Sacred and Everyday Kochi
A Hidden Neighborhood Pilgrimage Walk (1 day)
Lose yourself in the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. While this journey evokes images of grand sanctuaries and solemn, robed monks, it offers far more than quiet contemplation. The true magic lies in the paths connecting the temples. You will venture down twisting backstreets, over wooded knolls, past local greenhouses, and even across coastal waters by ferry. This tour immerses you deeply in the vibrant daily lives and warm hospitality of the Shikoku communities surrounding these sacred sites.
The whole pilgrimage involves over 30 days of walking around the entire island. Unfortunately, this amazing journey is not possible for all of us. Join us on this tour of three temples to get your pilgrimage trip started. Maybe this will inspire you to come back again for the whole 1200 kilometer odyssey!
Meeting Time
7:30 a.m., 8:00 a.m. or 8:30 a.m.
Meeting Place
Harimaya Bridge (Harimayabashi)
Details of Tour / Activity
Meet your guide at Harimaya Bridge in central Kochi City and take a 15-minute streetcar ride to the starting point.　Looking around as you disembark, nothing jumps out at first—this is a normal peaceful Japanese neighborhood. As you start your walk, you will soon pass an elementary school. The kids are often outside running around, and some might cheerfully shout “hello” as you pass.
Your trek continues through neighborhood lanes and over bridges as you approach the first temple. The streets get narrower and you glance over a wall into someone’s garden. What is that tree growing there? Ask your guide and she can tell you. Soon you reach the end of the lane and start climbing through fruit orchards.
As you continue, you find yourself in the beautifully landscaped Makino Botanical Garden. This wonderful garden shares grounds with the first temple you will visit today: Chikurinji. Set on a large terraced garden of its own, it was founded over a thousand years ago. Many rituals must be observed and your guide will lead as you first cleanse your hands with pure water. Next, light candles and incense, and finally intone the appropriate mantra for Monju, the enshrined deity of wisdom and scholarship. Don’t forget buy an omamori (good luck charm) for any students in your life.
Leaving Chikurinji, you will begin to catch hints of sea air on the wind. Arriving at temple 32, Zenjibuji, wide-open vistas of the Pacific coast stretch out beneath you. This temple serves as a center for those praying for the safety of the local fishermen and travelers as they set out to sea. After completing your own prayers, descend into the breezy, open communities below, where residential streets blend seamlessly into agricultural lands.
Right on time for a rest, you will stop for lunch at a neighborhood eatery. Afterward, a short walk brings you to the water's edge, where you will board a rare, entirely electric-powered ferry.
On the other side, you’ll visit the famous Suigei (“Drunken Whale”) sake brewery (on weekdays and Saturdays only). Take a look into the brewery and ask questions. Try some sake too! If you like it, you can buy a bottle to take home.
A short walk will bring you to the last temple for today. This is Sekkeiji. Sponsored by the historic lord Chosokabe of the Tosa (now Kochi) domain, this is one of only three Zen Buddhist temples in the whole Shikoku pilgrimage. Pray together with your guide one last time and return by bus to Kochi city.
Details
Availability
All year around except 15th July to 31st August
Required time
Approximately 8.5 hours
Price
-2 participants: 29,000 JPY per person
-3-6 participants: 20,000 JPY per person
Included
- English speaking guide
- Transportation during the tour as mentioned in the tour details
Min./Max. participants
Min. 2 people
Max. 6 people
Important information
- Part of the tour involves walking on mountain trails. Please wear clothing that covers your skin, such as long sleeves and long pants, and comfortable walking shoes. Sandals are not permitted. Please also bring a hat, gloves, and rain gear as needed. A rain jacket is recommended.
- Lunch is not included in the tour price. The guide will recommend a local restaurant, but you will be responsible for paying for your own meal.
- The tour will be canceled if heavy rain, strong winds, or other severe weather conditions are expected. The decision will be made the day before the tour. *The tour will proceed in light rain.
Cancellation Policy
-Up to 7 days before the the start of the trip: 20%
-6 days to 1 day before the start of the trip: 50%
-On the day the trip starts, after the start of the trip, or no-show/no-contact: 100%