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Shikoku Kochi 2-Day Tour | Experience the Shikoku Pilgrimage, a Sacred Site of Japanese Buddhism | Visit Sites Associated with Kobo Daishi (Kukai) [Departing from Kochi Station]
- A high-quality and reliable Japan tour organized by Club Tourism, a major Japanese travel agency with over 70 years of history. You will be accompanied by a tour conductor (2 days), a Chinese-speaking interpreter guide (2 days), and an officially certified Shikoku pilgrimage guide (Day 2 only), who will guide you through the proper prayer rituals step-by-step. Even those who do not speak Japanese can participate with peace of mind.
- No forced visits to duty-free shops: There are absolutely no visits to profit-driven duty-free or jewelry shops. You can spend your limited travel time only on authentic experiences.
- An authentic pilgrimage tour planned by a guide certified by the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage Association. Walk through the sacred sites of Muroto, where it is said that Kobo Daishi (Kukai) attained enlightenment at the age of 19, and experience the history and culture of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, which has been passed down for over 1,200 years. With a walking distance of about 800m, it is also recommended for beginners or those who are not confident in their physical fitness.
- At Chikurin-ji Temple, listen to a sermon by Chief Priest Ebizuka, the chairman of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage Association. The interpreter guide will also provide explanations, making it easy to learn about Japanese Buddhism and the spirit of the Shikoku Pilgrimage.
- Experience traditional culture unique to each temple, such as Susokukan (breath meditation), Zuko (incense powder) making, sutra chanting, and pilgrimage prayer etiquette. You will encounter the unique Japanese pilgrimage culture that cannot be experienced through regular sightseeing.
- Kochi Airport is accessible to Kochi Station via the airport shuttle bus. As the tour concludes at Kochi Station, you can continue to enjoy sightseeing in Kochi city or extend your stay.
- A 2-day trip to fully enjoy culture, nature, and food, including local specialties like 'Katsuo no Tataki' (seared bonito) and Muroto Kinme-don (splendid alfonsino rice bowl).
Package options
Product Info
- About Goshuin
Originally known as 'Gonokyo' (offering of sutras), this is a seal received after visiting a temple and offering sutras, featuring the name of the principal deity and a Sanskrit seal. Think of it as a certificate of your pilgrimage. While the culture of collecting Goshuin has spread in Taiwan in recent years, Goshuin for the Henro pilgrimage are collected in a dedicated book called a 'Nokyochō' rather than a standard Goshuin book. On this tour, you can receive them at a total of 6 temples: No. 24, 25, 26, 30, 31, and 75.
* The cost of the seals is not included in the tour price. Please contact us via message to apply at least 14 days before departure.
1. Shikoku Pilgrimage Nokyochō - Floral Pattern - Red: ¥3,000
2. Shikoku Pilgrimage Nokyochō - Floral Pattern - Navy: ¥3,000
3. Shikoku Pilgrimage Nokyochō - Heart Sutra Pattern - Navy: ¥3,000
＜Notes＞
1. Goshuin will be received at all 6 temples. We cannot accommodate requests for specific temples only.
2. As this is a group pilgrimage, individual visits to the sutra office are not permitted.
3. You cannot receive temple Goshuin in a book that already contains shrine Goshuin.
4. Each person is limited to one book for Goshuin.
5. We are not responsible for any errors or stains, so please check the book yourself when it is returned to you.
- About Pilgrimage Supplies
You do not need to purchase all special equipment for your first Henro pilgrimage. You can participate comfortably in clothes and shoes that are easy to walk in. However, preparing the following items will make for a more authentic experience.
1. Highly recommended items to bring
- Hakui (white coat) or Oizuru: Wearing a white jacket symbolizes a purified heart. The sleeveless type (Oizuru) is recommended as it is easy to put on and take off. The color of the clothes worn underneath does not matter.
- Wagesa: A stole worn around the neck as formal attire when standing before the Buddha. This is a higher priority item to prepare than the white coat.
- Ojuzu (prayer beads): A ritual tool to connect with the Buddha at each temple. You may use ones you have at home, but please avoid using those intended exclusively for funerals.
2. Items that enhance the experience
Incense (3 sticks per temple), candles (1 per temple), a lighter, offering coins (approx. 5-25 yen), and a sutra book.
Offering 3 sticks of incense represents offerings to the Buddhas of the present, past, and future. The sutra book includes phonetic readings, so even beginners can read them aloud.
3. Available for purchase on-site
White coats, Wagesa, prayer beads, and incense can be purchased at the shops at the temples we visit on this tour. Many people start by joining empty-handed and gradually collecting items as they experience the pilgrimage, so please do not worry if you do not have any supplies yet.
- Who was Kobo Daishi (Kukai)?
Kukai was a monk who lived during the Heian period. He mastered Mikkyo (Esoteric Buddhism), the cutting-edge Buddhist philosophy of the time, in an astonishingly short period of about one year and brought it back to Japan from Tang China. A master of languages and a dedicated social entrepreneur, he was essentially a 'modern multi-creator.'
It is said that the 19-year-old Kukai attained enlightenment at the 'Mikurodo' cave at Cape Muroto, which we will visit on this tour. By standing in that place, you might feel a little closer to the heart of Kukai from 1,200 years ago. Kukai remains a beloved figure, cherished by many as a familiar hero who stands by them even today.
- Authentic Henro Experience with an Official Guide (Sendatsu)
On the second day, you will be accompanied by a Sendatsu officially certified by the Shikoku Eighty-Eight Sacred Sites Association. A Sendatsu is a pilgrimage expert who has visited the sacred sites at least four times and has been recommended by the association. They will teach you the etiquette of worship, how to chant sutras, and the significance of each temple as you visit them together. You will experience an 'authentic Henro' that is fundamentally different from a standard sightseeing tour.
[Advance Notice]
Please observe the following when participating:
- Please register with your correct name and email address.
- Please observe the meeting times during the tour.
- If you are late for the meeting time, the tour will depart without you.
We will be listening to a Dharma talk by a head priest who also serves as the chairman of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage Association. He is also a lecturer at a university for Buddhist monks, and his talks are known for being easy to understand and deeply moving.
Experience "Breath Counting," a meditation technique that calms the mind by counting your breaths. Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and spend time connecting with yourself.
You will experience "chanting sutras" at several temples: Saigasaki-ji, Tsushō-ji, and Kongōchō-ji. It's okay if you don't understand the meaning. The act of chanting aloud itself is considered an important practice for calming the mind and receiving blessings. Tsushō-ji is known as the "Buddha's Lighthouse" because it has watched over the safety of the seas, and it is an impressive temple with a vermilion bell tower gate reminiscent of the Dragon Palace. Kongōchō-ji is also known as the "Whale Temple" because it was once used to hold memorial services for whales.
Walking the path to Cape Muroto, the site of Kukai's enlightenment: Cape Muroto is a sacred place where 19-year-old Kukai is said to have attained enlightenment. This time, we will actually walk from the statue of young Kukai to the "Mikurodo Cave," the site of his enlightenment. The distance is only about 800m. You don't need the physical strength of a hiker. With each step you take, you will feel as if you are getting a little closer to the state of mind of Kukai who spent time in this place 1200 years ago. The true charm of the Shikoku Pilgrimage can only be seen by actually standing there and walking the path.
Lunch on day 2: Muroto Kinme Donburi (image)
Purchase Notice
*This product is a "request reservation," and it will take some time to confirm your reservation. Reservations are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, so depending on the situation, you may be placed on a waiting list or your reservation may not be accepted. The final confirmation of your reservation will be made when the voucher is issued. In the unlikely event that the tour is cancelled due to being fully booked or other reasons, we will contact you within the specified number of days. Please note that if you do not wish to be placed on a waiting list, you can cancel (refund) your reservation.
[Travel conditions]
Departure point/Destination: Kochi/Kochi
Duration of trip: 2 days
Transportation used: Chartered bus
Bus company: Kotoden Bus and equivalent
Meal plan: Breakfast 1 time, Lunch 2 times, Dinner 0 times
Minimum number of participants: 18
Tour guide: 1
Notification Guide: 1 (2 days, guided in Chinese)
Official guide for the Shikoku Pilgrimage: 1 (Day 2 only)
Accommodation used: Nishitetsu Inn Kochi Harimayabashi
Room type: Western-style room (single, twin, double), with private bathroom and toilet.
[Travel planning/execution]
Company Name: Club Tourism International Inc
Address: 1-9-6 Edagawa, Koto-ku, Tokyo
Registration Number: Japan Tourism Agency Registered Travel Agency No. 1693
Affiliated travel industry association: Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA) Regular Member
[Consignment Sales]
KKDAY JAPAN Co., Ltd.
2nd Floor, WESTALL Yotsuya Building, 1-22-5 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0004, Japan
Registered Travel Agency No. 2045, Commissioner of the Japan Tourism Agency
Member organization: Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)
Reminders
A minimum of 18 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 21 day(s) before the departure date
Please arrive at the designated location 15 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
This tour will bring together participants from all over Japan. A licensed tour guide will accompany you during the daytime sightseeing (2 days) and provide guidance and support in Traditional Chinese.
There are several important customs to observe during the Shikoku Pilgrimage to ensure a sincere and respectful experience. Please wear comfortable clothing and footwear on the day of your trip. Smoking and drinking alcohol during the day are prohibited on the temple grounds. Please also refrain from taking photographs inside the temple halls and the sutra copying offices. The inner sanctuary within the main hall is a sacred space accessible only to those who have taken religious vows, and therefore entry is prohibited. As this is a group pilgrimage, we ask for your understanding and cooperation in following the instructions of the accompanying guide and tour leader.
If you require a meal change due to food allergies or religious reasons, please contact us at least 14 days before departure. A meal change will be charged at ¥1,500 per meal (additional charges apply). Please note that this change is not possible for packed lunches.
The order of visits and the temples visited may change due to memorial services or the schedule of the head priest.
Please note that the head priest's sermon may be changed due to sudden illness or other unforeseen circumstances.
FAQs
1. How long does it typically take to complete the entire Shikoku Henro pilgrimage?
Completing the full Shikoku Henro pilgrimage, which involves visiting all 88 temples, usually takes about 30 to 60 days if done entirely on foot. However, it's also possible to complete it in stages, use transportation, or participate in specialized short-term experiences, such as a two-day, one-night trip, offering more flexibility in planning while still allowing you to experience the culture and spirit of the pilgrimage.
2. What is the origin and meaning of the name "Shikoku Henro"?
"Shikoku Henro" refers to the pilgrimage to 88 temples established or practiced by Kobo Daishi Kukai in Shikoku. It symbolizes following in Kukai's footsteps for self-reflection and spiritual training, also known as "Ohenro." The term combines the geographical location "Shikoku" with "Henro," meaning to travel around various places.
3. What specific temples are included in the "88 Sacred Sites" of the Shikoku Henro?
The 88 Sacred Sites of the Shikoku Henro are spread across the four prefectures of Tokushima, Kochi, Ehime, and Kagawa. Temples in Kochi Prefecture include Chikurin-ji, Zenrakuji, Muroto-Misaki-ji, Tero-ji, and Kongochoji, among others. These temples are sacred grounds where Kobo Daishi Kukai practiced or had connections, each with its own unique characteristics and history.
4. What are the common routes or ways to experience the Shikoku Henro pilgrimage?
There isn't a single fixed route for the Shikoku Henro, but it's mainly divided into two directions: "Jundai" (clockwise) and "Gyakudai" (counter-clockwise). Many people choose to walk the entire pilgrimage, while some pilgrims use buses, taxis, or private cars to complete it in sections. There are also experience tours designed for beginners, offering cultural guidance and convenient transportation.
5. What special cultural activities can be experienced at Chikurin-ji Temple or in the Muroto area during a Shikoku Henro pilgrimage?
At Chikurin-ji Temple, you can listen to dharma talks by the Abbot Ebisuka, President of the Shikoku Pilgrimage Association, to gain a deeper understanding of Japanese Buddhism and the pilgrimage spirit. In the Muroto area, where Kobo Daishi Kukai attained enlightenment, you can participate in traditional cultural activities such as breath-counting meditation (sokushikan), incense making, and sutra reading, personally experiencing the solemn atmosphere of the pilgrimage.
6. What is special about Mikurodo and Muroto-Misaki-ji Temple, where Kobo Daishi Kukai practiced, when visiting the Muroto area for the pilgrimage?
Mikurodo is the legendary place where Kobo Daishi Kukai attained enlightenment at the age of 19, and its original cave landscape is preserved to this day, exuding spirituality. Muroto-Misaki-ji Temple, located at Cape Muroto, is one of the highest-altitude temples on the Shikoku Henro. It is renowned for its magnificent ocean views and its symbolic presence as a lighthouse for the Muroto Peninsula, offering panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.
7. What are the approximate walking distances and physical demands for a Shikoku Henro experience tour?
Experience tours for beginners, such as those in the Muroto area, typically involve walking distances of around 800 meters, making them not physically demanding. Even first-time pilgrims or those who are not confident in their physical stamina can easily participate and experience the charm of the pilgrimage.
8. Are there professionals who provide guidance or cultural explanations during the Shikoku Henro pilgrimage?
When participating in an organized Shikoku Henro experience tour, a professional tour escort will accompany you throughout the journey, with Chinese-speaking guides providing real-time explanations. Additionally, on the second day, an accredited 'Sendatsu' (pilgrimage guide) from the Shikoku Sacred Sites will join you, providing step-by-step guidance on prayer methods and explaining the history and culture of the pilgrimage to ensure a deep understanding.
