Experience the Highlights of the Shikoku Pilgrimage

A hike on the Muroto Sanzan trail, in the footsteps of the founder of Shingon Buddhism.

The Shikoku Pilgrimage is a more than 1200-kilometer long route around the island of Shikoku, including 88 Buddhist temples. Kochi Prefecture’s Muroto Sanzan is an 11-kilometer trail connecting three of the temples. It is dotted with sites related to Kobo Daishi, the monk who founded the Shingon of esoteric Buddhism sect and had close ties to the pilgrimage trail.

This goes follows the Muroto Sanzan, from Cape Muroto to the mountains, featuring each of the three included temples. It is said that Kobo Daishi practiced and eventually attained enlightenment here. Over the course of the trip, participants will learn about the trail’s significance and the connection between the trail and Buddhism. The tour explains the rites and how to pray at the temples featured in the hike. The trail is also surrounded by diverse nature, including sections along the Pacific Ocean. 

The hiking route is accessible to beginners as it is mostly flat, and tours can be adjusted to suit the desired pace of the participants. Lunch boxes are available, and accommodations can be made for dietary restrictions.

Access: It is about one hour and 30 minutes from Tokyo Haneda Airport to Kochi Ryoma by airplane, about 10 minutes from Kochi Ryoma Airport to Noichi Station by cab, about one hour from Noichi Station to Nahari Station by train on the Kuroshio Railway Gomen-Nahari Line, and about one hour from Nahari Station to the Murotomisaki bus stop by bus.

Muroto Sanzan: Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail (Kochi Escapes)