Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail

Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail

145 Views
11 Days From

$4895

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Tour Overview

Embark on a spiritual journey along the Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail, exploring the most picturesque segments of the 88 Temple Pilgrimage in Tokushima, Kagawa, and Ehime. This authentic pilgrimage experience invites you to climb the iconic ladder to Kobo Daishi's meditation spot and stay in traditional accommodations such as Minshuku, Ryokan, and Shukubo temple lodgings. Savor the exquisite Shojin-Ryori Buddhist vegetarian cuisine as you immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Japan's landscapes. Travel seamlessly with express trains, local taxis, and scenic bus rides, ensuring a smooth journey from Kyoto to Osaka. Enjoy the cultural richness of Kyoto and the historical treasures of Nara before setting off on your pilgrimage. With 10 nights of accommodation, breakfasts, and select dinners included, this tour offers a unique blend of spiritual exploration and cultural discovery. ...more ...less

Highlights

  • Walk the most beautiful parts of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage trail in Tokushima, Kagawa, and Ehime.

  • Climb the iconic ladder to the meditation spot used by Kobo Daishi, founder of Shingon Buddhism.

  • Explore the incredible city of Kyoto, famous for its Buddhist temples, tranquil gardens, and traditional teahouses.

  • Visit the historical city of Nara, full of cultural treasures and expansive parks.

  • Experience a rewarding hike in northern Kagawa Prefecture, visiting temples like Negoro-ji and Shiromine-ji.

  • Enjoy a lovely forest hike to Temple 44 Daiho-ji with spectacular views over the surrounding region.

  • End your pilgrimage with a rewarding hike in the east of Ehime Prefecture, visiting temples like Yokomine-ji and Hoju-ji.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrive In Kyoto

Location: Kyoto

Accommodation Name: hotel

Take the express train from Osaka Kansai Int. Airport to Kyoto City (approx. 70mins), then a local taxi to your first hotel. (approx. 10mins).



Overnight Kyoto.

Day 2 : Explore Kyoto

Location: Kyoto

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy a rest day in the incredible city of Kyoto, famous for its Buddhist temples, tranquil gardens, and traditional teahouses. We recommend visiting the historical city of Nara, full of cultural treasures and expansive parks, located approx. 1hr from Kyoto city on the train.



Overnight Kyoto.

Day 3 : Tokushima: Temples 1 - 3

Location: Tokushima

Accommodation Name: Shukubo Temple Lodging or Ryokan

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Travel by long distance bus to Tokushima Prefecture (included) where you’ll begin your pilgrimage with a gentle introduction to the walks on Shikoku through quiet neighbourhoods of Tokushima. Visit three of the most eye-catching temples on whole trail - Temple 1 Ryozen-ji, Temple 2 Gokuraku-ji and Temple 3 Konsen-ji. Spend your first night as all pilgrims should - with a stay in a Shukubo Temple Lodging. There is also the option of staying at a traditional Ryokan for this first night.



Overnight Shukubo Temple Lodging or Ryokan, Tokushima.

Day 4 : Tokushima: Temples 11 - 12

Location: Tokushima

Accommodation Name: Minshuku Guesthouse or Ryokan

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Travel south by pre-booked and pre-paid taxi to Temple 11 Fujii-dera, a fascinating hillside temple complex. After time to explore Fujii-dera, your taxi will bring you to Ryusuian Temple, part-way up the mountain en-route to Shosan-ji. From there you walk up the rest of the mountain to Temple 12 Shosan-ji, then finally descend to the east. The walk is fairly strenuous, but very rewarding with beautiful scenery. Walk onwards to Yorii and board a bus to the small Onsen village of Kamiyama and your inn for the evening.



Overnight Minshuku Guesthouse or Ryokan, Kamiyama.

Day 5 : Tokushima: Temples 20 - 21

Location: Tokushima

Accommodation Name: Minshuku Guesthouse or Ryokan

Meals Included: Breakfast

Travel by pre-paid taxi to one of the most beautiful and varied hikes on the entire Pilgrimage route. From Temple 20 Kakurin-ji the trail descends to the hamlet of Anan, crosses the Nakagawa River and climbs again to Temple 21 Tairyu-ji. End the day with a cable car ride with wonderful views over a cedar forest and the small town below. Travel by bus to your accommodation for the evening.



Overnight Minshuku Guesthouse or Ryokan, Tokushima.

Day 6 : Kagawa: Temples 82 - 80

Location: Kagawa

Accommodation Name: Ryokan

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Leaving Tokushima, you'll take the train, bus and a pre-booked and prepaid taxi to a rewarding hike in northern Kagawa Prefecture. Walk through lovely scenery and visit a fine collection of temples - Temple 82 Negoro-ji, Temple 81 Shiromine-ji and finally Temple 80 Kokubun-ji. Travel onwards by train for an overnight stay in the old hot-spring town of Kotohira Spa.



Overnight Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn), Kotohira Spa.

Day 7 : Ehime: Temples 57 To 58

Location: Ehime

Accommodation Name: Shukubo Temple Lodging or hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Leaving Kagawa, travel by train and bus to Betsumyo in northern Ehime and begin your hike to Temple 57 Eifuku-ji. The walk gradually passes from urban townscape to rural farming communities before entering a forest with a steady climb to Temple 58 Senyū-ji. Visit Eifuku-ji and Senyū-ji and there is also an optional detour to Temple 56 Taisan-ji. Overnight at Senyū-ji in the Shukubo pilgrims' lodgings at the temple, or alternatively stay in a western-style hotel in Imabari City.



Overnight Shukubo Temple Lodging or hotel, Imabari.

Day 8 : Ehime: Temples 59 Onwards

Location: Ehime

Accommodation Name: Ryokan

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Your walk continues with a gentle walk down the mountain from Senyū-ji, with the opportunity to explore small village settlements on the way. Return to the town of Imabari, with an optional paved town hike on to Temple 59 Iyo Kokubun-ji. Take the train from the end of your walk in Iyo-Tomita to Matsuyama, followed by a tram to Dogo Onsen.



Overnight Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn), Dogo Onsen.

Day 9 : Ehime: Temples 45 To 44

Location: Ehime

Accommodation Name: Ryokan

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Take a pre-paid taxi from your ryokan to Temple 45 Iwaya-ji, a temple closely linked to Kōbō Daishi - the priest who founded Shingon Buddhism and Mount Koya. Climb the iconic ladder to his meditation spot, with its spectacular views over the surrounding region. From Iwaya-ji, enjoy a lovely forest hike to Temple 44 Daiho-ji before returning by bus and tram to Dogo Onsen in the evening.



Overnight Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn), Dogo Onsen.

Day 10 : Ehime: Temples 60 To 62

Location: Ehime

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your pilgrimage ends with a rewarding hike in the east of Ehime Prefecture. Travel by tram and bus to Ooto, then take a pre-paid taxi to reach the starting point. Walk to Temple 60 Yokomine-ji, Temple 61 Kōon-ji and onwards to Temple 62 Hoju-ji. The walk passes through a rural area of Shikoku and the temples are in lovely natural settings. After the walk, travel onwards by train to Osaka, arriving mid-evening for your final evening.



Overnight Osaka.

Day 11 : Depart Osaka

たけほがら

Location: Osaka

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before taking the train from Osaka Namba Nankai station to Osaka Kansai Airport (approx. 35mins).

What's Included

  • 10 nights’ accommodation in hotels and Japanese-style inns (ryokan/minshuku/shukubo)

    Enjoy 10 nights of accommodation in a mix of modern hotels and traditional Japanese-style inns, including ryokan, minshuku, and shukubo.

  • All breakfasts & 6 dinners

    All breakfasts and six dinners are included during your stay.

  • Management by your local Headwater appointed agent

    Your tour will be managed by a local Headwater appointed agent to ensure a smooth experience.

  • Route directions and maps

    Receive detailed route directions and maps to guide you on your pilgrimage.

  • Bus tickets from Kyoto to start of trail and from end of trail to Osaka

    Bus tickets are provided for travel from Kyoto to the start of the trail and from the end of the trail to Osaka.

  • Pre booked and pre-paid taxis on days 4, 5, 6, 9 and 10

    Pre-booked and pre-paid taxis are included on days 4, 5, 6, 9, and 10 for your convenience.

What's Not Included

  • Lunches

    Lunches are not included in the tour package.

  • Luggage transfers

    Luggage transfers are not provided during the tour.

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and should be arranged separately.

  • Single supplements

    Single supplements are not included and may apply if you require a single room.

  • Solo traveller supplement (where only one person is travelling on a departure date)

    A solo traveller supplement may apply if only one person is traveling on a departure date.

  • Visas and vaccinations

    Visas and vaccinations are not included and should be arranged independently.

Food


Accommodation

Experience authentic Japanese hospitality with stays in modern western-style hotels, traditional Ryokan inns, family-run Minshuku, and Shukubo temple lodgings. Enjoy en-suite facilities, air-conditioning, and exquisite Shojin-Ryori vegetarian cuisine, with opportunities to join morning religious services at Shukubo. ...more ...less

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation can I expect during the Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail tour?

    During the Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail tour, you will stay in a mix of modern western-style hotels and traditional Japanese-style inns such as Ryokan, Minshuku, and Shukubo temple lodgings. The hotels have en-suite facilities, while the traditional inns offer a more authentic experience with tatami mat rooms and futon bedding, and may have shared toilet and bathing facilities. ...more ...less

  • What kind of meals are included in the tour?

    The tour includes all breakfasts and six dinners. Most meals will be Japanese cuisine, with vegetarian options available, although strict vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diets may be difficult to accommodate due to the use of fish-based stock and soy products in Japanese cuisine. ...more ...less

  • How will I travel between different locations on the tour?

    Travel between locations on the tour is facilitated by express trains, local taxis, long-distance buses, and pre-booked taxis. Scenic bus rides and cable car journeys are also part of the travel arrangements, ensuring a seamless pilgrimage experience across Shikoku.

  • What is the significance of the temples visited during the tour?

    The temples visited during the tour are part of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, a significant spiritual journey in Japan. Each temple has its own unique history and cultural importance, with some offering beautiful natural settings and opportunities for meditation and reflection. ...more ...less

  • Is there an opportunity to participate in religious activities during the tour?

    Yes, staying in Shukubo temple lodgings often provides the opportunity to join early morning religious services, offering a deeper insight into the spiritual aspects of the pilgrimage.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews of this operator

Gergana Racheva  

Very helpful and prompt service

06-Jan-2023

Very helpful and prompt service. I called to check for an already booked trip and once we sorted this, the agent was ready to help me with another booking as well. He actually waited for me to book my flight tickets, answered all my questions, informed me of all my options. Exodus is a tour company I am using regularly due to the quality of their trips, ease of booking and helpfulness of their customer service team ...more ...less

Trustpilot
Tim Hardy  

Stunning walking. Walking the Amalfi Coast

04-Nov-2021

This trip takes you through the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean walking with a guide and also discovering the wonders of Pompeii and Vesuvius. The hotel had a nice feel as family run, spotless and comfortable rooms, we were well looked after for breakfasts and dinner each day, and the barmen fixed some mean cocktails for us.! ...more ...less

paul green (Google Reviewer)  

Went on a tour of...

14-Jan-2022

Went on a tour of morocco in October and loved it ,mohamed the tour guide was excellent, probably go with exodus to India next year

Paul Green  

It's amazing what you can do in a week! Cycling the Dalmatian Coast.

08-Oct-2021

This holiday was extremely enjoyable. The itinerary is well planned and the route takes you to a variety of destinations. Not having been to Croatia before I didn't know there were so many beautiful small islands and I loved the ferry and catarmaran rides. The coastal route we took was dramatic and the World Heritage sites in Split and Dubrovnik very interesting and worth visiting. The Adriatic Sea was warm, blue and inviting, good for swimming even in October. The hotels we stayed in varied in size from medium to large. I particularly liked the one just outside Dubrovnik as I had a sea view. Tourists were plentiful in Split and Dubrovnik but in the other places we stayed there was an end of season feel and it was quiet on the roads and in the resorts. The food was good and our guide was always able to recommend a nice restaurant for our evening meal. The weather in October was good for cycling - not hot, partly cloudy most days and one day it rained! ...more ...less

Roger Wells (Google Reviewer)  

We have just returned from...

12-Feb-2025

We have just returned from a 2 week Exodus trip to Egypt, Alexandria to Aswan. We had a great time, enjoyable company, with an excellent guide, Sayed. All worked out as described. The 3 day Red Sea extension was relaxing. Even the train journey, Cairo to Aswan, was a great part of the experience ...more ...less

Mrs Y Morrison  

Fabulous company and trip

06-Jan-2023

We went overland from Cape Town to Zimbabwe through Botswana and Namibia. What a fantastic trip. Our first time with Exodus although we have travelled extensively around the world. We would highly recommend this company for such a brilliant trip - we got everything and more all at a good price. Thanks to everyone involved. We are looking at our next trip! ...more ...less

Trustpilot
Alison Payton (Google Reviewer)  

I've done 8 trips in...

17-May-2023

I've done 8 trips in the last 14 years with Exodus, and have been rewarded with a 10% discount on all future bookings. I feel very confident that I'll receive pleasant, efficient service, and have the unusual holiday experience that I'm looking for each time. I've trekked to the top of snow-capped peaks, wild-camped in the desert, seen amazing spectacles of nature, visited 4 capital cities in a week, and learned about local culture and experienced local hospitality in a way that I simply wouldn't on a conventional holiday. The quality of the accommodation and guides can vary, but this is mainly down to cultural differences and things that Exodus can't control. I've only ever complained once, my complaint was taken seriously, and I was sent a discount voucher - you can't say fairer than that. I remain a loyal customer. ...more ...less

David (Google Reviewer)  

Exodus are generally a good...

21-Aug-2024

Exodus are generally a good travel company. Things tend to run smoothly and trips well organised. Their customers tend to be at retirement age. Trips are a bit overpriced. I would also avoid trips in Europe, as these often focus on more coffee stops and meals, rather than walking. I would also recommend making sure your guide records any accidents you have, hopefully not applicable. I had one on Sierra de Aitana which the guide saw and knew about, but he and Exodus said it never happened when I followed up after the trip. I wasn’t putting in a claim, just suggested a safety improvement. They have since apologised and acknowledged this as an error. They are a good reliable option for outside of Europe trips. ...more ...less

Jacquelyn Moore (Google Reviewer)  

Food came quickly. Staff very...

07-Mar-2024

Food came quickly. Staff very friendly and polite . However the chef or person preparing the food did not seem to read the menu! If it says a meal should come with vegetables, you should not have to ask for them. They served shepherds pie with garlic bread! The munchies ice cream sundae said it should come in a glass with a flake but came in a little bowl with just a few munchies! When asking the staff were happy to replace and correct but customer should get what they order and what menu says first time round!! ...more ...less

johanna leonor (Google Reviewer)  

If you like to be...

07-Sep-2023

If you like to be mistreated Exodus is perfect for you. If you enjoy terrible choices for hotels and pseudo restaurants Exodus is perfect for you. Careless about their clients and loveless about their propositions. Exodus has been a dissatisfaction and disappointment about every dealing i and my group have had with him. Especially a man called Simone who just cares about the money he can get from you couldn’t care less about service. ...more ...less

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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail

11 Days Starting and ending in Osaka, Japan

Visiting: Kyoto, Tokushima, Kagawa, Ehime, Osaka

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

W10SH

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

Moderate

Age range:

8-99

From: $4895 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 22-Feb-2025 but subject to change.