Japan: Shikoku Pilgrimage Temple Trail A106 Kilometre forest walk from Koyasan to Kagawa on the sparsely populated Island of Shikoku, which is just a short hop from Osaka. Shikoku is way off the beaten track and a window into Japan's rural past. It is a wonderful introduction to many aspects of traditional Japan, with its farming villages, samurai castles, orange groves, craft workshops, mountain scenery and the most startling Shinto shrine in the whole country. TRIP LENGTH: 14 days/13 nights DEPARTURE DATES: MARCH 31 & OCT 20, 2018 GROUP SIZE: Maximum 12 MEALS: 10 Breakfasts, 9 Dinners OTHER: Luggage Transfer 15KG TRIP GRADE: Moderate TRIP TYPE: Hosted/escorted, plus experienced local leader/guide PRICES FROM: $5,930 per person SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $900 TRIP OVERVIEW Japan has been a country inhabited for at least thirty thousand years. During the last ice age Japan was connected to mainland Asia by a land bridge and stone-age hunters were able to walk across.
When the ice age ended around 10,000 BC Japan became a groups of islands, which is how it sits today. Fast forward to the 1950s and 1960s, post World War II, the Japanese economy boomed. Japanese industry exported huge numbers of electronic goods and vehicles, and there was a very noticeable improvement in their standard of living. Rapid economic growth in Japan continued during the 1970s and 1980s while much of the rest of the world was mired in recession. The period of rapid economic growth ended abruptly in the 1990s, and a long recession began. A major political change in 2009 had a positive impact on Japan and its people, and today Japan is a prosperous nation with a population of 127 million. We commence our pilgrimage in Koyasan, Shikoku. Shikoku literally means four provinces. The four provinces are Tokushima, Kochi, Ehime and Kagawa. It is the smallest of Japan's four main islands, and remains isolated despite the construction of bridges that connect it to the rest of Japan, so few travellers make the journey to this relatively undiscovered part of Asia. Those who do make the effort to leave the bustle of Japan's city life behind soon find themselves rewarded by an island of immense natural beauty, steeped in colourful legend and history. Not least, deep in the centre of the island are the stunning valleys of Iyadani, the "Tibet of Japan", to where, 800 years ago, the remnants of the Heike clan fled after their defeat at the hands of the Genji. Everywhere are ancient broad-leaved forests, idyllic hot springs including, at Dogo, the country's oldest spa resort dating from the 8th century and timeless rustic hamlets all framed by some of the finest coastal scenery in all of Japan. For the Japanese, Shikoku is perhaps most famous for its pilgrimage tour of the 88 Sacred Temples and it is the dearly held ambition of almost all to complete a circuit of the island at some point in their lives, following in the footsteps of the country's greatest saint, the revered Kobo Daishi. Our path takes us through rural Japan where the pace of life slows to the rhythm of the seasons, and where natural and spiritual treasures unfold at every step. We will wander through the beautiful forest to visit 27 of the 88 impressive temples. ACCOMMODATION 4 nights Ryokans (Japanese Inn) with a combination of private and shared facilities 5 nights Temples with a combination of private and shared facilities 4 nights Family run Hotels with a combination of private and shared facilities HIGHLIGHTS ARRIVE KOYASAN (Closest major city Osaka) - Day 1/Night 1 & Day 2/Night 2 The temples of Koyasan form a small town on the wooded mountain, about 1000 metres above sea level, with visitors arriving by cable car, bus or taxi. Sites include the Garan, Kongobuji and the Reihokan Museum. Another must see here is Okunoin, Mount Koya's most sacred site, which contains a cemetery that is home to the remains of warlords, celebrities, samurai, shoguns, high priests, businessmen and artists.
TOKUSHIMA Day 3/Night 3 In 2011 Tokushima had an estimated population of quarter of a million people. This modern city was founded in 1889 and was once the 10 th largest city in Japan. Tokushima is known as having typical characteristics of a Japanese castle town. Initially developed under the Hachisuka clan. Its prosperity was built on a strong indigo dye industry. Experience a daily Japanese tradition, a ceremony listening to the monks beautiful chanting in the crisp air early in the morning, where you may remember your family members or friends who have passed away. The Japanese culture believes this is a good way to start a new day. THE PILGRIMAGE FROM TOKUSHIMA 17km. Estimated walking time approx. 5 hours - Day 4/Night 4 Visiting Temples 1 to 6 arriving at Ryozenji Temple (Temple 1), with temples 20 minutes to an hour and a half apart. Anrakuji Temple is the sixth in the group of eighty-eight, and was the training temple of the priest Honen (1133 1212). TOKUSHIMA 13km. Estimated walking time approx. 6 hours - Day 5/Night 5 Walking from Fujiidera Temple (Temple11), established in the 7 th century, famous for the beautiful wisteria plant and the dragon painting etched on the ceiling. Fujiidera is one of only 3 Zen temples on this pilgrimage route. We also take the mountain path to Shozanji Temple (Temple 12), enjoying great views as we trek 700 metres above sea level amongst huge old cedar trees and shrouded in mist.
TOKUSHIMA 9.5km. Estimated walking time approx. 3 hours - Day 6/Night 6 Hotsumisakiji Temple (Temple 24). It is said that Kobodaishi achieved enlightenment here. There are seven mysteries of Kobodaishi, and it is the first of the temples on the pilgrimage in Kochi, located near Cape Muroto, on a hilltop. Shinshouji Temple (Temple 25) is also located on a hill, with great views out to sea from the Port of Murostu. The walking trail hugs the coast with the sounds of the waves along the journey. KOCHI 10km. Estimated walking time approx. 3 hours - Day 7/Night 7 Konhochoji Temple (Temple 26) is the temple constructed to pray for the peace and safety of the nation. There is also memorial tower for whales. KOCHI - EHIME 15km. Estimated walking time approx. 4 hours - Day 8/Night 8 There are steep stairs to the shrine of Zenjibuji Temple (Temple 32), however the views of the Pacific Ocean with the temple located specifically to safeguard ships are breathtaking. Sekkeiji Temple (Temple 33) is famous for the treasures of Kamakura Buddhist statues. This temple was rebuilt after it was burned down at the beginning of the Meiji period. The temple statues are considered national treasures. This is also one of the Zen temples. EHIME - Day 9/Night 9 Ehime is situated in the north-western part of Shikoku. Ehime literary means lovely princess. As the name indicates, the climate is warm and mild and the area is rich in beautiful nature. It is surrounded by the Seto Inland Sea, or the Aegean Sea of the Orient, and Shikoku Mountain Range including Mt. Ishizuchi, the highest peak in western Japan. Blessed with the abundant nature, as well as unique history, culture, and a traditional spirit of hospitality, Matsuyama is the capital of Ehime and the largest city of Shikoku. It is best known for its impressive castle and Dogo Onsen. Dogo Onsen is one of Japan's oldest and most famous hot springs and is popular for its beautiful bathhouse. The Dogo Onsen has also been a frequent destination for Japan's most prestigious guests, the Imperial Family.
EHIME KAGAWA 11km. Estimated walking time approx. 3 hours - Day 10/Night 10 Taisanji Temple (Temple 52) and the popular Enmyoji Temple (Temple 53) is located in a local residential area. Enmyoji Temple was founded by Shoku Shonin in 966. KAGAWA 20km. Estimated walking time approx. 6 hours - Day 11/Night 11 Unpenji Temple (Temple 66) is just over 900m above sea level and the highest temple among the 88 temples. Unpenji Temple is also known as the temple that floats in the clouds. Dropping down to 75m above sea level is Daikoji Temple (Temple 67) nestled amongst the paddy fields. Jinnein Temple (Temple 68) is positioned perfectly on a mountain side, its neighbour, Kanonji Temple (Temple 69), features a grand Camellia Tree said to be 350 years old! Each year there is a festival held to honour the tree. KAGAWA 12.5km. Estimated walking time approx. 4 hours - Day 12/Night 12 This part of the walk is through bamboo bushes and paddy fields to Iyadaniji Temple (Temple 71). History tells us Kobodaishi practiced here when he was young. We then visit Kobodaishi's home town and Mandaraj Templei (Temple 72), which is the family temple of the ancestors of Kobodaishi. A legend says Kobodaishi jumped to see whether he would dedicate his life for Buddhism to save people or just die for Buddha. His life was saved by Siddhartha, which is the story behind the history Shusshakaji Temple (Temple 73). Kouyamaji Temple (Temple 74) is where an imperial messenger prayed towards 5 year-old Kobodaishi when he was playing in the precinct. The messenger said he must be a child prodigy. Zentsuji Temple (Temple 75) is the birthplace of Kobodaishi, one of the three hallowed grounds along with Kongobuji in Koyasan and Toji in Kyoto. KAGAWA 10.5km. Estimated walking time approx. 3 hours - Day 13/Night 13 A downhill track to Yakuriji Temple (Temple 85), which joins the coastal path to Shidoji Temple (Temple 86). Here a magnificent gate and a five-storied pagoda greet you. The history is stimulating and the landscape simply stunning. KAGAWA Day 14 Today your adventure in Shikoku comes to an end, however your journey will live on through the memories of this unique place. Wandering the World hope you have had a journey of a lifetime and welcome your choice to wander with us again.
Please contact us for other departure dates and private groups for group sizes of minimum 8 people to a maximum group size of 12 people. Please email your enquiry to either: Glenyce Johnson at glenycej@wanderingtheworld.com.au or call Glenyce on +61 402 910 552 or email Jane Reed at janer@wanderingtheworld.com.au Full booking conditions and payment details are available upon request. www.wanderingtheworld.com.au