Shikoku Pilgrimage Hiking Tour Overview
Trace pilgrim paths through Shikoku’s forested mountains, explore cliffside caves and waterfalls, and touch the essence of the Shikoku Pilgrimage on this weeklong guided itinerary. With an expert guide-interpreter, private support vehicle, and accommodation carefully curated to showcase Shikoku’s culture and cuisine, this is far more than a Shikoku pilgrimage hiking tour—it is a unique chance to dive into one of Japan’s most incredible living traditions.
This journey focuses on the Henro-korogashi (“pilgrim-killer”) sections of the 88 Temple Pilgrimage, known for centuries as the toughest, wildest sections of the route. Though now safe and well-maintained, these mountainous sections remain unique places to experience the Japanese regard for nature as a sacred space, and to experience firsthand how Shikoku’s spirituality and ritual have grown from this approach.
This is an active hiking-focused tour. For those hoping to focus more on the temples than the routes between them, please see our Shikoku Pilgrimage Tour by Private Car.
For those looking for a more traditional experience of the Henro, walking the temples in order with guidance and support, we offer the Walking Pilgrimage in Tokushima tour from Temples 1 to 23. Don’t see exactly what you want? Contact us to start designing the perfect itinerary for your adventure on the Shikoku Henro.
Who is this tour for?
This tour centers some of the toughest hikes of the Shikoku Pilgrimage. While the routes can be adjusted to some extent, the tour is designed for those in good physical condition with some hiking experience. You’ll also need to have hiking appropriate footwear, clothing, and gear (like a backpack, raincoat, etc.). The itinerary includes a stay at a temple accommodation with a shared bath. If you’re not comfortable bathing nude with strangers in Japanese style, please let us know so we can find an alternative.
Important
This is a hiking-focused itinerary designed for those who are in good physical shape and who have hiking experience. Since many temples are on top of mountains, most of the tour’s hikes include steep ground on dirt, gravel, or stone paths. You will need to bring basic hiking gear suitable for hiking in such conditions. See the FAQ section for more details.
Price and Currency Disclaimer:
Our tours are priced in yen, but we’ll invoice you in your own currency. For your convenience, you can display indicative prices in your currency.
