An amazing experience walking 1200 km along the 88 temple pilgrimage in Shikoku, Japan.
I walked this pilgrimage fundraising for a charity close to my heart who facilitate free mental health programs to youth struggling. We raised $2213.37 for Heal.ed Tribe in the Gold Coast to support young people!
I am an adventure seeker and a changemaker so I will continue to go on adventures. Because of the overwhelming attention my pilgrimage videos received on Instagram (60,000 new followers!?) I have decided to keep documenting my travels and move them to KZfaq. I aim to travel to less known places and interact with the local people.
If you like slow travel, come along for the ride! (...bring snacks!)
💛 In this video you are going to be pleasantly surprised by many things. Some of them will be:
The kindness of the local people
The beautiful countryside of Japan
How being alone with yourself is incredibly healing
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🥾 But… wait! I have many questions about the pilgrimage…. Please write them below but I will try to answer some below.
The Shikoku pilgrimage route (or Shikoku Henro) is one of the few circular-shaped pilgrimages in the world. It includes 88 “official” temples and numerous other sacred sites where the Buddhist priest Kūkai (Kōbō Daishi) is believed to have trained or have spent time during the 9th Century. If walked, the entire route is about 1,200 kilometers long. This pilgrimage provides the an opportunity to reflect on one's life and to change for the better.
People’s motives for making this pilgrimage are varied. For example, some come for religious reasons, some to pray for healing or safety in the home, or some in memory of those who have passed away. In addition, some come just to get away from regular life, some for recreation, or some to spend time alone in reflection and to find oneself. For people today, it is being re-discovered as a healing journey.
This pilgrimage should not be considered as a stamp-gathering relay, but as a religious journey. The local people will welcome you for your decision to embark on the Shikoku pilgrimage.
●Walking:
This will take about 6 weeks (average 30km/day) and cost about 400,000 yen. This is the most traditional way, but it takes the most time and money.
●Charted bus:
This will take 9-12 days and cost about 250,000 yen. There is a variety of bus plans provided by travel and bus companies and in each case an official guide (sendatsu) will accompany the group. At present, there are no bus tours available in foreign languages. If a foreign visitor would like to participate in a bus tour then sufficient Japanese ability is required.
●Car:
This will take about 10 days and cost about 140,000 yen. You can rent a car from the closest train station or airport, but make sure that you are familiar with the rules of the road. It might be possible to request a car with a navigational system that has audio guidance in English or another foreign language.
🎒My packing list:
Osprey Eja 48L backpack
Sleeping mat
Sleeping bag
Inflatable pillow
Sleeping bag liner
Lightweight tent
Powerbank
1 x leggings
1 x hiking pants/shorts convertible
2 x shirts
1 x pjs
3 underwear
2 sports bras
1 x sunglasses
3 x socks
1 x hiking boots
1 x sandals
Toiletries
Iphone
Insta360
Pilgrim essentials: shirt, stamp book, bamboo sledge hat, osamefuda booklet
Rain jacket
Fleece
Buff
Knife
Airlite towel
Tripod
Spork
Charging adapter and cables
Knee brace
Travel hula hoop
Swimmers
Emergency blanket
Magnesium powder
Fisocrem
❤️Helpful Tips?
Henro.org has a great map
Download maps.me in advance for backup
Buy the Shikoku 88 guidebook at the first temple gift shop
Learn some Japanese if you are able before going (I wish I had known more!)
Be respectful and always ask before doing
If camping like I did never camp on private land and always ask permission
Camping in Henro huts is generally allowed unless signed otherwise
Always pick up your rubbish :)
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After my Instagram videos went viral alot of people asked for longer videos and in more detail so this is my first attempt at KZfaq and I will be sharing more videos in the coming weeks about the pilgrimage and my next upcoming adventure in Europe!! But for now if you like the video and want to see more please subscribe because one day I would love to be able to make a living from doing this. And if I can’t I will still continue to adventure but not as much 😂
Also if you want to see more short clips about my travels and read all the comments from my community on the videos check out my Instagram account 🌞✨ @heykiera_
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If you want to support me so I can continue to share more adventures with you I have made a donation link below where you can support.
Thanks a bunch!
Paypal: www.paypal.me/heykieraaa
Now, let’s go on an adventure!
💛 Kiera