Pause everyday life and travel the first section of the famous 88 temple pilgrimage route through Shikoku known as ohenro. This shortened glimpse of the route winds through temples 1 through 10 in the countryside of Tokushima Prefecture. Take this excellent opportunity to explore the spiritual side of Japan on foot in a peaceful rural setting.
Itinerary
đź“Ť Start guided tour: 08:30 Duration: 9 h Distance: Ryozenji Temple to Anrakuji Temple: Approx 14 km
Pause everyday life and travel the first section of the famous 88 temple pilgrimage route through Shikoku known as ohenro. This shortened glimpse of the route winds through temples 1 through 10 in the rural countryside of Tokushima Prefecture.
Begin by meeting the pilgrimage guide at central Tokushima Station. From there, head out by train to the first temple. Here, the guide will explain the proper purification ritual that pilgrims perform, why ringing the temple bell is an important moment at each stop, and how to respectfully enter the main hall.
Today’s temples are:
• Ryozenji, famously the first temple and a lovely spot to begin the journey.
• Gokurakuji, where a stone with carvings of the footprints of Buddha can be found.
• Dainichiji, the home of a number of impressive wooden statues of Buddhist deities.
• Konsenji, with a boulder that was said have been lifted by the legendary warrior Benkei.
• Jizoji, known for its unique wooden statues and carved animals adorning the main hall.
• Anrakuji, a sprawling religious compound with traditional architecture and beautiful gardens.
A stop for lunch at a local noodle restaurant will be included midday.
Along the way, learn the story of Kobo Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism. His early life in Shikoku in the 8th century and later rise to religious prominence made him a central figure in Japanese history. Reminders of his life are constant on the pilgrimage trail.
Finish the day at Anrakuji temple, where weary pilgrims are welcomed with Buddhist meals in the shojin ryouri vegetarian style and comfortable guest rooms are prepared for a proper night’s rest. There’s even a large public hot spring bath, keeping with the tradition that states that Kobo Daishi himself was the one to invent Japan’s bathing culture.
Overnight at Anrakuji temple
Inclusions:
đź“Ť Start guided tour: 08:00 Duration: 8 h Distance: Anrakuji Temple to Kirihataji Temple: Approx 11 km
Begin the day with a simple but filling vegetarian Buddhist breakfast and then hit the road for another day following the holy trail through four more temples.
Continue the journey, moving deeper into the countryside where the temples are quieter and more solemn. Hear more stories from the guide, including their own experiences on the trail and how millions of Japanese devotees have had their lives changed by this supposedly miraculous path.
Today’s temples are:
• Jurakuji, a temple decorated by small statues of the Buddhist guardian Jizo.
• Kumadaniji, a forest temple with a beautiful wooden gate and bell tower.
• Horinji, a spot where those cured of leg ailments pile up sandals as tokens of thanks.
• Kirihataji, where ancient stone steps lead to a magnificent view of the valley below.
A simple boxed lunch will be provided at midday.
Take a taxi from the final temple to the local train station for an 80 minute ride back to central Tokushima. Part ways with the guide, and take the first step back onto the path of the rest of your life, carrying along the memories of this special pilgrimage.
Optional Pilgrimage Accessories
Pilgrims on the ohenro trail traditionally wear a special outfit and carry important accessories. Guests are invited to take part in this tradition by purchasing pieces of this outfit at the first temple, using them on the trail, and then taking them home as souvenirs. This includes can include the suegasa straw hat (1,500 yen), hakui white jacket (3,000 yen), and the iconic wooden otsue walking stick (1,000 yen).
Prices are approximate and subject to change.
Inclusions:
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