An Illustrated Japan / Tokushima / Culture & Tradition
Also written: 四国八十八ヶ所霊場 · 四国八十八所灵场
Tokushima, known as the “place of initial resolve” (Hossin no Dōjō), is the traditional starting point of the Shikoku Pilgrimage and popular with international visitors seeking spiritual experiences.
Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage is an approximately 1200-1400 km loop of 88 temples associated with Kobo Daishi Kukai, revered as henro since the Heian period, believed to cleanse 88 earthly desires and grant wishes. Temples are grouped into four spiritual stages: 23 temples in Awa, present Tokushima, called Hosshin no Dojo, Dojo of Awakening; 16 in Tosa, Kochi as Shugyo; 26 in Iyo, Ehime as Bodai; 23 in Sanuki, Kagawa as Nehan. Tokushima is the natural start, even though pilgrims can start anywhere; historically most entered via Okazaki Port in Naruto after crossing Awaji. In 2015 it became one of Japan's first eighteen Japan.
