The or is a multi-site pilgrimage of 88 temples associated with the Buddhist monk Kà «kai (Kà Âbà  Daishi) on the island of Shikoku, Japan. A popular and distinctive feature of the island's cultural landscape, and with a long history, large numbers of pilgrims, known as , still undertake the journey for a variety of ascetic, pious, and tourism-related purposes. The pilgrimage is traditionally completed on foot, but modern pilgrims use cars, taxis, buses, bicycles, or motorcycles, and often augment their travels with public transportation. The standard walking course is approximately long and can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days to complete.
In addition to the 88 "official" temples of the pilgrimage, there are 20 temples, which are officially associated with the Shikoku Pilgrimage (and hundreds more temples, simply meaning "outside the numbers", which are not considered part of the official 88). To complete the pilgrimage, it is not necessary to visit the temples in order; in some cases, pilgrims complete the journey in reverse, a practice known as .
is the Japanese word for pilgrim, and the locals along the route address the pilgrims as . They are often recognizable by their white clothing, sedge hats, and kongà Â-zue or walking sticks. Alms or osettai (ãÂÂæ¥徠) are frequently given to pilgrims by Shikoku's residents.
Before reaching Temple 88, walking and bicycle pilgrims can receive a "Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage Henro Ambassador" certificate from the Maeyama Ohenro Koryu Salon. At Temple 88, one can purchase a pilgrimage completion certificate called a , meaning "fulfillment of one's wishes." Many pilgrims also begin and complete the journey by visiting Mount Kà Âya in Wakayama Prefecture, which was settled by Kà «kai and remains the headquarters of Shingon Buddhism. The walking trail up to Kà Âya-san still exists, but most pilgrims use the train.
Pilgrimages have played an important part in Japanese religious practice since at least the Heian period. Typically centred upon holy mountains, particular divinities, or charismatic individuals, they are usually to Buddhist sites although those to the shrines of Kumano and Ise are notable exceptions.
Kà «kai, born at Zentsà «-ji (Temple 75) in 774, studied in China, and upon his return was influential in the promotion of esoteric Buddhism. He established the Shingon retreat on Kà Âya-san, was an active writer, undertook a programme of public works, and during visits to the island of his birth is popularly said to have established or visited many of its temples and to have carved many of their images. He is posthumously known as Kà Âbà  Daishi.
The legends and cult of Kà Âbà  Daishi, such as the episode of Emon Saburà Â, were maintained and developed by the monks of Kà Âya-san who travelled to expound Shingon and were active, along with other hijiri, in Shikoku. In the Edo period, the policy of restricted and regulated the movement of ordinary people. Pilgrims were required to obtain travel permits, follow the main paths, and pass through localities within a certain time limit, with the book of temple stamps or nà Âkyà Â-chà  helping to provide proof of passage.ãÂÂ
Shikoku literally means "four provinces", those of Awa, Tosa, Iyo, and Sanuki, reorganized during the Meiji period into the prefectures of Tokushima, Kà Âchi, Ehime, and Kagawa. The pilgrim's journey through these four provinces is likened to a symbolic path to enlightenment, with temples 1âÂÂ23 representing the idea of , 24âÂÂ39 , 40âÂÂ65 attaining , and 66âÂÂ88 entering .
The pilgrim's traditional costume comprises a , , and . This may be supplemented by a . The henro also carries a containing , (also known as ), a to collect , , and . The more religiously-minded henro may also carry a and set with a bell.
Upon arrival at each temple the henro washes before proceeding to the Hondà Â. After offering coins, incense, and the osame-fuda, the is chanted along with repetition of the Mantra of the and the . After kigan and ekà  (prayers and dedication of merit), the henro proceeds to the . Coins and a fuda are similarly offered, and again the Heart Sutra is chanted, along with repetition of the Gohà Âgà  Mantra, namu-Daishi-henjà Â-kongà Â.
Since 2010, Shikoku's prefectural governments, NPO members, and local leaders have worked toward achieving UNESCO World Heritage status for the Shikoku Pilgrimage. Currently, it is recognized as a "Provisional Candidate" by Japan's Agency for Cultural Affairs, or a cultural asset which has not yet been added to Japan's World Heritage Tentative List but which should 'proceed with preparations.'
Attesting to the popularity of the Shikoku pilgrimage, from the eighteenth century a number of smaller imitative versions have been established. These include a circuit on Shà Âdo Island northeast of Takamatsu; a course on the grounds of Ninna-ji in Kyoto; a route on the Chita Peninsula near Nagoya; and circuits in Edo and Chiba Prefecture. Outside Japan, another version is on the Hawaiûi on the island of Kauai.
Collectively, the 88 temples are known as .