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
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive in Kyoto
Location: Kyoto
Accommodation: 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: 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: 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
Location: Osaka
Accommodation: 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
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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.
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All breakfasts & 6 dinners
All breakfasts and six dinners are included during your stay.
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Management by your local Headwater appointed agent
Your tour will be managed by a local Headwater appointed agent to ensure a smooth experience.
What's Not Included
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Lunches
Lunches are not included in the tour package.
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Luggage transfers
Luggage transfers are not provided during the tour.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and should be arranged separately.
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Single supplements
Single supplements are not included and may apply if you require a single room.
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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.
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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.Check out our Q&As
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Transfer as credit for 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, 90 days before departure.
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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 120 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 89 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 51 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Enquire for Extra Savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.
Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail
11 Days Starting and ending in Osaka, Japan
Visiting: Kyoto, Tokushima, Kagawa, Ehime, Osaka
Tour operator:
Tour code:
W10SH
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Age range:
8-99
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, History, Religion and Spiritual
