Start from Kyoto or Osaka and travel by long-distance bus to Tokushima Prefecture. Begin your pilgrimage with a gentle introduction to the walks on Shikoku through quiet neighbourhoods of Tokushima. Visit three of the most eyecatching temples on the whole trail – Temple 1, Ryozen-ji; Temple 2, Gokuraku-ji; and Temple 3, Konsen-ji. Spend your first night as all pilgrims should – with a stay in a shukubo temple lodging. There is also the option of staying at a city-centre Ryokan for this first night.

Walking distance: 5.8 km / 3.6 mi
Elevation gain: Negligible ascent and descent
Time required: About 2 hours

An optional additional walk along paved roads to Temple 7, Juraku-ji, can extend the day by 3 km / 1.9 mi and around 45 minutes.

Accommodation: Shukubo (temple lodging) or ryokan (traditional Japanese inn)
Meals: Dinner

Travel south from your temple lodging by pre-booked and pre-paid taxi to Temple 11, Fujii-dera, which is located at the bottom of a fascinating hillside temple complex. From Fujii-dera Temple, undertake a challenging hike to Temple 12, Shosan-ji. Although the full walk is one of the longest and most strenuous on the tour, it is rewarding with beautiful scenery. Walk onwards to Yorii and board a bus to the small onsen village of Kamiyama and your inn for the evening.

Walking distance: 19.2km / 11.9 miles
Elevation gain: 1,330 m / 4,365 ft of ascent and 1,210 m / 3,970 ft of descent
Time required: About 7-8 hours

You can reduce the walk to 5-6 hours (14.1 km / 8.8 mi) and avoid the first half of the strenuous ascent up Mount Shosan-ji. Simply pay locally to extend the taxi ride on the day – no need to decide in advance.

Accommodation: Onsen ryokan (hot spring inn) or Western-style hotel
Meals: Breakfast, dinner 

Travel by pre-paid taxi to one of the most beautiful and varied hikes on the entire 88 Pilgrimage route. From Temple 20, Kakurin-ji, the trail descends to the hamlet of Anan, crosses the Nakagawa River, and climbs again to Temple 21, Tairyu-ji. End the day with a cable car ride with wonderful views over a cedar forest and the small town below. Travel by bus to your accommodation for the evening.

 
Walking distance: 8.2 km / 5.1 mi
Elevation gain: 460 m / 1,510 ft ascent and 470 m / 1,540 ft descent
Time required: About 3-4 hours

The walk can be extended to about 5 hours for travellers staying in Tokushima city. Please enquire if you would like to undertake this longer option.

 
Accommodation: Western-style hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Leaving Tokushima, travel by bus and a pre-paid taxi to a rewarding hike in northern Kagawa Prefecture. Walk through lovely scenery and visit a fine collection of temples: Temple 82, Negoro-ji; Temple 81, Shiromine-ji; and finally Temple 80, Kokubun-ji. Travel onwards by train for an overnight stay in the old hot spring town of Kotohira Spa.

 
Walking distance: 13.5 km / 8.4 mi
Elevation gain: 335 m / 1,100 ft ascent and 655 m / 2,150 ft descent
Time required: About 5 hours

The walk can be shortened by 1.5 hours (5.4 km / 3.4 mi) by omitting the round-trip section to Temple 81, Shiromine-ji.

Accommodation: Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn)
Meals: Breakfast, dinner

After breakfast, spend some time exploring Kotohira Spa. Board a train after lunch for the return journey to Osaka or Kyoto, arriving late afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast