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Offered languages
- English
Lose yourself in the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. While this journey evokes images of grand sanctuaries and solemn, robed monks, it offers far more than quiet contemplation. The true magic lies in the paths connecting the temples. You will venture down twisting backstreets, over wooded knolls, past local greenhouses, and even across coastal waters by ferry. This tour immerses you deeply in the vibrant daily lives and warm hospitality of the Shikoku communities surrounding these sacred sites.
The whole pilgrimage involves over 30 days of walking around the entire island. Unfortunately, this amazing journey is not possible for all of us. Join us on this tour of two temples to get your pilgrimage trip started. Maybe this will inspire you to come back again for the whole 1200 kilometer odyssey!
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Your guide will be waiting for you at Harimayabashi, holding a board with the logo of "Kochi Escapes
After the tour, you will be transferred to central Kochi by bus or taxi, where the tour concludes upon arrival.
Itinerary
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(Pass by)
Meet your guide at Harimaya Bridge in central Kochi City and take a 15-minute streetcar ride to the starting point.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Looking around as you disembark, nothing jumps out at first—this is a normal peaceful Japanese neighborhood. As you start your walk, you will soon pass an elementary school. The kids are often outside running around, and some might cheerfully shout “hello” as you pass.
Admission ticket free -
1Chikurinji Temple
Your trek continues through neighborhood lanes and over bridges as you approach the first temple. The streets get narrower and you glance over a wall into someone’s garden. What is that tree growing there? Ask your guide and she can tell you. Soon you reach the end of the lane and start climbing through fruit orchards. As you continue, you find yourself in the beautifully landscaped Makino Botanical Garden. This wonderful garden shares grounds with the first temple you will visit today: Chikurinji. Set on a large terraced garden of its own, it was founded over a thousand years ago. Many rituals must be observed and your guide will lead as you first cleanse your hands with pure water. Next, light candles and incense, and finally intone the appropriate mantra for Monju, the enshrined deity of wisdom and scholarship. Don’t forget buy an omamori (good luck charm) for any students in your life.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Sekkei-ji Temple
Leaving Chikurin-ji Temple, you will take a taxi to the water's edge, where you will board a rare, entirely electric-powered ferry. On the other side, you’ll visit the famous Suigei (“Drunken Whale”) sake brewery (on weekdays and Saturdays only). Take a look into the brewery and ask ques-tions. Try some sake too! If you like it, you can buy a bottle to take home. A short walk will bring you to the last temple for today. This is Sekkeiji. Sponsored by the historic lord Chosokabe of the Tosa (now Kochi) domain, this is one of only three Zen Buddhist temples in the whole Shikoku pilgrimage. Pray together with your guide one last time and return by bus to Kochi city.
2 hours 30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
- Availability: All year around except 15th July to 31st August
- Flexible start times: Choose from 7:30 AM, 8:00 AM, or 8:30 AM.
Additional info
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
- Availability: All year around except 15th July to 31st August
- Flexible start times: Choose from 7:30 AM, 8:00 AM, or 8:30 AM.
- Part of the tour involves walking on mountain trails. Please wear clothing that covers your skin, such as long sleeves and long pants, and comfortable walking shoes. Sandals are not permitted. Please also bring a hat, gloves, and rain gear as needed. A rain jacket is recommended.
- Lunch is not included in the tour price. The guide will recommend a local restaurant, but you will be responsible for paying for your own meal.
- The tour will be canceled if heavy rain, strong winds, or other severe weather conditions are expected. The decision will be made the day before the tour. *The tour will proceed in light rain.
- An additional fee of JPY 1,000 per person applies for tours departing from and returning to Kochi New Port.
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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