Private multi-day tour · Multi-day from Tokyo
From Tokyo: 4-Day Shikoku Pilgrimage Customizable Tour
Walk the start of the Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage in Tokushima. Wear pilgrim clothes and collect temple stamps at Ryozenji, Gokurakuji and more.
Private · your group only◆4 days◆Up to 6 guests◆Pickup included
Road-day snapshot
This is your private tour, so the route is flexible: tell us if you want to skip a stop, stay longer somewhere or add a place nearby.
The experience
A private journey, thoughtfully paced
The Shikoku pilgrimage is a 1,200-year-old route of 88 Buddhist temples linked to the monk Kobo Daishi (Kukai). Most pilgrims start in Naruto, Tokushima, at Temple 1, Ryozenji. On this tour you begin the same way.
At Ryozenji you get a pilgrim set: the white vest, a pilgrim book for stamps and a walking staff. Your guide shows you the simple temple manners: wash your hands, ring the bell, light incense and say a short prayer at the main hall and the Daishi hall. Then a temple office writes a stamp and calligraphy in your book.
You then visit Gokurakuji (Temple 2), with its large old cedar tree, and Dainichiji (Temple 4) in a quiet valley. On the next day you continue to Anrakuji (Temple 6), a temple known for its hot spring lodging and its garden. Between temples we drive on country roads and you walk short parts of the old pilgrim paths.
This is a calm and respectful trip. You do not need to be Buddhist. Many pilgrims today walk for health, memory of family, or simply to slow down.
This is a private tour. Only your group. One van, 1 to 6 people, never shared. Your driver-guide speaks English, and also Hindi and Urdu.
If one of the temples is closed or cancelled on your date, you can take a full refund of your booking, guaranteed. If you prefer, we can instead visit another of the first temples of the 88 route, such as Konsenji or Jizoji.
DAY 1 Pickup at your Tokyo hotel and drive west to Tokushima (about 9 to 10 hours with breaks).
DAY 2 Ryozenji (Temple 1): pilgrim set and first stamp, then Gokurakuji (Temple 2) and Dainichiji (Temple 4).
DAY 3 Anrakuji (Temple 6) and short walks on the old pilgrim path, free time in Tokushima city in the afternoon.
DAY 4 Drive back to your Tokyo hotel (about 9 to 10 hours with breaks).
Choose with confidence
Is this the right journey for your group?
Excellent fit if
- Start the Shikoku 88 pilgrimage at Temple 1, Ryozenji
- Wear the white pilgrim vest and carry a walking staff
- Collect hand-written temple stamps in your own pilgrim book
- See the giant old cedar tree at Gokurakuji
- Learn simple temple manners from your guide
Said plainly
Please wear shoes that are easy to take off. Some temple halls need you to remove shoes. Temple stamp offices usually open from about 7:00 to 17:00. We plan the day to arrive inside these hours. If one of the temples is closed or cancelled on your date, you can take a full refund of your booking, guaranteed. If you prefer, we can instead visit another of the first temples of the 88 route, such as Konsenji or Jizoji. This tour has long driving days. The van has comfortable seats and we stop every 2 hours or so for rest areas, food and toilets.
Your day
Suggested itinerary
Times are approximate. Your driver-guide adjusts the order for traffic, weather, opening hours and the best light.
Start the Shikoku 88 pilgrimage at Temple 1, Ryozenji
Wear the white pilgrim vest and carry a walking staff
Collect hand-written temple stamps in your own pilgrim book
See the giant old cedar tree at Gokurakuji
Learn simple temple manners from your guide
What is covered
What you see is what you pay
Ours — included
- Private van and English-speaking driver-guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in central Tokyo
- All parking, fuel and road tolls
- Pilgrim set: white vest, stamp book and walking staff
- Temple stamp fees at every temple on the plan
Yours — paid on the day
- Hotel accommodation (you book your own hotel in Tokushima)
- Meals and drinks unless listed as included
- Gratuities, which are never expected in Japan
- Optional extra pilgrim goods and souvenirs
- Optional temple donations
Good to know
Before you book
Languages
English, Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi
Pickup
Pickup and drop-off at your Tokyo hotel or accommodation (23 wards).
Group and vehicle
Private for up to 6 guests. Enter adults, children, infants and child seats separately at booking.
Dietary and mobility needs
Halal, vegetarian, allergy, walking or other practical requests go in your booking notes and are planned before the day.
Questions
Frequently asked
Can we change the route on the day?
Yes. It is a private tour in our own van, so your driver-guide can skip, extend or add stops where time allows.
Is the price per person?
No. The price is for your whole private group of up to 6 people, including the van, fuel, tolls, parking and your driver-guide.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancel at least 24 hours before departure for an automatic full refund to the original payment method. Within 24 hours, contact us directly so we can help. If a typhoon or official weather warning stops the trip, we offer a new date or a full refund. For a GetYourGuide booking, the terms shown on that booking apply.
Somewhere else in mind?
Any destination in Japan
If this route is not exactly what you need, tell us the destination, dates and group. We confirm the plan and the exact price before any payment is taken.
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From¥340,000
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