Self-Guided Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage Tokoshima to Kotohira Tour

Tour type

Self-Guided

at your own pace

Hiking days

4 days

Total hiking distance

48 km

~12 km/day

Level

moderate to challenging

Start / End

Kyōto or Ōsaka

Group size

2–12

participants

Accommodation

Casual+ Inns (4★)

Best season

Apr – May, Oct – Nov

Follow in the footsteps of Kōbō Daishi on this spiritual journey through Shikoku's most atmospheric temples. This carefully curated walking tour takes you through the lush, mountainous landscapes of Japan's isolated island, visiting temples steeped in ancient Buddhist tradition. Experience authentic temple lodging with traditional shōjin ryōri cuisine, walk peaceful forest trails and country roads, and unwind in the historic hot spring town of Dōgo Onsen. This demanding yet rewarding pilgrimage offers a unique glimpse into Japan's preserved cultural heritage, far from the densely populated urban centers.

Highlights

Authentic Temple Experience

Stay overnight in a traditional shukubō temple lodging and savor authentic shōjin ryōri Buddhist vegetarian cuisine, experiencing the pilgrimage as monks and pilgrims have for centuries.

Historic Temple Trail

Walk carefully selected portions of the legendary Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, visiting some of the most atmospheric and beautiful temples following in the footsteps of Kōbō Daishi.

Hot Spring Relaxation

Unwind in traditional onsen accommodations including the historic hot spring town of Kotohira Onsen, featuring the renowned Kanamaru-za Kabuki theatre.

5 Days from $1,795

Itinerary

Brief Itinerary

Day	Place	Casual+ Inns	Meals	Distance	Activity
01	Tokushima (Temples 1 to 3)	Shukubō temple lodging	D	6 km / 4 mi	hiking
02	Tokushima	Onsen ryokan or Western-style hotel	B, D	19 km / 12 mi	hiking
03	Tokushima (Temples 20 to 21)	Western-style hotel	B	9 km / 6 mi	hiking
04	Kagawa (Temples 82 to 80)	Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn)	B, D	14 km / 9 mi	hiking
05	Kotohira Onsen	Ryokan (travellers inn)	B	-	-

Meals: B = Breakfast · L = Lunch · D = Dinner

Hotels vary in style along the route and may be replaced with similar alternatives subject to availability.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Tokushima (Temples 1 to 3)

Start your journey from Kyōto or Ōsaka and travel by long-distance bus to Tokushima Prefecture. Begin your pilgrimage with a gentle introduction through the quiet neighborhoods of Tokushima, visiting three of the most eye-catching temples on the entire trail: Temple 1 (Ryōzen-ji), Temple 2 (Gokuraku-ji), and Temple 3 (Konsen-ji). Experience your first night as all pilgrims should, staying in a traditional shukubō temple lodging. An optional additional walk to Temple 7 (Jūraku-ji) can extend the day by 3 km and around 45 minutes.

Meals: D

Hiking Distance: 6 km / 4 mi

Elevation Gain: 150 m

Accommodation: Shukubō temple lodging

Day 2: Tokushima

Travel south from your temple lodging by pre-booked taxi to Temple 11 (Fujii-dera), located at the bottom of a fascinating hillside temple complex. Undertake a challenging but rewarding hike to Temple 12 (Shōsan-ji), one of the longest and most strenuous walks on the tour, featuring beautiful mountain scenery. Continue onwards to Yorii and board a bus to the small onsen village of Kamiyama for the evening. You can reduce the walk to 5-6 hours (12.6 km) by extending the taxi ride to avoid the first half of the ascent.

Meals: B, D

Hiking Distance: 19 km / 12 mi

Elevation Gain: 1330 m

Accommodation: Onsen ryokan or Western-style hotel

Day 3: Tokushima (Temples 20 to 21)

Travel by pre-paid taxi to one of the most beautiful and varied hikes on the entire 88 Pilgrimage route. From Temple 20 (Kakurin-ji), the trail descends to the hamlet of Anan, crosses the Naka River, and climbs again to Temple 21 (Tairyū-ji). End the day with a cable car ride offering wonderful views over the cedar forest and town below. Travel by bus to your accommodation for the evening. A longer alternative route of 5 hours (11.3 km) is available, with your choice made on the day.

Meals: B

Hiking Distance: 9 km / 6 mi

Elevation Gain: 560 m

Accommodation: Western-style hotel

Day 4: Kagawa (Temples 82 to 80)

Leave Tokushima and travel by bus and pre-paid taxi to northern Kagawa Prefecture for a rewarding hike through lovely scenery. Visit a fine collection of temples: Temple 82 (Negoro-ji), Temple 81 (Shiromine-ji), and Temple 80 (Kokubun-ji). Travel onwards by train for an overnight stay in the old hot spring town of Kotohira Onsen. The walk can be shortened by 1.5 hours (5.4 km) by omitting the round-trip section to Temple 81.

Meals: B, D

Hiking Distance: 14 km / 9 mi

Elevation Gain: 335 m

Accommodation: Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn)

Day 5: Kotohira Onsen

After breakfast, spend some time exploring Kotohira Onsen and its historic attractions, including the famous Kanamaru-za Kabuki theatre. Board a train after lunch for the return journey to Ōsaka or Kyōto, arriving late afternoon.

Meals: B

Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.

Essential Info

Inclusions

Lodging

All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).

Luggage Transfer

Transportation of luggage from one hotel to another.

Meals

Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.

Additional Inclusions

4 nights at accommodations on the island of Shikoku
4 breakfasts and 3 dinners
Round-trip transportation from Kyōto or Ōsaka
Train tickets for intermediate journeys which can be pre-booked in advance
3 pre-paid taxis
Daily luggage transfer for 1 piece of luggage between Day 1 and Day 4
Detailed day-by-day itinerary and walking directions and Shikoku Island guidebook
Detailed maps
Traveller's Guide handbook
Local support by telephone and email

Exclusions

Airport Pickup

We recommend to book directly from airport.

Airport Drop

We recommend to book directly from your last hotel.

Beverages

Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.

Gratuity

Gratuities for your guide team are not included in the trip price.

Start

Kyōto or Ōsaka

Finish

Kyōto or Ōsaka

Fly-In

Osaka Kansai International Airport (KIX)

Fly-Out

Osaka Kansai International Airport (KIX)

Arrival

Travelers should arrange their own transportation to Kyoto or Osaka, Japan, via Kansai International Airport (KIX) or Osaka Itami Airport (ITM). From the airport, they can take an airport limousine bus, train, or taxi to their starting point in Kyoto or Osaka. Round-trip long-distance bus transportation from Kyoto or Osaka to Shikoku is included in the tour.

Departure

On Day 5, after exploring Kotohira Onsen and having lunch, travelers will take a train back to Kyoto or Osaka, arriving in the late afternoon. From there, they can arrange their own onward transportation to Kansai International Airport (KIX), Osaka Itami Airport (ITM), or their next destination. Airport transfers are not included in the tour.

The recommended walking season for the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage is March to November.

Spring (March–May) offers mild weather and cherry blossoms, with temperatures around 10–20°C, making April and May particularly pleasant for walking.

Summer (June–August) is hot and humid, with temperatures of 25–30°C and occasional rainfall, especially during June’s rainy season.

Autumn (September–November) brings comfortable walking conditions, temperatures around 15–25°C, and beautiful fall foliage, with October and November being ideal months for the pilgrimage.

Winter (December–February) is off-season due to cold weather and possible snowfall in mountainous areas..

January

Offseason

February

Offseason

March

Good

April

Best

May

Best

June

Mixed

July

Mixed

August

Mixed

September

Good

October

Best

November

Best

December

Offseason

Best

Good

Mixed

Offseason

Packing wisely ensures comfort and safety on your hiking adventure. This list covers essential hiking gear, clothing, and travel items to help you handle varied terrain and weather conditions.

Recommended Hiking Clothes & Gear

Lightweight hiking shoes or boots with good traction.
Moisture-wicking base layers and breathable hiking shirts.
Quick-dry hiking pants or shorts.
Light fleece or down jacket for cooler temperatures.
Waterproof and windproof shell jacket.
Sun hat and sunglasses with UV protection.
Hiking poles if you prefer extra support on uneven terrain.
Small daypack with hydration system or water bottles.
Headlamp or small flashlight.
Light gloves and a beanie for early mornings or higher altitudes.

Clothing

Layered clothing for temperature changes throughout the day.
Full-sleeved tops for sun and insect protection.
Comfortable evening wear for lodges or inns.
Compact rain jacket for unpredictable weather.
Extra socks, preferably synthetic or wool.

Other Necessities

Basic first-aid kit with personal medication.
Sunscreen, lip balm, and insect repellent.
Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder.
Snacks like trail mix, nuts, or energy bars.
Plug adaptor and power bank for charging devices.

Pro Tips

Pack light. You'll appreciate it on the trail.
Break in your shoes before the trip to avoid blisters.
Keep rain gear easy to access in your daypack.

Luggage

Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one daypack. Mark your luggage clearly with your name, address, and phone number.

Before venturing on your adventure, make sure you're equipped with essential travel advice, including security updates, local laws, and crucial passport and visa information. Start by visiting the official government website of your home country for accurate and reliable guidance:

UK Residents: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Travel Advice.
US Residents: US Department of State Travel Advice.
Australian Residents: Smartraveller.
Canadian Residents: Government of Canada Travel Advice and Advisories.
New Zealand Residents: SafeTravel.
Residents of Other Countries: Check with your government or local consulate for tailored travel advice and requirements.

Note: Passport and visa regulations can change at any time. Check for updates close to departure to avoid last-minute issues.

Medical insurance that covers medical costs in case of an accident during the trip is mandatory to participate in our tours.

We recommend purchasing adequate travel insurance to protect yourself from unforeseen events. Our experience shows that guests who purchase travel insurance, including coverage for all activities on the itinerary, trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage damage, loss or theft, personal accident, death and repatriation costs, medical and emergency expenses, and personal liability, travel with greater peace of mind.

Is proof of medical insurance required?

Yes. You must provide your insurer's name, policy number, and emergency contact through our reservation form. If you cannot provide proof, you'll need to purchase insurance before traveling with us.

Can I use my credit card insurance?

Yes, as long as it meets our requirements and provides adequate coverage. Keep your emergency contact number and policy number accessible while traveling.

When should I buy travel insurance?

Purchase travel insurance as soon as you've paid in full or booked your flights.

Does Art of Active Travel sell travel insurance?

We do not sell travel insurance directly. We recommend comparing policies and choosing the one that best fits your needs. A useful place to start is Insured Nomads.

Your questions, answered

Journeys in Japan depend on limited-capacity accommodation, such as ryokans, and peak-season allocations that we secure many months in advance. That’s why our terms here are stricter than on our other tours. A 20% deposit confirms your booking, and the balance is due 90 days before departure. If you book within 90 days of departure, you pay in full at booking. If you need to cancel: - Within 14 days of booking: you get a full refund of your deposit. This applies only if you booked at least 104 days before departure, which gives you 14 days before your balance is due. - Otherwise, more than 90 days before departure: your deposit is non-refundable. - 90 days or fewer before departure: the cancellation fee is 100% of the trip price. For full details, see our Terms & Conditions, Section 1.2.E.

The tour includes 4 nights accommodation, 4 breakfasts and 3 dinners, round-trip transportation from Kyōto or Ōsaka, 3 pre-paid taxis, train tickets for intermediate journeys, daily luggage transfer for 1 piece of luggage between Day 1 and Day 4, detailed day-by-day itinerary and walking directions, detailed maps, local support by telephone and email, and the Traveller's Guide handbook.

Flights, airport transfers, drinks and meals not included in the itinerary, local bus journeys (paid directly to the bus driver), the cable car journey on Day 3, and single room supplements for solo occupancy are not included.

This tour offers demanding walking on quiet town and country roads along with unpaved forest trails. Day 2 features the most strenuous section with a challenging 19.2 km hike including significant elevation gain. However, options are available to shorten walks on Days 2, 3, and 4 to suit your fitness level.

Yes, several days offer flexible options. Day 1 can be extended by 3 km to visit Temple 7. Day 2 can be shortened to 5-6 hours by extending the taxi ride. Day 3 offers a longer 5-hour alternative. Day 4 can be shortened by 1.5 hours by omitting Temple 81. You can decide on most of these options on the day itself.

You'll experience a variety of authentic Japanese accommodations including a traditional shukubō temple lodging on Day 1, an onsen ryokan or Western-style hotel on Day 2, a Western-style hotel on Day 3, and traditional ryokan in Kotohira Onsen on Days 4 and 5.