on the shikoku 88 pilgrimage
Shikoku, Japan (March - April 2023)
Resources
Navigation
A hiking map shared with me by a cyclist in Matsuyama on the day of my arrival. This map can be saved to the phone and used to plan for the day's hike.
A map of all the temples, based on prefecture.
The Shikoku 88 pilgrimage is very well sign-posted. The signs are mostly in Japanese, but there is some English signage on the path. As per the photos below, the red arrows showing the way for pilgrims are the most reliable signs to follow.
At times, the traveller will encounter red spray-painted signage on rocks and other hand-made symbols on the road, highlighting the most pleasant path to follow. I recommend using these as opposed to the GoogleMap link above, as these hand-crafted signs are more reliable and lead down more pleasant paths, as opposed to the concrete highway roads the Map sometimes routes to.
Language
The GoogleLens in GoogleTranslate tool does the job for getting around in Shikoku when language may otherwise be an issue. Though the translation can be rough at times, it does give the traveller an idea about the necessary information at hand.
Whether translating a menu, routes at a bus stop or a map, GoogleTranslate can be used to get a general idea for what is going on.
On that note, I would like to recommend the GoogleTranslate tool in general to communicate when language barriers arise. Typing in practically any language and translating it to Japanese, the traveller can use this handy tool to get by on an everyday basis. More than once this tool helped me at small train stations to communicate where I would like to go, ask for directions and for information in general. Locals seemed delighted and amused to have a way of communicating and were very helpful in getting around.
Equipment
For my hike, I took a 30L Karrimore backpack and found this to be sufficient.
While I had a pleasant dry weather on my hike between March - April 2023, I heard that in previous days there was significant downpour in the area. I came prepared with raingear despite the fact that it was left untouched.
I encountered people with 60+L backpacks that contained camping gear. If the traveller is prepared to camp, this must be done at legally allocated campsites as wildcamping is forbidden in Japan.
Equipment:
Hiking trousers
Thermal trousers (also used for sleeping)
2 x shirts
2 x socks
2 x undergarments
Fleece
Rain jacket
Poncho
Buff
Beanie
Shikoku shop
To the left of the first temple is a shop where travellers can buy their Shikoku-wear. Gear does run out, though there are frequent shipments for more equipment.
At the time of my departure in late March 2023, the store had run out of the distinctive pilgrim hats. Top sizes run from M to 2L. Much of this equipment can be purchased and delivered prior to arrival in Japan.
