Guided 2-Day Shikoku Pilgrimage Walk: First 10 Temples from Tokushima with Temple Stay

Booking Overview Highlights Includes/Excludes Cancellation Faqs Services Reviews

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Overview

Duration:2 days 1 night
Travelers:2 - 8 guests
Tour Type:Package tour, Private tour
Language:English, Japanese

Experience the beginning of Japan's most sacred pilgrimage on this 2-day walking tour of the Shikoku 88 Temple Route. Starting from Tokushima, you'll walk in the footsteps of pilgrims who have made this spiritual journey for over 1,200 years, visiting the first 10 temples with a guide who knows the route and traditions.

This isn't just sightseeing – it's a real pilgrimage experience. You'll walk between temples through countryside and small towns, learn the proper way to pray at each temple, and even stay overnight at Temple 6 (Anrakuji) in traditional shukubo (temple lodging). Sleeping in a temple gives you a glimpse into the pilgrims' life, with vegetarian meals and the chance to experience the temple's morning rituals.

Over two days, you'll cover about 20-25 kilometers of walking, visiting temples that date back centuries. Each temple has its own history and atmosphere – from Ryōzenji, the official starting point of the pilgrimage, to the peaceful grounds of Kirihataji. Your guide will explain the significance of each temple, the stories behind them, and what makes this pilgrimage so meaningful to the people of Shikoku.

The journey: Tokushima → Walk temples 1-10 → Temple stay at Anrakuji → Return to Tokushima

Walk the Sacred Pilgrimage Route - Follow the famous Shikoku 88 Temple pilgrimage path, visiting temples 1 through 10 over two days
Temple Stay Experience - Sleep overnight at Anrakuji Temple in traditional shukubo lodging with vegetarian meals
Start at Temple 1 - Begin your journey at Ryōzenji, the official starting point where pilgrims have begun for over 1,200 years
Learn Temple Rituals - Your guide teaches you the proper way to pray and participate in temple customs at each stop
Authentic Walking Pilgrimage - Cover 20-25 kilometers on foot through countryside and villages, experiencing the pilgrimage as it's meant to be done

Includes/Excludes

English speaking guide for 2 days tour as per the itinerary.
One-night temple accommodation at Anrakuji Temple.
Entrance Fees for each sites mentioned in the itinerary.
Meals (2 lunches, 1 dinner) as mentioned in the itinerary.
One bottle of water everyday.
Transportation by train, taxi and walk as mentioned in the itinerary.
Incense sticks and candles for experience in the temple .

Itinerary

Day 1: Temples 1-6 & Temple Lodging Experience

8:30 AM - Meet at Tokushima Station
Gather with your guide at the station. Your guide will explain the day's route and pilgrimage basics.

8:45 AM - 9:05 AM - Train to Bandō Station
Short train ride to reach the starting point of the pilgrimage.

9:05 AM - 10:10 AM - Walk to Temple 1: Ryōzenji
Walk from the station to Ryōzenji Temple, the official starting point of the 88-temple pilgrimage. This is where pilgrims traditionally buy their white walking vest, staff, and prayer book. Your guide will show you how to properly visit a temple: ringing the bell, washing hands at the purification fountain, lighting incense, and saying prayers at the main hall. You'll see other pilgrims beginning their journey here.

10:10 AM - 11:40 AM - Walk to Temple 2: Gokurakuji
Walk through residential areas and farmland to reach Gokurakuji. The temple name means "Paradise Temple." Practice the temple rituals you learned at Temple 1. You'll start to understand the walking rhythm between temples.

11:40 AM - 12:20 PM - Walk to Temple 3: Konsenji
Continue walking to Konsenji Temple. This temple is known for its rock garden and historic buildings. Your guide will share stories about the temple's history and the monk Kōbō Daishi who founded the pilgrimage route.

12:20 PM - 1:00 PM - Walk to Udon Restaurant & Lunch
Walk to a nearby local udon restaurant. Enjoy a bowl of Tokushima-style udon noodles to refuel for the afternoon walk.

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM - Walk to Temple 4: Dainichiji
Longer walk to Dainichiji Temple. The path takes you through countryside with rice fields and quiet roads. Dainichiji has a peaceful atmosphere with old trees on the grounds. By now, you'll notice how the walking meditation aspect of the pilgrimage feels.

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM - Walk to Temple 5: Jizōji
Walk to Jizōji Temple, which houses many Jizō statues (guardian deities of travelers and children). The temple grounds include a small garden and historic main hall.

4:00 PM - 5:20 PM - Walk to Temple 6: Anrakuji & Check-in
Final walk of the day to Anrakuji Temple, where you'll stay overnight. Check into the temple's shukubo (pilgrims' lodging). You'll be shown to a simple tatami room with futon bedding. Take time to rest, bathe, and explore the temple grounds before dinner.

Evening - Temple Dinner
Vegetarian Buddhist cuisine (shōjin ryōri) served at the temple. The meal is simple but thoughtfully prepared with seasonal vegetables, tofu, and rice.

Night - Temple Stay Experience
Sleep in traditional style on futon mattresses. You may hear the temple bell or evening prayers. This is an authentic glimpse into temple life that few tourists experience.

Overnight: Temple Accommodation at Anrakuji Temple

Day 2: Temples 7-10 & Return to Tokushima

Morning - Breakfast at Temple
Wake up to a simple vegetarian breakfast at the temple. Rice, miso soup, pickles, and other light dishes.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM - Visit Temple 6 & Walk to Temple 7: Jūrakuji
After checking out, pay respects at Anrakuji's main hall one more time. Then walk to Jūrakuji Temple. This temple has a long history and beautiful temple gate. Your guide will explain more about the pilgrimage traditions as you continue the route.

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM - Walk to Temple 8: Kumadaniji
Walk through rural areas to reach Kumadaniji Temple, located on a small hill. The approach includes stone steps leading up to the temple. The temple offers nice views over the surrounding farmland. You'll see the dedication of local people who maintain these pilgrimage temples.

11:00 AM - 12:30 PM - Walk to Temple 9: Hōrinji
Continue to Hōrinji Temple. The temple sits in a quiet location with mature trees providing shade. Take your time with the temple rituals – by now you'll feel comfortable with the prayer routine.

12:30 PM - 2:30 PM - Walk to Temple 10: Kiritahaji
The final temple of your pilgrimage walk. Kiritahaji marks the completion of the first section of the 88-temple route. The temple has a peaceful atmosphere perfect for reflecting on your two-day journey. Your guide will congratulate you on completing temples 1-10 and explain what lies ahead for those who continue the full pilgrimage.

2:30 PM - 3:00 PM - Taxi to Awa-Kawashima Station
Take a taxi from the temple to the nearest train station.

3:05 PM - 3:47 PM - Train to Tokushima Station
Ride the train back to Tokushima.

4:00 PM - Tour Ends at Tokushima Station
Say goodbye to your guide. You've completed the first 10 temples of the Shikoku pilgrimage.