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| Shikoku Pilgrimage Japanese Temple |
To understand the meaning of this Shikoku road should know a little more about the figure of Kukai, a great character of Japanese history.
Kukai was born on the island of Shikoku in the 8th century and very young even becomes a Buddhist monk and is dedicated to asceticism and meditation. In their daily lives, Kukai roams the island visiting spiritually significant sites where to meditate.
In fact, visit some temples that already existed, although some of the many legends that were born in the heat of the Shikoku road, say that it was he who founded all the temples of this route.
Kukai, after his death and following Japanese custom, is known by the name of Kobo Daishi.
Only in the 17TH century, when recovering the security after a century and a half of wars, Shikoku road becomes tremendously popular. Sets the custom of pilgrimage to Shikoku to make this Holy route, visiting the 88 temples.
Road runs along the perimeter of the island going through all kinds of landscapes, forests, coastlines, plains and mountains. The best time to walk is during the autumn, with gorgeous colors that accompany the paths through the Woods; or spring, with its flowery pop and mild climate.
The summer is too hot for the Walker, as well as the rigorous winter. It must be borne in mind that the season of rains in the area begins in June, so it the months of April and may are the most appropriate and when large numbers of pilgrims are concentrated on roads.
How to dress
We know that any activity in Japan holds many small details symbolic, secret that discover, rituals that follow. In this case, the pilgrims of the Shikoku Henro must dress of form Special: a jacket short white of cotton or uwagi, a hat of straw and a stick of wood.
How much time takes
As in any pilgrimage route, it will depend on the interest and reason for each pilgrim. In addition, there are keep in mind if you are going to perform all the way and visit 88 temples, or if you just want to make a stretch. On the other hand, of course it depends on the time available and the budget you have for this trip.
The route full of 1,200 km and 88 temples, takes about 45 days of regular walk.
He road of Shikoku has established contact with the road of Santiago, to cast hand of his experience in this type of itineraries and thus improve different aspects practical as signaling, accommodation, services of support, etc.
Any world traveler can perform the Shikoku Henro although he does not speak Japanese. It is true that by the experiences that Ive read, it is recommended to know a minimum of that language in the majority of stops are not services in English or for any another language except for the local.
If you want to embark on this tourist and spiritual journey through the path of Shikoku, I recommend you read the blog Shikoku Henro Trail (in English) with all the detailed information for further practical information on where to stay, where to start or How to make the path of Shikoku.
