Hiking in Shikoku, Japan – Following the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, a 1,200-kilometre circuit that circles the island.

Hiking in Shikoku feels different to the mainland. Japan’s smallest main island is quieter, less hurried, and full of winding trails that connect mountain temples, fishing villages, and forest ridges. The most famous is the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage – a 1,200-kilometre circuit that circles the island. You don’t need to tackle all 88 temples to get a taste though; even walking the first few stages near Tokushima introduces you to the mix of countryside lanes, cedar forests, and welcoming temple gates that define the “henro” experience.

Away from the pilgrimage route, Shikoku has a rugged backbone of mountains and gorges that are perfect for walkers. Trails follow the Iya Valley, one of Japan’s most remote areas, where vine bridges sway above rivers, and head up into Mount Tsurugi, the island’s second-highest peak. Coastal walks take you past hidden coves and small fishing harbours, while inland you’ll find hot-spring towns where you can soak tired legs at the end of the day. Shikoku is a place where tradition and nature blend easily, making it a rewarding corner of Japan for hikers.

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  Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage (Temples 1–6, Tokushima): Starting at Ryozen-ji passing shrines, farm lanes and quiet suburban streets to reach Anraku-ji, Shikoku, Japan.
  This featured day walk covers Temples 1–6 of the Shikoku pilgrimage, starting at Ryozen-ji and passing village shrines, farm lanes and quiet suburban streets to reach Anraku-ji. It’s a perfect first taste of the henro way, as you have easy gradients, good signage, and lots of small experiences like bell rings, incense, and the first temple stamps in your nōkyōchō. You can keep going further (Temples 7–10), or return to Tokushima for the night.