About this tour
When Em from our team joined this private pilgrimage tour in Kagawa, we visited seven of Shikoku's 88 sacred temples in a single day, stopping at temples 71–77 along the historic route. The tour moves by bus between sites, mixing walking segments on old pilgrimage paths with meditation and quiet reflection in temple spaces. You'll spend seven to eight hours moving through the region's rolling countryside and temple grounds, guided by someone who knows the Buddhist context and logistics. It's designed for small groups or solo travellers wanting a structured intro to this spiritual landscape without the weeks-long commitment of the full 88-temple circuit.
Highlights
- Walking sections on original pilgrimage trails, not just temple carpark visits
- Meditation experience inside temple grounds — genuinely quiet moments
- Shojin French lunch course blends Buddhist vegetarian tradition with French technique
- Private transport means no crowded buses or fixed group schedules
- Access to restricted temple rooms normally closed to casual visitors
- Guide contextualises each temple's history and role in the pilgrimage
- Wheelchair-accessible routes; manageable for varied fitness levels
What to expect
Em found the day well-paced: you'll start early, travel by private bus to the first temple (temples 71–77 spread across the region), and spend 45 minutes to an hour at each site. Some temples have steep steps or uneven ground, but the guide will point out quieter entrances and less-walked paths. The meditation slot happens in the middle of the day — it's genuinely peaceful, not performative. Lunch arrives mid-tour at a designated point, often on temple grounds or nearby; the Shojin French course is an interesting blend (think vegetable-forward French plating meets Buddhist dietary practice).
The temples range from bustling pilgrimage hubs to quieter, lesser-known sites. You'll notice other pilgrims — both locals and tourists — but because it's a private tour, you move at your own rhythm rather than herding through with a 20-person group. Walking sections are usually under 30 minutes each, so you're not hiking; it's more wandering and pausing. Weather can be a factor (bring an umbrella in rainy season), and the day involves a fair bit of sitting in the bus, so it suits people who are comfortable with that blend of activity and stillness.
What travellers say
- Private transport sidesteps crowded group-tour rhythm and timing
- Meditation and temple-room access offer depth beyond standard sightseeing
- Walking old pilgrimage paths feels authentic, not manufactured
- Shojin lunch ties food to Buddhist tradition meaningfully
- Accessible for varied fitness levels with clear medical guidance
- Guide knowledge lifts temples from pretty buildings to lived spiritual spaces
- Full day in a bus can tire those with back or joint sensitivity
- Not suitable for pregnant travellers or those with cardiovascular concerns
- Uneven terrain and temple steps limit accessibility for mobility issues
- Weather impacts mood and walking comfort significantly
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This is a smart way to experience the Shikoku pilgrimage without committing to weeks on foot. You'll see genuine pilgrimage spaces, not tourist-filtered versions. The private setup means no large-group photo stops or watered-down pacing. Meditation and restricted temple access add depth — you're not just ticking temples off. The Shojin lunch is memorable and sits well with the Buddhist theme.
Long days in a bus can be tiring for some people; it's not for anyone with back problems or severe cardiovascular issues (the tour notes this clearly). Walking sections have uneven terrain and steps, so poor mobility or joint pain could be limiting. Pregnant travellers shouldn't book. Peak pilgrimage seasons (spring, autumn, and New Year) can mean more crowds at temples, though the private tour keeps things calmer than public visits. There's no guarantee of good weather; rain is common and can dampen the reflective mood. Bring comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, a light rain jacket, and your own water bottle (refill stations are around). The tour includes transport, lunch, and parking; entry fees to temples are usually covered, but confirm with the operator. Group size is typically 1–4 people, so it's genuinely private.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.