something that will surely rest in your heart and mind for years to come. At a minimum, we recommended wearing a white vest and using a staff. The Shikoku pilgrimage route (or Shikoku Henro) is one of the few circular-shaped pilgrimages in the world. You should focus your attention on what the pilgrims do today rather than. Flights from Tokyo’s Narita International Airport take only one hour and 15 minutes to arrive at Tokushima Awaodori Airport. The designated path aims to follow the footsteps of Japan’s most famous Buddhist monk, Kobo Daishi, and the travels he made around Shikoku while seeking enlightenment some 1,200 years ago. Furthermore, he is accredited with founding the Shikoku pilgrimage and so, people today believe that this route is a journey which follows in his footsteps. The Shikoku Pilgrimage (四国遍路, Shikoku Henro) or Shikoku Junrei (四国巡礼) is a multi-site pilgrimage of 88 temples associated with the Buddhist monk Kūkai (Kōbō Daishi) on the island of Shikoku, Japan. In fact, there is a term referring to the pilgrims on Ohenro as “Dougyou Ninin." A popular and distinctive feature of the island's cultural landscape, and with a long history, large numbers of pilgrims, known as henro (遍路), still undertake the journey for a variety of ascetic, pious, and tourism-relatedpurposes. ride, 6,400 yen), and take the JR Seto Ohashi Line (Rapid Marine Liner 29 for Takamatsu) to Takamatsu Station (55 min. Organization for Promotion of Tourism in SHIKOKU. The 88-temple pilgrimage of Shikoku island was first undertaken in the 8th century by Kobo Daishi, a Buddhist monk. To start the journey in the traditional way, from the first temple (Ryozenji), one should begin in Tokushima Prefecture. However, the island of Shikoku is home to one of the most unique, heartwarming, and beautiful walking pilgrimages in the world, called “Ohenro.” While Ohenro is Buddhist at its core, the journey is open to people of all backgrounds. Ohenro is basically a circular walk around the island of Shikoku. Shikoku Island and Pilgrimage. The island holds its spot as the birthplace of Kobo Daishi, Japanese Shingon Buddhism’s founder, and encompasses legends and historical landmarks that represent the incredible pilgrimage that thousands have undergone. The Shikoku pilgrimage route was developed by the Buddhist monk Kukai (also known as Kobo-Daishi), who was played an important role in the 9th century. Buddhism was started by the Buddha Shakyamuni who lived from 560 to 480 BCE. The purpose of osettai is to support the pilgrims along their journey, as those doing Ohenro are seen as proxies for others who are not able to make the journey themselves. Thus, it is believed that pilgrims should be shown gratitude and support, which is expressed through osettai. If you do so, people will recognize, welcome, and assist you as a pilgrim. A few years later, my wife had a research grant and we did a good chunk of the Saikoku pilgrimage route by car. Shikoku Pilgrimage. Having said this, it is also possible to do the pilgrimage in legs, taking a week here and there every few years to visit all of the temples. Luckily, there is a ropeway for people who might not be able to make the climb on their own. historically. This method is called jun-uchi and it is easier to follow the path markers this way. In recent years, however, the number of walking pilgrims has also been increasing. History of the Shikoku Pilgrimage. The Shikoku pilgrimage route (or Shikoku Henro) is one of the few circular-shaped pilgrimages in the world. If your starting point is Osaka, you can take the bullet train (Tokaido Sanyo Shinkansen: Nozomi 17 for Hakata) from Shin Osaka Station to Okayama Station (45 min. Also, make sure to read the following article if you are unclear about how to properly pay your respects at a temple: The Differences Between Praying at Shrines and Temples in Japan. Each year, about 150,000 pilgrims from Japan and around the world embark on this spiritual journey to experience the … Osettai often manifests in the form of gifts from strangers. This temple is notoriously difficult to reach as it requires an accent to 610 meters above sea level. The full course covers 1,400 kilometers and takes 40 days. This pilgrimage provides the an opportunity to reflect on one's life and to change for the better. The Body, the Mind, the Pilgrimage Shikoku Island is an expanse that is regarded sacred by the people of Japan. … As mentioned in the opening, Ohenro is an experience that can be enjoyed by people of any background, regardless of religious beliefs. As mentioned above, there are 88 temples in total along the Ohenro route. It is the same type of white clothing worn by the deceased for Japanese funerals. Aside from the beautiful countryside and meditative peace of mind you can gain from Ohenro, you can also enjoy collecting intricate "goshuin" or temple stamps from each stop on your journey. The founder of the Shingon sect of Buddhism and Shikoku native was a priest, poet, scholar and advisor to the emperor. The outfit consists of a white jacket ("hakui"), a neck sash ("wagesa"), a straw sedge hat ("sugegasa"), a bag ("zudabukuro"), a bell ("jirei"), and prayer beads ("juzu"). The Differences Between Praying at Shrines and Temples in Japan, Ohenro - Shikoku’s Once in a Lifetime Buddhist Pilgrimage Experience. ... the masses. The topic of today is about the first three temple’s of the Buddhist Pilgrimage of Shikoku which is called “Henro”. However, most people do choose to start from Ryozenji in Tokushima and end their pilgrimage at Okuboji in Kagawa prefecture. In order to better understand the purpose and popularity of Ohenro, it is paramount to know about its founder, the man who first took the pilgrimage: Kobo Daishi. The total of the temple’s are 88 and they are all around the Shikoku island split on the four prefecture Tokushima, Kochi, Ehime and Kagawa. In the modern age, with the development of roads, more and more people are coming to make the pilgrimage either by car or bus. Today, Kūkai lives on as a prominent figure and forefather of Shingon Buddhist, a major school of Buddhism in Japan. Keeping with tradition does means traveling on foot, although in recent years some people have resorted to using bicycles and even cars to fast track between temples. Shikoku, Japan - In July, I spent a week road tripping around the smallest of the 4 major Japanese Islands - Shikoku. Shikoku Henro spans all four regions, linking 88 temples associated with the monk Kukai (posthumously known as Kobo-Daishi), founder of the Shingon school of Buddhism and native of Shikoku. Osettai, simply put, is Japanese hospitality taken to the next level. This may seem morbid at first, but the idea behind this practice is that by wearing the funeral dress, the pilgrim is on their way to the “holy land” of the afterlife. In addition to the pilgrim outfit, travelers on Ohenro also carry a special walking stick called a “kongozue.” This stick is said to help pilgrims embody the spirit of Kobo Daishi, and thus is an absolutely essential part of any Ohenro pilgrim’s gear. Also, although it is tradition to start in Tokushima and visit each temple in clockwise order (referred to as jun-uchi), there is no designated route that must be adhered to. Summary: This is a Buddhist pilgrimage around the circumference of the Japanese island of Shikoku.Of the several hundred thousand people who do it each year, only a few thousand walk; the vast majority travel in organized bus tours. He went to China from where Buddhism was brought. While on Ohenro, you are sure to have heartwarming moments one after the other, all from the kindness of strangers. The pilgrimage is traditionally completed on foot, but modern pilgrims use cars, taxis, … For those not familiar, its another major pilgrimage route that goes around the Kinki peninsula and up to Osaka and Kyoto. Here you can buy all the trappings you need to look the part of a pilgrim, check out the two-story wooden pagoda, and marvel at the hustle and bustle of new pilgrims just starting out as well as veterans returning to the original place of departure. It also ensures that should a pilgrim pass away on their journey, they will be prepared to attain Buddhahood. All rights reserved. Many pilgrims today, known as “ohenro”, attempt to recreate his original journey – traveling over 1200 kilometers (745 miles) on foot and relying on the kindness of strangers for food, money, and accommodations. There are many ways to make the Shikoku pilgrimage based on one’s schedule, physical health and budget. However, it is a rare thing these days to be able to take a full 2 months off from work to travel as a pilgrim. Shikoku's 'Route 88' Temple Trail. He was born in Shikoku and took ascetic training to reach enlightenment. Ohenro is not the only pilgrimage in Japan, but it is arguably the most famous with its signature 88-temple trek around the island of Shikoku (the smallest of Japan's four main islands). The total of the temple’s are 88 and … On the Shikoku pilgrimage, for example, pilgrims wear clothing signifying their special status and, like monks and nuns, are given offerings of food. Located in the city of Naruto (a place famous for giant whirlpools! Whether you choose to go on Onhenro in the traditional order on a sinlge 2 month adventure, or break up the journey into chunks while traveling in reverse, the goal is to eventually visit all 88 temples one day. Kobo Daishi, also known by the name Kukai, is one of the most famous Japanese people to have ever lived, as well as one of the most influential. No matter what you were looking for when you set out on your journey, Ohenro is sure to deliver exactly what you need by the end of your pilgrimage. Unlike the 100 Kannon Pilgrimages (Saikoku, Bando and Chichibu), the Shikoku 88 Temple pilgrimage is centered around Buddhist Temples or places where Buddha is the main object of worship.Please visit my pages about Shintoism and Buddhism, to find more about Japanese Buddhist deities. It includes 88 “official” temples and numerous other sacred sites where Kūkai (Kōbō Daishi) is believed to have trained or have spent time during the 9th Century. This is likely no surprise to most, and it is an unfortunate necessity for everyone to be safe and healthy as we all do our part to get through these trying and difficult months. It was this last feat that solidified Kobo Daishi as a folk hero in the hearts and minds of the Japanese, and replicating his journey is what is known as Ohenro today. One of the things that separates Ohenro from other well-known pilgrimages is the special attire. Conversely, there is also a highway bus from either Osaka Station or Namba Station to Tokushima Station, which takes a little under 3 hours and costs just under 7000 yen for a roundtrip ticket. Shikoku Pilgrims, known as ohenro-san, undertake the journey around Shikoku island to atone for sins, to pray for health and success, in pursuit of enlightenment, and to experience the mysteries of Japan’s least developed … It includes 88 “official” temples and numerous other sacred sites where the Buddhist priest Kūkai (Kōbō Daishi) is believed to have trained or have spent time during the 9th Century. Hidden Mountains: Tairyuji, Kakurinji and the Valleys of Tokushima. Kukai was later called Kobodaishi (Great Master Kobo), and he founded the Shingon sect of Buddhism. The first reference to the Shikoku pilgrimage appears in documents from around the 12th Century, however, specific temples or routes are not mentioned. To complete the pilgrimage is not necessary to start from the beginning, you can actually start from any of the temple, but the important part is once … Some translate it to mean “gift,” while others maintain that it is something closer to the word “alms” (considering the situation). It honors the founder of Japanese Shingon Buddhism, Kobo Daishi. It was established by disciples of the Buddhist monk Kukai, who trained at several sacred places in Shikoku, … This is certainly not the case when it comes to pilgrims in Shikoku. Established over 1,200 years ago, the route takes in all four prefectures of Shikoku passing through quaint towns and rural pockets of the island. The Shikoku Pilgrimage The pilgrimage is geographically located on the Shikoku Island in Japan whereby it is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and the Seto Sea (Simkin 00:3:18). The present pilgrimage consisting of the 88 temples is thought to have been formed between the late 16th and 17th Century. If you only walk to the main … Siddhartha lived a rich and luxurious childhood. The Shikoku Pilgrimage, or Henro in Japanese, is a pilgrimage of 88 temples associated with the Buddhist saint Kukai. Born in the year 774, Kobo Daishi accomplished many things in his life ranging from scholarly, spiritual, and physical feats. He traveled to China to learn about Buddhism and brought the teachings back to Japan, founding the Shingon sect of Buddhism. Complete Guide to the Goshuin Trend: Collect Japan's Gorgeous Temple Stamps! The most popular legend, of course, is that Kūkai walked to all of the sacred places on the island, founded many of the temples, and established the pilgrimage itself. The journey is an important way for laypeople to generate merit and deepen and intensify their Buddhist practice. One of the last stops on the Ohenro route, Yashimaji is number 84! Many people start at Temple 1, Ryōzenji in Tokushima prefecture, proceed in clockwise order and finish at Temple 88, Ōkuboji, in Kagawa prefecture. Many pilgrims even go so far as to sleep outside or in small guesthouses along the route. The following are a few notable temples along the way that you should be sure to visit during your Ohenro pilgrimage. The 88 temples on the trek were all visited by Kobo Daishi, either for Buddhist training or prayer, and all of them have been designated as sacred places now. Shikoku island comprises the four prefectures of Tokushima, Kagawa, Ehime, and Kochi. It is a one of a kind spiritual experience tied to nature, the open road, and a special kind of hospitality only found in Japan. The pilgrimage is related to a monk called Kukai (774 – 835). The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication. This can be translated into something along the lines of, “Two people on the same path.” The inference here is that when performing Ohenro, pilgrims are said to always be with Kobo Daishi by carrying a kongozue. Others still may wish to travel by foot in order to experience the natural beauty of Shikoku’s countryside at a slower pace. It includes 88 “official” temples and numerous other sacred sites where the Buddhist priest Kūkai (Kōbō Daishi) is believed to have trained or have spent time during the 9th Century. In addition, he created the first public school for the common folk, was a legendary calligrapher said to have created the Japanese Kana alphabet (although the accuracy of this statement has been called into question), and traveled across Shikoku on foot visiting and training at 88 temples. This pilgrim outfit will not only help you get into the right mindset but also brings with it the added benefits of being identified as an unmistakable pilgrim on Ohenro. You don’t need to don this outfit to perform Ohenro, but pilgrims who do are treated to a special kind of hospitality called “osettai,” which is unlike any other hospitality in Japan (or the rest of the world for that matter). Also known as The Pilgrimage Pathhenro, With a history dating back over 1,200 years, it was created by the monk Kūkai (774-835).This pilgrimage route, which encompasses 88 Buddhist temples scattered throughout the four prefectures of the island of Shikoku, is receiving increasing attention as it is a quiet travel plan like very few around the world. Ohenro is not the only pilgrimage in Japan, but it is arguably the most famous with its signature 88-temple trek around the island of Shikoku (the smallest of Japan's four main islands). As such, the route is popular among retirees and college students who are able to dedicate more time to the journey. The Shikoku 88 Temple pilgrimage has garnered a lot of press in recent years as both a spiritually and physically rewarding travel adventure. Called "O-henro", it is, at its heart, a Buddhist pilgrimage following in the footsteps of the founder of Japanese Tantric (Shingon) Buddhism, This clever beast is known for his antics and ability to shapeshift. There are several legends related to the beginnings of the pilgrimage on Shikoku Island. Tairyuji is the 21st temple on the Ohenro route, but it holds a special distinction as the place where Kobo Daishi spent 50 days meditating as a youth. Having said that, in our modern age, the risk of breathing our last breath while on Ohenro is quite low, so the pilgrim's outfit has become completely symbolic. If you want to give feedback on any of our articles, you have an idea that you'd really like to see come to life, or you just have a question on Japan, hit us up on our Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram! In addition, you will have more chances to talk with the local people. Shikoku Pilgrimage (四国遍路 Shikoku Henro) or Shikoku Junrei (四国巡礼) is a multi-site pilgrimage of 88 temples associated with the Buddhist monk Kūkai (Kōbō Daishi), the founder of Shingon-shū, on the island of Shikoku. Part of the allure of Ohenro, though, is getting into the ascetic mind of a pilgrim by foregoing modern conveniences in an effort to reach a spiritual awakening while on the road. The Shikoku Pilgrimage of Buddhism, The Kumbh Mela Pilgrimage of Hinduism, or The Osun-Osogbo. In addition, the white jacket is of particular significance in Buddhist symbology. Festival Pilgrimage of the Yoruba. This Buddhist pilgrimage follows almost the entire circumference of the island, spanning nearly 1200km and visiting 88 temples (even more if you include Bangai temples). Let's go on the Shikoku 'Route 88' Pilgrimage Trail! The act of visiting these 88 temples from Kobo Daishi’s travels is known as “Ohenro,” Shikoku’s special pilgrimage. If walked, the entire route is about 1,200 kilometers long which allows one to experience the abundant natural surroundings of Shikoku and presents visitors with numerous opportunities to mix with local people. Some do so to seek enlightenment. Legend has it that Kobo Daishi carved a one thousand-armed Buddha statue here, which acts as the temple’s main motif. To atone for their sins or to pray for good health and success, pilgrims clad in white embark on a journey on foot around Shikoku Island. He sought to gain enlightenment but failed, and so continued on his way, carving out the path for the next stop on the Ohenro journey and adding to his legend. The topic of today is about the first three temple’s of the Buddhist Pilgrimage of Shikoku which is called “Henro”. For a map of all 88 temples, see this google map. When he was 29 years old, he saw an old man, a sick man, and then a dead man. Kukai became the 8th Patriarch of Shingon Buddhism and actively spread the teachings of this new form of Buddhism in Japan. There are also a number of stone tanuki (Japanese raccoon dog) statues, which represent a local god called Minoyama Daimyojin. A pilgrimage trail to 88 temples in Shikoku, Japan. Ohenro takes about 2 months to complete, depending on your health and walking speed, at a total length of about 1,200 kilometers. The Shikoku Pilgrimage is a multi-site pilgrimage of 88 temples associated with the 8th century Buddhist monk Kūkai, also known as Kōbō Daishi, on the island of Shikoku, Japan. Today, the Shikoku pilgrimage route is connected by eighty-eight temples across the four prefectures of Shikoku (Tokushima, Kōchi, Ehime and Kagawa)—although pilgrims continue to refer to them by their feudal province names (Awa, Tosa, Iyo and Sanuki). Whatever the reason, most people who set out on Ohenro all agree that it is an experience that changed their life. If walked, the entire route is about 1,200 kilometers long which allows one to experience the abundant natural surroundings of Shikoku and presents visitors with numerous opportunities to mix with local people. The word “pilgrimage” is sure to elicit images of devout religiosity and is more likely to make you think of Europe’s “El Camino” rather than a walk through nature in Japan. This circular pilgrimage route is the most famous pilgrimage in Japan. A famous legend related to Kūkai and the Shikoku Pilgrimage is that of Emon Saburō (衛門三郎), the weathiest man in Shikoku, who lived in the Ukaana area of Iyo Province (now Matsuyama City in Ehime Prefecture). Specifically, the paper will focus on the Shikoku pilgrimage of Buddhism, also called the Shikoku Henro. Sometimes it will be a rice ball, other times a refreshing drink, but Osettai can also be expressed in other ways, such as reduced rates for pilgrims or even free, albeit rather spartan, lodging. The 88 temples of the Shikoku Pilgrimage are all places where Daishi is said to have trained at, visited or founded during the 9th century. March - May and October - November are the best months for good weather and comfortable temperatures. ), Ryozenji is the first and perhaps most famous stop on the Ohenro route. Some people opt to travel the route in reverse order (gyaku-uchi), and there is even a legend that Kobo Daishi is still alive today, thus traveling in reverse increases your chances of meeting him on the road! Devoted people, fortunate with an abundance of time and good health, walk the pilgrimage in one go, completing it … It is not necessary to use all of the following items, which can be bought at various temples and stores along the pilgrimage route, but this is the traditional style of attire. Although it is a stoic and physically challenging way to follow Ohenro, traveling by foot allows you to experience Osettai hospitality (covered next), which is not really possible to do when taking a car. The designated path aims to follow the footsteps of Japan’s most famous Buddhist monk, Kobo Daishi, and the travels he made around Shikoku while seeking enlightenment some 1,200 years ago. We will go into more details of osettai later and what you can expect. This pilgrimage is centered on Kannon so it takes you to a series of temples where Kannon is the honzon. The Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgramage is one of the few circular-shaped pilgrimages in the world. Kukai visited Changan in the Tang Dynasty of China, mastered Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism, which was a leading-edge doctrine at that time, and brought it back to Japan as Shingon Buddhism.
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