Shukubo stay
Overnight in traditional temple lodging with tatami rooms and garden views.
Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage · Tokushima, Japan
Sleep where pilgrims have rested
for 1,200 years.
Authentic shukubo temple-stay journeys, ready for your clients.
Why this journey
An untouched Japan your clients won't find in Kyoto.
The Shikoku Pilgrimage is a 1,400 km circuit of 88 temples founded in the footsteps of the monk Kūkai. At Anrakuji, Temple No. 6, guests sleep inside a working temple, join the monks' morning prayer and walk a stretch of the ancient henro trail.
1,200years of pilgrimage
88sacred temples
No.6Anrakuji — our home temple
Lowcrowding, high authenticity
Experience
What your guests will do
Morning prayer
Join the monks' dawn service (gongyō) — chanting, incense and stillness.
Sutra copying
Shakyō: a meditative practice of tracing the Heart Sutra with brush and ink.
Shojin cuisine
Plant-based Buddhist temple cuisine prepared from local seasonal produce.
Henro walk
Walk a section of the pilgrim trail in white robes with a guide.
Local culture
Optional: indigo dyeing, Awa Odori dance, Naruto whirlpools.
Sample itinerary
3 days / 2 nights — fully customisable
- Day 1
Arrival & first night at the temple
Pick-up at Tokushima Airport or Station. Pilgrim orientation, temple tour, shojin dinner, evening meditation.
- Day 2
Dawn prayer & the henro trail
Morning service with monks. Guided walk visiting Temples 1–6 (approx. 10 km, easy). Sutra copying in the afternoon.
- Day 3
Farewell
Fire ritual (goma), breakfast, optional local culture activity, transfer to airport / next destination.
Extended programmes (5–7 days, 88-temple segments, wellness retreats) available on request.
Access
Easy to combine with Osaka & Kyoto
- Kansai Int'l Airport (KIX)approx. 2h 30m by bus
- Osaka / Kobeapprox. 2h by highway bus
- Tokushima Airport (TKS)approx. 40 min by car
- Takamatsuapprox. 1h 30m by car
For trade partners
Everything you need to sell it
Product
- Group size
- 2 – 20 pax [TBC]
- Operation
- Year-round (excl. New Year period) [TBC]
- Duration
- 1 night – 7 nights
Rates & booking
- Rates
- Net rates for trade partners — request our tariff
- Lead time
- Min. 30 days for groups [TBC]
- Cancellation
- Per our trade terms (PDF)
Support on the ground
- Language
- English-speaking guide / interpreter
- Emergency
- 24h contact during stay
- Transfers
- Arranged on request
Customisation
- Private
- Exclusive-use temple programmes
- MICE
- Incentives, leadership & wellness retreats
- Dietary
- Vegetarian / vegan by default; halal-friendly & allergy care
🌿 Responsible travel: revenue directly supports temple preservation and the local community, and small groups keep the pilgrimage authentic.
Accommodation
The shukubo
- Japanese-style tatami rooms (2–5 guests per room)
- Natural hot-spring bath (shared, gender-separated)
- Private-bathroom rooms available [TBC]
- Free Wi-Fi · Heating & air-conditioning
- Capacity: approx. 100 guests [TBC]
Seasons
Best times to visit
Spring
Mar–May · Cherry blossoms, peak walking season
Summer
Jun–Aug · Awa Odori festival (mid-Aug), lush greenery
Autumn
Sep–Nov · Autumn leaves, ideal climate
Winter
Dec–Feb · Quiet, contemplative, fewer pilgrims
FAQ
Questions from partners
Do guests need to be Buddhist?
No. Guests of all faiths and none are welcome. Participation in rituals is optional and explained respectfully.
Is English support available?
Yes. English-speaking guides and interpreters accompany programmes, and printed English materials are provided.
Which dietary needs can you accommodate?
Temple cuisine is plant-based. We can also cater to gluten-free, halal-friendly and allergy requirements with advance notice.
How physically demanding is it?
The standard walk is easy and flat (approx. 10 km). Shorter options and vehicle support are available.
What should guests wear?
Comfortable clothing and walking shoes. Pilgrim attire (white robe, sedge hat, staff) can be provided.
Contact
Let's build your clients' journey.
Met us at the show? Send us a message and we'll reply within 2 business days with rates and availability.