“How many days does the Shikoku Pilgrimage take by car?”
“Can you complete it in 10 days?”
Hello, I’m Taka, the creator of this blog.
I have completed the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage twice on foot, both clockwise and counterclockwise routes.
To get straight to the point: yes, it is possible to complete the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage in 10 days by car.
However, careful route planning and time management are essential.
In this article, I’ll introduce a 10-day driving plan for visiting all 88 temples of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage.
Article Summary
- Duration: 10 days
- Distance: Approx. 1,200 km (746 miles)
- Cost: Approx. ¥180,000
- Average temples per day: Around 10
- Time required: 10–12 hours per day (driving + temple visits)
- Difficulty: Suitable even for beginners (traveling by car is relatively manageable)
- Shikoku Pilgrimage by Car: What You Should Know to Travel Efficiently
- Preparation: Essential Items Beginners Should Have
- Budget (10-day estimate)
- Tokushima Edition: 10-Day Pilgrimage by Car – Shikoku Ohenro Itinerary
- Kochi Edition: 10-Day Pilgrimage by Car – Shikoku Ohenro Itinerary
- Ehime Edition: 10-Day Pilgrimage by Car – Shikoku Ohenro Itinerary
- Kagawa Edition: 10-Day Pilgrimage by Car – Shikoku Ohenro Itinerary
- Important Notes
- FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Summary
- Related Article
Shikoku Pilgrimage by Car: What You Should Know to Travel Efficiently
Stamp Office Hours Are Generally 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The temple stamp offices are usually open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., giving you about 9 hours each day. Outside these hours, you normally cannot receive temple stamps, so this should be your top priority when planning your schedule.
The key to traveling efficiently is to use the time when stamp offices are closed for long-distance driving between temple areas. By making smart use of the early morning and evening hours, you can maximize your daytime hours for temple visits.
Allow About 30 Minutes per Temple Visit
Each temple on the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage usually has both a Main Hall and a Daishi Hall, and it is customary to pay respects at both. If you plan to visit properly and without rushing, it is wise to allow around 30 minutes per temple.
With this in mind, when considering both driving time and visiting time, a realistic daily limit is around 10 temples per day at a comfortable pace.
For a full guide on how to worship at the temples, please see this article.
Temple Worship Method
Travel Times May Increase During Busy Seasons
During peak travel periods such as Golden Week (Late April to early May) and Obon (Mid-August), you may encounter group tour buses and larger crowds, which can lead to waiting times at temple stamp offices. It is best to allow extra time in your schedule and travel with flexibility.
Preparation: Essential Items Beginners Should Have
Before starting the pilgrimage, beginners should prepare at least the following basic items.
For more details, I’ve summarized everything in this article.
Guide for Beginners
Basically, you can purchase all the essential pilgrimage items at Ryōzenji Temple, the first temple of the pilgrimage route.
In addition, necessary supplies are also sold at other temples, so there is no need to buy everything in advance. You can simply purchase additional items as needed while continuing your journey.
Preparation for Rain
An umbrella is essential.
In particular, if you encounter heavy rain at mountain temples, your shoes may get completely soaked. It is reassuring to have spare socks and newspaper on hand to help dry your shoes.
Budget (10-day estimate)
- Accommodation: approx. ¥70,000 (¥7,000 × 10 nights)
- Food & drink: approx. ¥40,000 (¥4,000 × 10 days)
- Temple stamp fees (nokyo): approx. ¥46,000 (¥500 × 88 temples + ¥2,000 for the stamp book)
- Pilgrimage items: approx. ¥10,000
- Gasoline: approx. ¥13,000 (approx. 1,200 km / 15 km per liter, assuming ¥160 per liter)
- Parking fees: approx. ¥5,000
- Rental car (10 days): approx. ¥100,000
Total: approx. ¥284,000
Note: Transportation costs to and from the area are not included.
Tokushima Edition: 10-Day Pilgrimage by Car – Shikoku Ohenro Itinerary
Tokushima Prefecture has temples numbered from the 1st to the 23rd temple, with a total travel distance of approximately 230 km. By car, it is possible to complete the pilgrimage efficiently in about 2–3 days.
One of the key features of Tokushima is that the temples are relatively close to each other and are grouped by area. This allows pilgrims to visit multiple temples in a single day, making it possible to progress smoothly depending on the plan.
A detailed 3-day route for touring Tokushima Prefecture and important points to keep in mind are explained in the article below.
Day 2: Tokushima Temples 12–19
Day 3: Tokushima & Kochi Temples 20–26
Kochi Edition: 10-Day Pilgrimage by Car – Shikoku Ohenro Itinerary
Kochi Prefecture includes temples No. 24 to No. 39, with a total travel distance of approximately 390 km. By car, it is possible to complete the pilgrimage efficiently in about 2–3 days.
However, Kochi is characterized by long distances between temples, with many sections requiring extended driving time. When planning, it is important to consider not only the time spent at each temple but also the travel time between them.
In particular, Temple No. 38, Kongōfuku-ji, is located at Cape Ashizuri, which requires a significant amount of travel time to reach. During peak seasons such as Golden Week and Obon, traffic restrictions may be implemented, and both roads and parking areas can become congested. As a result, increased visitor numbers may lead to longer waiting times for temple visits as well.
A detailed 3-day route for touring Kochi Prefecture and important points to keep in mind are explained in the article below.
Day 5: Kochi & Ehime Temples 35–40
Ehime Edition: 10-Day Pilgrimage by Car – Shikoku Ohenro Itinerary
Ehime Prefecture includes temples No. 40 to No. 65, with a total travel distance of approximately 360 km. By car, it is possible to complete the pilgrimage efficiently in about 3–4 days.
Ehime is characterized by a mix of long-distance sections between temples and areas where multiple temples can be visited in close succession. By organizing daily routes effectively, it is possible to proceed in a smooth and efficient manner.
In particular, Temple No. 44, Dainichi-ji (Daibō-ji), and Temple No. 45, Iwaya-ji, are located in mountainous areas, so attention should be paid to weather conditions and road status when visiting.
For accommodation, the area around Matsuyama City is recommended. It offers a wide range of hotels and restaurants, making it a convenient base for travel during the pilgrimage.
A detailed 3-day route for touring Ehime Prefecture and important points to keep in mind are explained in the article below.
Day 8: Ehime & Kagawa Temples 60–70
Kagawa Edition: 10-Day Pilgrimage by Car – Shikoku Ohenro Itinerary
Kagawa Prefecture includes temples No. 66 to No. 88, with a total travel distance of approximately 150 km. By car, it is possible to complete the pilgrimage efficiently in about 2–3 days.
Although the overall distance is relatively short, Kagawa is characterized by a high concentration of temples. This often results in schedules where multiple temples are visited in a single day, which can feel physically demanding, but it serves as the final stage toward completing the pilgrimage. Careful planning is important to maintain a steady pace.
In particular, Temple No. 75, Zentsū-ji, is known as the birthplace of Kūkai (Kōbō Daishi). It also offers temple lodging (shukubō), making it a highly recommended place to stay and a meaningful location to conclude the pilgrimage.
Important Notes
Allow plenty of time for your schedule.
When your visit overlaps with groups of pilgrims, it may take longer than expected to complete temple visits and receive stamp calligraphy (nokyo).
Plans may not always go as scheduled, but it is important to stay flexible. Adopting a mindset such as “If I can’t finish today, I’ll continue tomorrow” helps ensure a safer and less stressful pilgrimage.
Be prepared for weather-related disruptions
Rain can make roads and temple grounds slippery and may also slow down travel times. Always be cautious and adjust your schedule when weather conditions change.
In winter, there is also a risk of snow and icy roads, especially in mountainous areas. Checking the weather forecast in advance and preparing appropriate equipment is essential for a safe journey.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
- QDo I have to visit the temples in order from No.1?
- A
No, it is not necessary to follow the strict order.
If you prioritize efficiency, it is possible to shorten the route by about 1–2 days through careful planning. Choose a route that best fits your schedule and mode of travel.
- QDo I have to complete the pilgrimage in one trip?
- A
No, it does not have to be completed in a single journey.
A complete one-time pilgrimage is called “tōshi-uchi” (through pilgrimage), while completing it in multiple trips is called “kugiri-uchi” (segment pilgrimage). Both are accepted ways of completing the Shikoku pilgrimage, so choose the method that suits your schedule and physical condition.
- QWhat is the best season for the pilgrimage?
- A
Spring and autumn are recommended due to mild weather, making travel more comfortable.
Winter requires caution, as mountain areas may experience snow and icy roads.
During peak holiday seasons such as Golden Week and Obon, congestion can occur, leading to longer travel and waiting times.
Typhoon season also requires attention, as Shikoku can be affected by heavy rain and strong winds. Always check the weather forecast in advance and plan accordingly.
- QCan people with weak legs still complete the pilgrimage?
- A
Yes, it is possible as long as you are able to manage daily activities.
Some temples include steep slopes or stairs, so using a walking stick and wearing comfortable walking shoes is recommended for safety and comfort.
- QIs it possible to stay overnight in a car?
- A
Yes, it is possible.
There are many roadside stations (michi-no-eki) throughout Shikoku, and some travelers use them for overnight stays while completing the pilgrimage.
Summary
A pilgrimage by car can be completed comfortably within 10 days, depending on how the schedule is planned.
The key points are as follows:
- Prioritize the opening hours of temple stamp offices (8:00–17:00)
- Schedule long-distance driving for early morning or evening
- Aim to visit around 10 temples per day
It is important to build a flexible itinerary and avoid overloading your schedule. Keeping a mindset such as “If I can’t finish today, I’ll continue tomorrow” will lead to a safer and more comfortable pilgrimage experience.
If you are planning to start the pilgrimage, please use this itinerary as a reference.
Related Article
This article provides a complete overview of the Shikoku 88 Temple pilgrimage routes, including distances, travel times, and temple lodging (shukubō).
Temple List and Full Route