“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)

Is It Possible to Complete the Shikoku Pilgrimage by Car in 10 Days? Conclusion and Required Time

Completing the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage by car in 10 days is absolutely possible.

When traveling by car, you will typically drive around 40–300 km (25–186 miles) per day while visiting an average of 8–13 temples. Including both driving and temple visits, the estimated time required is approximately 10–12 hours per day.

In the 10-day sample itinerary introduced here, the route is planned around the temple office hours (8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.) while maximizing travel efficiency.

10-Day Sample Itinerary

Day	Temples	Driving Distance	Estimated Time	Departure	Check-in	Suggested Overnight Area
Day 1	Temples 1–11	40 km	10 hrs	7:30	18:00	Tokushima City
Day 2	Temples 12–19	60 km	11 hrs	6:30	18:00	Tokushima / Anan
Day 3	Temples 20–26	140 km	10 hrs	7:30	18:00	Kochi / Muroto
Day 4	Temples 27–34	100 km	10 hrs	7:00	18:00	Kochi City
Day 5	Temples 35–40	300 km	12 hrs	7:30	19:00	Ehime / Uwajima
Day 6	Temples 41–50	130 km	10 hrs	7:30	18:00	Ehime / Matsuyama
Day 7	Temples 51–59	100 km	10 hrs	7:30	18:00	Ehime / Imabari
Day 8	Temples 60–70	110 km	10 hrs	7:00	18:00	Kagawa / Kanonji
Day 9	Temples 71–83	60 km	10 hrs	7:30	18:00	Kagawa / Takamatsu
Day 10	Temples 84–88	90 km	6 hrs	7:30	–	–

Why Completing the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage in 10 Days by Car Is Possible

The reason a 10-day pilgrimage by car is achievable is that driving dramatically reduces travel time between temples compared with walking.

Walking pilgrims may spend more than 40 days completing the full route, but traveling by car allows you to cover long distances in much less time.

Tokushima and Kagawa Prefectures, in particular, have temples located relatively close to one another, making it easier to visit multiple sites in a single day. On the other hand, Kochi has greater distances between temples, while Ehime includes several mountain-area temples, meaning daily difficulty varies.

To travel efficiently, the key points are:

• Schedule long-distance driving during the early morning or evening
• Focus your temple visits within the official stamp office hours

What Is the Shortest Time Needed to Complete the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage by Car?

If you travel by car, it is possible to complete the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage in as little as 7–8 days.

However, the shortest schedule requires visiting approximately 12–15 temples per day while also covering long driving distances, making it a very demanding itinerary.

As a general guideline:

• Fastest schedule: 7–8 days
• Standard schedule: 10 days
• Relaxed schedule: 12–14 days

If this is your first time doing the pilgrimage by car, it is generally more realistic to allow around 10 days rather than trying to complete it in the shortest possible time.

Average Number of Temple Visits and Driving Distance per Day

For a car pilgrimage, visiting around 10 temples per day is generally a comfortable pace.

Each temple visit—including prayers at the Main Hall, Daishi Hall, and receiving a temple stamp—usually takes about 20–30 minutes.

If you visit 10 temples in a day, you will spend approximately 3–5 hours on temple activities alone. Once driving time and meal breaks are added, it is common to be active from early morning until evening.

Typical daily estimates:

• Temple visits: approximately 8–13 temples
• Driving distance: approximately 40–300 km
• Total time required: approximately 10–12 hours
• Departure time: around 6:30–7:30 a.m.

Difficulty Check for Beginners

Compared with a walking pilgrimage, a car pilgrimage is generally beginner-friendly.

Physical demands are relatively low, and walking distances are minimal, so most people with no everyday mobility issues can complete the route.

However, you should be cautious if any of the following apply:

Difficulty Checklist

□ You are uncomfortable with long hours of driving
□ Leaving at 6–7 a.m. is difficult for you
□ You feel uneasy driving on mountain roads or narrow roads
□ Being active for around 10 hours every day feels difficult

If only one or two items apply, it is usually manageable. However, if several apply to you, extending the trip to around 12–14 days instead of 10 days may create a more comfortable experience.

Traveling safely and at a manageable pace is the most important part of enjoying the pilgrimage.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A detailed 3-day route for touring Kagawa Prefecture and important points to keep in mind are explained in the article below.

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.

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

Temples That Tend to Take More Time During a Car Pilgrimage

Even when traveling around the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage by car, not every temple can be visited at the same pace. Some temples require driving on mountain roads or walking from parking areas, which can take more time than expected.

If this is your first car pilgrimage, be especially careful with the following temples, as they can easily cause schedule delays.

Temples That Often Require Extra Time

Temple No. 12 – Shosanji Temple
The mountain road section is long and contains many curves, so driving can take longer than expected. If it is your first time driving the route, allowing extra time is recommended.

Temple No. 21 – Tairyuji Temple
The ropeway route is commonly used to reach this temple. Including waiting time and travel time, the overall visit may take longer than a typical temple stop.

Temple No. 44 – Daihoji Temple
Located in the Kuma Kogen mountain area, reaching this temple involves driving through mountainous terrain. During winter, road conditions may require additional caution.

Temple No. 45 – Iwayaji Temple
There is a walking section from the parking area to the Main Hall. Since the route includes many stone steps, visits here often take longer.

Temple No. 60 – Yokomineji Temple
This temple is known as one of the more challenging stops for car pilgrims. Access may involve using a dedicated road, and conditions can vary depending on the season and weather.

Temple No. 71 – Iyadaniji Temple
Visitors need to climb stone steps to reach the Main Hall.

On days that include these temples, avoid overloading your schedule with assumptions like, “We can probably fit in one or two more temples.”

If this is your first pilgrimage by car, a schedule with extra flexibility will allow you to travel more comfortably and with less stress.

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)

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.

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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.

Related Article

Shikoku Ohenro in the Rain: How Often It Rains, What to Expect, and What Gear You Need

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

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

Best Roadside Stations for the Shikoku Pilgrimage: Wi-Fi, Hot Springs & EV Support.
Best roadside stations for Shikoku pilgrims