Enjoy a taste of Shikoku’s famous pilgrimage by visiting a beautiful temple dressed in traditional attire! The Shikoku Ohenro, or 88 Temple Pilgrimage, is a journey like no other—winding through the mountains, coasts and countryside of all four prefectures of the island of Shikoku. It connects 88 sacred sites, each with a link to the Buddhist monk Kukai (774–835, also known as Kobo Daishi), who founded the Shingon school of Buddhism and is said to have walked this route over 1,200 years ago. While the temples are dedicated to different Buddhist deities, they are all united by their connections to this revered spiritual figure.

Today, the pilgrimage still follows a circular route around the island, spanning over 1,400 kilometers. You don’t have to be Buddhist to take part; anyone is welcome to follow in Kukai’s footsteps! It’s a popular way to enjoy the unique landscapes and culture of Shikoku. Some people complete the entire route on foot, while others travel by car, bus or even bicycle, stopping at selected temples. On this tour, you’ll visit Shoryuji, the 36th temple of the Shikoku Ohenro on the Yokonami Peninsula, known for sweeping ocean views.

According to the origin story of Shoryuji, Kobo Daishi studied Buddhist teachings in China for two years. Wishing to honor his teacher, he vowed to build a temple back in Japan and threw his ritual scepter over the sea towards his homeland. After arriving back in Japan, he found his scepter caught in a pine tree on the Yokonami Peninsula. He built Shoryuji there in 815 and named it after the temple where he had studied in China. The temple’s main deity, Namikiri Fudo Myo-o, was worshipped by local fishermen who came here to pray for safe travels and good catches.

On this tour, you’ll see the temple’s striking three-story red pagoda, then climb a steep flight of stone steps to reach the main hall of this atmospheric site. Add to your experience by dressing up in the traditional pilgrim’s outfit of white robes, to symbolize purity of mind, topped with a straw hat. A set of clothing is provided for each participant!

After your invigorating temple walk, set off on a relaxing boat ride along the sparkling waters of the Niyodo River. Take in the ever-changing views as you gently float by—pilgrim’s hat optional! You’ll travel by yakatabune, traditional covered wooden boats which have been used for excursions since Japan’s Heian Period (794 to 1185). While on board enjoy a freshly prepared lunchbox filled with local specialties, including inaka (countryside) sushi, featuring sushi topped with a variety of colorful vegetables from the mountains around Kochi.

In the event that the yakatabune trip is cancelled due to high water levels or bad weather conditions, the tour will instead include a papermaking experience, where you can try your hand at producing washi (traditional Japanese paper) at Tosa Washi Craft Village “QRAUD.” Kochi is one of Japan’s leading producers of washi, a delicate yet durable paper made from plant fibers, and participants can make a postcard or a fan in the workshop.

Our sightseeing taxi tours are a convenient and economical option for making the most of your time in Kochi. Your friendly taxi driver will pick you up at your hotel or another convenient spot and take you around highlights of the Niyodo Blue area. While our taxi drivers are not tour guides, they can provide basic assistance and area information in English with the help of a translation device. Moreover, they are locals who are proud to share the charms of the region with guests!

How to book your sightseeing taxi tour:　
https://niyodoblue.jp/en/taxi/detail.php?taxi_id=TX006&lang=en
For information on other sightseeing taxi courses:
https://niyodoblue.jp/en/taxi/?lang=en
Please read our articles on other courses:
https://niyodoblue.jp/en/feature/detail.php?id=ART007&lang=en
Find out about other beautiful Niyodo Blue attractions:
・Nikobuchi
https://niyodoblue.jp/en/feature/detail.php?id=ART002&lang=en
・Yasui Valley
https://niyodoblue.jp/en/feature/detail.php?id=ART003&lang=en
・Nakatsu Gorge
https://niyodoblue.jp/en/feature/detail.php?id=ART005&lang=en