Encouragement for Walking the Pilgrimage Route! - A Perfect Opportunity to Reflect on Yourself and the Number of People Who Complete the Pilgrimage on Foot!

The pilgrimage route that takes you around the 88 sacred sites of Shikoku has captivated many people from ancient times to today. This route, which encircles the island of Shikoku, is approximately 1,200 km at its shortest and is said to extend up to 1,400 km if one follows the ancient paths walked by practitioners long ago. Even with the sturdy legs of people in the past who walked about 40 km per day, it would take over a month to complete. Most people today take 40 to 50 days to complete the journey, indicating the immense effort and hardship involved. Along the pilgrimage route, there are not only several steep mountain paths called difficult places but also extremely long stretches between the sacred sites, known as Fuda-sho, that take a whole day to reach.

Despite these challenges, there is no shortage of people each year who aspire to walk the entire Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage route on foot, even if they have to do it in stages. In 2019, the number of people who completed the pilgrimage on foot, thereby earning the title of Shikoku 88 Sacred Sites Pilgrimage Ambassador, surpassed 40,000. In 2008, this number was 10,000, in 2012 it exceeded 20,000, and in 2015 it crossed 30,000, showing that at least 2,500 people circle Shikoku on foot each year.

In contrast to the Kumano Kodo, which sees many foreign travelers and more than 40,000 visitors annually, the Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage route, which exceeds 1,200 km, is a journey of a completely different level of difficulty compared to a mountain trail that can be completed in 2-3 days. Nonetheless, the number of Shikoku 88 Sacred Sites Pilgrimage Ambassadors continues to grow, with a notable increase in participation from abroad in recent years. It is possible that in the near future, the number of foreign pilgrims receiving this title will surpass that of Japanese pilgrims.

8 Reasons for Walking the Pilgrimage Route

Walking the Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage route without using modern conveniences such as cars is an incredibly challenging feat. Walking over 1,200 km requires significant resolve and involves a level of physical and mental exertion that cannot be expressed in words. Yet, many people choose to undertake this pilgrimage, overcoming numerous hardships to visit all 88 sacred sites. Here are eight reasons I thought of why people are so determined to walk the pilgrimage and aim to complete it, despite the challenges.

1. To Achieve Spiritual Fulfillment and Enhance Spirituality

By visiting the 88 sacred sites believed to have been established by Kukai (Kobo Daishi), pilgrims can escape the busyness of daily life and spend time reflecting on themselves. As they continue to walk and overcome the arduous path, they sometimes reach a state of emptiness, leading to a sense of spiritual fulfillment and upliftment. The act of progressing on the pilgrimage route with their own feet nourishes the soul and contributes to personal growth.

2. Time to Appreciate and Connect with Nature

The pilgrimage route of the Shikoku 88 temples is nurtured by the natural beauty of Shikoku. While the starting point is in the city, the route soon leads to steep mountain paths, riverside roads, trails around large ponds, and rocky slopes. There are also many long coastal stretches to walk, offering panoramic views from the mountains. The pilgrimage route is truly a place to encounter nature.

3. A Journey to Mark Life’s Milestones

Life is full of turning points. The Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage route is a journey undertaken to mark these milestones, driven by a desire to challenge themselves with something new or to take on something they can only do at that moment. Whether it’s turning 50, reaching the age of 60, retiring from work, dealing with the death of a loved one, or going through a divorce, walking the pilgrimage route upon these significant life transitions can be a positive experience that signals the beginning of a new chapter in life.

4. An Opportunity to Experience the Real Japan

The pilgrimage route of the Shikoku 88 temples is particularly appealing to foreigners as a place to experience the real Japan. Many overseas tourists are increasingly interested in experiencing traditional Japanese culture rather than urban life. The pilgrimage route offers an opportunity to encounter the ancient culture and customs of Japan, making it an attractive journey for both Japanese and foreign tourists alike.

5. A Journey of Penance and Purification

Walking the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage has long been regarded as a journey of repentance in life. Life is filled with various hardships, and everyone experiences failures, sometimes even making irreversible mistakes. When confronted with past wrongs that cannot be undone, the arduous pilgrimage can serve as a journey of repentance. It becomes a time to reflect on oneself, and through this introspection, one’s heart can be purified.

6. A Devotional Journey Accompanied by Kukai

Among those who choose to undertake the arduous Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, there are many who deeply revere Kobo Daishi, Kukai, and feel compelled to continue walking in his honor. The essence of the pilgrimage is encapsulated in the phrase ‘dogyo ninin’, meaning ‘two traveling together’, which reflects the belief that Kukai accompanies each pilgrim on their journey. For devoted followers of Kukai, walking the challenging path of the pilgrimage is not only a given but also a source of joy and a practice of faith that fills them with pride.

7. A Journey to Seek One’s Final Resting Place

Another purpose of walking the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage is the ultimate choice of seeking a place to die. The pilgrimage route is filled with many difficult and treacherous paths, especially for the elderly, making it challenging for them to continue. In ancient times, there were no GPS devices or accurate maps like we have today, nor were there reliable methods of communication. If someone got lost or fell ill along the way, it could sometimes mean death. Particularly in the harsh mountain passes, there have been many pilgrims who lost their lives. Yet, people continued to walk the pilgrimage path, understanding that the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage could sometimes become their final resting place. This is why pilgrims wore white robes during their journey, as a preparation for the end of life.

The Beauty of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage Route

At this point, the Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage route may sound like a grueling experience only relevant to the elderly. Indeed, many who have completed the pilgrimage on foot are older men. However, an increasing number of participants from abroad, including surprisingly many women and young solo travelers, are now taking on this challenge. The image of the pilgrimage as something only older men undertake for self-discipline is outdated. The pilgrimage route is part of life’s journey that anyone with the physical ability can challenge, and its beauty can be appreciated by people of all ages, including women and the young.

Today’s pilgrimage route is safer than in the past, thanks to advancements in GPS technology and accurate weather forecasts, which reduce the risk of getting lost or encountering dangerous conditions. Even if injured, modern communication devices allow for quick rescue. The few remaining dangerous areas can be safely navigated by considering the season and weather. Thus, the pilgrimage on foot today is a long but safe journey, unlike it used to be.

The Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage route, spanning over 1,200 km, is a challenging journey that can only be completed with a strong determination to reach the goal. While there are physically and mentally demanding sections along the way, the route can be tackled at one’s own pace, divided into manageable sections. Upon overcoming these challenges and completing the pilgrimage, an indescribable sense of achievement and happiness awaits. Why not consider taking on the Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage? Once you start walking the pilgrimage route, your outlook on life may change completely, leading to a new life filled with gratitude and a positive attitude.