Name: Shikoku Easier Pilgrimage - 7 Days - Self Guided
Brand: Stroll
SKU: 228
Price: 1585 GBP
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

Question 1

What is the Shikoku Pilgrimage?

Accepted Answer

The Shikoku Pilgrimage — known in Japanese as the Shikoku Henro — is one of the world's great spiritual walks, a 1,200km circuit of 88 Buddhist temples on the island of Shikoku, traditionally associated with the monk Kobo Daishi. The Stroll itinerary covers a carefully selected shorter version of the route, taking in some of the best forest, mountain, and temple walking the pilgrimage has to offer over 6, 7, or 8 days.

Question 2

Where does the walk start and which airport should I fly into?

Accepted Answer

The walk starts in Tokushima City. Osaka (Kansai International Airport) is the recommended gateway — from there, a Highway Limousine Bus takes you to Tokushima in around 2 hours 40 minutes, or you can travel by train. There's also the option of flying directly into Tokushima Airport from Tokyo with JAL or ANA (around 1hr 15min). Airport transfers are not included — transport details are provided in your pre-departure pack.

Question 3

How does luggage transfer work?

Accepted Answer

Your main luggage is transported between most accommodations while you walk, so you only carry a daypack on the trail. One important thing to be aware of: due to limitations of the local courier service, there will be some nights where your main luggage will not be with you. You'll need to pack a small overnight bag in your daypack on those days — Stroll will detail exactly which nights are affected when you book. The luggage allowance is one bag per person up to 20kg.

Question 4

What should I know about staying in a Ryokan?

Accepted Answer

Remove your shoes at the entrance and change into the indoor slippers provided. Your room will include a yukata (cotton robe) — wear something underneath, fold the left side over the right, and tie the belt firmly. A loose yukata is considered disrespectful. Confirm dinner and breakfast times at check-in, as meals are served at set times. Your yukata is perfectly appropriate for wandering around the inn in the evenings.

Question 5

What are the onsen etiquette rules?

Accepted Answer

Onsens are one of the quiet highlights of this walk, especially after a long day on steep mountain trails. You bathe completely naked — swimwear is not permitted. Before entering the communal bath, wash and rinse yourself thoroughly at the shower stations. Keep your towel out of the water. Onsens are separated by gender. If you have tattoos, many onsens in Japan restrict entry — speak with your accommodation host in advance as policies vary, and some properties can arrange stickers to cover small tattoos for a modest charge. Avoid busy times where possible and be considerate of other guests.

Question 6

What is the Pilgrimage Book (Nokyocho) and should I get one?

Accepted Answer

The Nokyocho is a pilgrim's stamp book — one of the most meaningful souvenirs you can carry on the Shikoku Henro. At each temple you visit, a monk will hand-stamp and calligraph your book for approximately ¥500 per temple. It's a living record of your pilgrimage and genuinely beautiful. Pilgrim attire — including the white vest (hakui), staff (kongozue), and Nokyocho — can all be purchased at Temple 1 at the start of the walk.

Question 7

What should I carry each day?

Accepted Answer

A shower-proof daypack with a waterproof liner is ideal. Key items include a waterproof jacket, warm layer, sun hat, sunscreen (SPF 30+), comfortable walking boots, 2–3 litres of water, lunch supplies, insect repellent, a first aid kit with personal medication, toilet paper, your phone, and cash. Walking poles are very useful on this walk — the trail includes steep hill sections and narrow mountain passes. In summer, wear long sleeves and pants due to leeches and pack bug spray. A folding umbrella and a bandana are worth adding year-round.

Question 8

Are there rest stops or cafés along the track?

Accepted Answer

Facilities vary by section, but there are a few reliable spots along the way. Toilets are available at most train stations, convenience stores, and at every temple on the route. Water can be refilled at temples throughout the walk. A pilgrim rest area with drinks and snacks appears on some sections, and vending machines are common across Japan, including on remote stretches. Convenience stores in towns like Tokushima and Kamojima are good spots to stock up on lunch supplies for the day ahead.

Question 9

What currency do I need, and can I use cards?

Accepted Answer

Japan runs largely on cash. Most ATMs outside airports and convenience stores don't accept foreign cards, so withdraw sufficient Yen early — 7-Eleven and other convenience store ATMs are your most reliable option. Budget JPY 5,000–10,000 per day for lunches, non-included dinners, temple stamp fees, drinks, snacks, and transport. Local buses and smaller trains generally require cash — not all services accept IC cards. Let your bank know you're travelling to Japan before you leave.

Question 10

Is tipping expected?

Accepted Answer

No. Tipping is not customary in Japan and is generally not expected. Excellent service is simply the standard.

Question 11

What cultural customs should I be aware of?

Accepted Answer

The Shikoku Pilgrimage passes through some of Japan's most sacred Buddhist and Shinto sites, so cultural respect is especially important here. Remove your shoes before entering temple buildings and traditional accommodations. Dress modestly at temples and shrines. Speak quietly in sacred spaces. On public transport, keep noise to a minimum and avoid eating or drinking. A slight bow when greeting people is always well received. It is illegal to bring over-the-counter medicines containing pseudoephedrine or codeine into Japan — check your medications carefully before you travel.

Question 12

What about dietary requirements?

Accepted Answer

Traditional Japanese cuisine relies heavily on soy sauce, miso, and fish stock (dashi), all of which are present in most dishes and very difficult to remove. If you can tolerate these in trace amounts, your accommodation options increase significantly. Vegetarian meals can sometimes be arranged at Ryokans and Minshukus with advance notice, though fish and seafood feature prominently in the standard diet. Strict vegans and those with coeliac disease will find things more challenging on Shikoku. Dietary requirements must be declared at the time of booking and cannot be changed afterwards. Bring supplementary snacks if your requirements are complex.

Question 13

Is travel insurance required?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Travel insurance is compulsory and must cover hiking, emergency evacuation in mountainous areas, and medical expenses. There are no reciprocal healthcare agreements between Japan and other countries — all medical treatment is charged at full cost. Carry your insurance certificate and your insurer's 24-hour emergency contact throughout the trip.

Shikoku Easier Pilgrimage - 7 Days - Self Guided

OverviewOverview

What's Included

Accommodation

Transfers

Meals

Guidance & Support

How We Rate This Walk

Where You'll Stay

What You'll Eat

More About This Trip

Getting There & Away

Best Time to Walk

High Season Charges

Trail Conditions

Travel Insurance

Information Pack

Important: Solo Walkers

Public Transport

Luggage Transfers

Dates & Pricing

Choose Your Start Date

August 2026

September 2026

Notes

Shikoku reviews

Frequently Asked Questions