Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage (Ohenro)

Ohenro refers to the pilgrimage visiting 88 sacred sites associated with Kobo Daishi scattered throughout Shikoku. Those who undertake the journey are affectionately called "Ohenro-san."

The four prefectures are each likened to stages of spiritual practice: Tokushima is the Dojo of Hoshin (Awakening of Faith), Kochi is the Dojo of Shugyo (Ascetic Practice), Ehime is the Dojo of Bodai (Enlightenment), and Kagawa is the Dojo of Nehan (Nirvana). Completing the circuit in numerical order from No. 1 to No. 88 is called "Mangen" (the fulfillment of the vow).

The pilgrimage originated from the intensive training Kobo Daishi (Kukai, 774–835) underwent in Shikoku during his youth. Later, it became a path of ascetic practice for monks and Shugendo (mountain worship) practitioners to follow in the Master's footsteps.

During the Edo period, the pilgrimage became widely popular among common people, supported by the distribution of travel guides (michinuki) and the culture of "Osettai" (acts of hospitality and offerings). With over 1,200 years of history, it is a rare type of circuit pilgrimage globally.

Pilgrims walk with the spirit of "Dogyo Ninin" (Two People Walking Together), the belief that Kobo Daishi is always watching over them by their side. This phrase is often inscribed on sedge hats and conical staffs.

At each fudasho (pilgrimage temple), pilgrims offer a slip of paper (nosha) at the main hall and the Daishido (Kobo Daishi Hall), listen to prayers, and receive a Goshuin (calligraphic seal stamp) in their Nokyo-cho (pilgrimage stamp book). Beyond seeking the fulfillment of wishes or offering prayers for ancestors, a major appeal of Ohenro is the opportunity to step away from daily life and quietly face oneself.

Visiting the temples in numerical order from No. 1 is called "Jun-uchi," while visiting them in reverse order is called "Gyaku-uchi" (it is said that Gyaku-uchi during a leap year brings great merit). You may travel at your own pace, whether through "Toshi-uchi" (completing the entire circuit at once) or "Kugiri-uchi" (completing the circuit in several segments).

There are various methods of travel, such as Aruki-henro (walking pilgrimage, approx. 40–50 days) or car/bus tours (approx. 10 days). Pilgrimage gear such as the hakui (white robe), sugegasa (sedge hat), kongozue (conical staff), rin-kesa (loop vest), juzu (prayer beads), and Nokyo-cho (stamp book) also help prepare your heart for the journey.

• Those who wish to leave daily life behind and quietly face themselves. • Those who want to experience the faith, history, and culture of Kobo Daishi. • Those who want to feel the majestic nature of Shikoku and the spirit of human kindness (Osettai culture). • Those who wish to collect Goshuin (calligraphic seal stamps).

It is perfectly fine if you do not complete the entire circuit. It is also recommended to start with a "Kugiri-uchi" of a few sites or begin with a nearby Dojo (prefecture).

Completing all the sites at No. 88 Okuboji is called "Ketsugan" (fulfillment of the vow).

Following this, it is an ancient pilgrimage custom to make an "Orei-mairi" (thanksgiving visit) to Okunoin in Koyasan, where Kobo Daishi is said to continue his meditation to this day.