Sacred and Everyday Kochi (1 day)

Lose yourself in the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. While this journey evokes images of grand sanctuaries and solemn, robed monks, it offers far more than quiet contemplation. The true magic lies in the paths connecting the temples. You will venture down twisting backstreets, over wooded knolls, past local greenhouses, and even across coastal waters by ferry. This experience immerses you in the vibrant daily lives and warm hospitality of the Shikoku communities surrounding these sacred sites. The complete pilgrimage involves more than 30 days of walking around the entire island. While this remarkable journey may not be possible for everyone, this experience offers the opportunity to visit three temples and begin exploring the pilgrimage route. It may even inspire you to return one day and undertake the full 1,200-kilometer pilgrimage.

1. 1

   Stop 1

   Pass by

   Meet your guide at Harimaya Bridge in central Kochi City and take a 15-minute streetcar ride to the starting point.

2. 2

   Stop 2

   Pass by

   Looking around as you disembark, nothing jumps out at first—this is a normal peaceful Japanese neighborhood. As you start your walk, you will soon pass an elementary school. The kids are often outside running around, and some might cheerfully shout “hello” as you pass.

3. 3

   Chikurinji Temple

   1.5 hours

   Your trek continues through neighborhood lanes and over bridges as you approach the first temple. The streets get narrower and you glance over a wall into someone’s garden. What is that tree growing there? Ask your guide and she can tell you. Soon you reach the end of the lane and start climbing through fruit orchards. As you continue, you find yourself in the beautifully landscaped Makino Botanical Garden. This wonderful garden shares grounds with the first temple you will visit today: Chikurinji. Set on a large terraced garden of its own, it was founded over a thousand years ago. Many rituals must be observed and your guide will lead as you first cleanse your hands with pure water. Next, light candles and incense, and finally intone the appropriate mantra for Monju, the enshrined deity of wisdom and scholarship. Don’t forget buy an omamori (good luck charm) for any students in your life.

4. 4

   Zenshibuji Temple

   1.7 hours

   Leaving Chikurinji, you will begin to catch hints of sea air on the wind. Arriving at temple 32, Zenjibuji, wide-open vistas of the Pacific coast stretch out beneath you. This temple serves as a center for those praying for the safety of the local fishermen and travelers as they set out to sea. After completing your own prayers, descend into the breezy, open communities below, where residential streets blend seamlessly into agricultural lands.

5. 5

   Sekkei-ji Temple

   3.1 hours

   Right on time for a rest, you will stop for lunch at a neighborhood eatery. Afterward, a short walk brings you to the water's edge, where you will board a rare, entirely electric-powered ferry. On the other side, you’ll visit the famous Suigei (“Drunken Whale”) sake brewery (on weekdays and Saturdays only). Take a look into the brewery and ask questions. Try some sake too! If you like it, you can buy a bottle to take home. A short walk will bring you to the last temple for today. This is Sekkeiji. Sponsored by the historic lord Chosokabe of the Tosa (now Kochi) domain, this is one of only three Zen Buddhist temples in the whole Shikoku pilgrimage. Pray together with your guide one last time and return by bus to Kochi city.

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
• Availability: All year around except 15th July to 31st August
• Flexible start times: Choose from 7:30 AM, 8:00 AM, or 8:30 AM.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.