Ehime Prefecture

Shikoku is a welcome getaway from the densely populated areas of Japan. Filled with lush greenery, towering trees, and majestic mountains, Shikoku is a paradise of nature. The first expressway to connect Shikoku to the main island of Honshu was built in 1988, making the island previously only reachable by boat. As a result, Shikoku contains unspoiled scenery and an abundance of beautiful landscapes offering something new and unique when traveling in Japan. In visiting Shikoku, you will find a strong culture and atmosphere surrounding an ancient pilgrimage. The Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage follows in the footsteps of Kobo Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism. This pilgrimage is undertaken for various reasons ranging from a connection to religion, an interest in history, or simply a change in scenery. The full route is around 1,200 km, stopping at 88 sacred temples over what can take 1-2 months for those who wish to undertake the full pilgrimage. However, many options are available for you if you are interested in a shorter hike as a holiday, while still seeing the most significant sites and beautiful scenery. While hiking the Shikoku 88, you’ll notice a pattern: pilgrims walking the trail while wearing distinctive white…