The Shikoku Henro is one of the world's great pilgrimage circuits, linking 88 temples associated with the Buddhist monk Kūkai (Kōbō Daishi) across the four prefectures of Shikoku island. Walking the full circuit covers approximately 1,200 kilometres and takes 30–60 days, though many visitors complete sections by bus, taxi, or car. Pilgrims (henro) wear traditional white jackets and conical sedge hats, and the culture of o-settai — locals offering gifts of food or money to pilgrims — remains a living tradition of extraordinary warmth. Spring brings cherry blossoms along mountain paths and mild temperatures ideal for multi-day walking.
- Type
- Experience
- Category
- Culture
- Season
- Spring
- Month
- March–May
- Region
- Shikoku
- Prefecture
- Tokushima / Kochi / Ehime / Kagawa
- City
- Various (circuits all four prefectures)
Highlights
- ◆1,200 km circuit linking 88 sacred temples across four prefectures
- ◆Living o-settai gift-giving tradition between locals and pilgrims
- ◆Traditional white henro costume available to rent or purchase
- ◆Scenic variety from ocean cliffs to mountain forest and castle towns
- ◆Partial routes completable in days or weeks