Seven Historic Pilgrimages | Travel Japan

Discover Japan’s lush nature and vivid spirituality, while traversing these historic pilgrimage routes.

Whether learning about Japan’s rich spiritual backdrop, retracing post towns of the shipping routes that moved capitals, Japan is home to an array of historic trails that allow travellers to immerse themselves in Japan’s vast nature, and rich cultural heritage. These days, pilgrimages are not just reserved for worshippers; those of all backgrounds and denominations are can take part of these journeys, so long as they are respectful when visiting the various temples. Read on to learn more about some of the historic routes that modern-day pilgrims can explore.

1. Aizu Kannon

The Aizu 33 Kannon Pilgrimage traces 33 statues of the Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy, throughout this historically spiritual region of Northern Japan. Though the pilgrimage itself is said to date back to the 17th century, several of its temples have histories of over 1000 years. Despite this vast history, the pilgrimage is known for being approachable, and yet not too touristy – making it popular among visitors and locals alike.

2. Dewa Sanzan

Mt. Haguro, Mt. Gassan, and Mt. Yudono are known collectively as the Dewa Sanzan (The Three Sacred Mountains of Dewa). Together, they form the core of the ascetic religion known as Shugendo, a unique Japanese mountain faith that mixes the worship of nature, with esoteric Buddhist beliefs. The three mountains, which represent birth, death, and rebirth, are among the oldest locations for mountain worship in Japan.

3. Chichibu 34 Kannon

Located within just a stone’s throw of Tokyo, the Chichibu 34 Kannon spans approximately 100km, weaving between rural and urban areas. These 34 temples dedicated to Kannon are believed to date back to the early 13th century - also referred to as fudasho, meaning “place of wooden nameplates,” as in the past pilgrims would nail wooden placards to the sides of temples to mark their visits. Both present and past, the temple circuit has long attracted visitors from nearby Tokyo.

4. Nakasendo

Although not explicitly religious in nature, the Nakasendo is another one of Japan’s most famous pilgrimage trails. This historic shipping route that connected Tokyo to Kyoto throughout the Edo period (1603-1867). Along the way, there were 69 post towns spread out every 10 kilometers or so, which provided accommodation and entertainment for merchants, samurai, wandering monks, and other fatigued travelers who would brave the journey. While much of the Nakasendo and its post towns have long been modernized, some portions of the Kisoji area remain almost untouched. The length of the trail can be walked in about 4-5 days.

5. Kumano Kodo

Steeped in lush greenery, The Kumano Kodo is one of the world’s most renowned pilgrimage routes. Winding through the mountains of the Kii Peninsula, an area straddling Wakayama, Nara, Osaka and Mie prefectures, the route has walked by pilgrims on their quest for enlightenment for over a millennium. The route leads to Mount Koya, a mountain settlement of over 100 Buddhist temples. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mount Koya is revered as one of the most sacred places in Japan.

6. Mount Mitoku

Affectionately referred to by its priests as “Japan’s most dangerous national treasure”, this rock-scaling pilgrimage up Mount Mitoku to Sanbutsuji Temple is not for the faint of heart. Though the adrenaline level may be in stark contrast to Japan’s other famed pilgrimages, it does not lack the profundity. One of three sacred mountain asceticism sites in Japan, the trek has been said to mirror the Buddha’s own journey to enlightenment. It is believed that by embarking on this hazardous journey, your senses will be honed and improved.

7. Shikoku Henro

This 88-temple pilgrimage circles Shikoku (the smallest of Japan’s four main islands) tracing sacred sites across azure coasts and lush forests. At over 1200km, this pilgrimage would traditionally take a month or two to complete on foot, however, many modern pilgrims will incorporate cars and public transit into their journey. Each of Shikoku’s four prefectures of Ehime, Kochi, Tokushima, and Kagawa each have their own draws – from historic hot springs, to unique local cuisine, and all sorts of outdoor activities.