Summer

On Day 21 of the Shikoku Henro, I cross the rugged Kashizaka Pass from Kanjizai-ji to Uwajima via Tsushima. After walking about 280 km from Temple 34 Tanema-ji, I complete this section of my pilgrimage and visit Ryuko-in Temple the next morning.

On Day 20 of the Shikoku Henro, I cross Matsuo Pass from Sukumo into Ehime Prefecture. I continue through Matsuo Pass, Ipommatsu, and Ainan to 40th Temple Kanjizai-ji, the first temple in Ehime.

On Day 19 of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, I walked from Itoshiri to Temple 39, Enko-ji, via Shimonokae, Mihara Village, and Hirata. I finally reached the last temple in Kochi Prefecture.

On Day 18 of my walking Shikoku Henro pilgrimage, I walked from Drive-in Suisha via Shinnen-an, Shimono-Kae, and Oki Beach to Cape Ashizuri. I visited Kongofuku-ji Temple, explored the cape, and returned to Iburi for the night.

On Day 17 of my walking Shikoku Henro pilgrimage, I walked over 40 km from Tosa Saga to the Shimanto River. Battling intense summer heat, I passed Saga Park, Okata, the Shimanto River Bridge, and the 1.6-km Shin-Izuta Tunnel before spending the night at Drive-in Suisha.

After the typhoon passed, I left Awa and walked through Kure, crossing Nanako Pass to reach Temple 37, Iwamoto-ji. Along the way, I received a warm osettai from a local resident. After visiting the temple, I continued to Tosa Saga Onsen, where a memorable encounter with fellow pilgrims at a pilgrim hut made this a day to remember.

On Day 15 of my Shikoku Pilgrimage, I walked from Temple 36, Shoryu-ji, toward Susaki and Awa as a powerful typhoon approached Kochi. Battling heavy rain and strong winds, I had to camp at a roadside produce stand when no accommodation was available. The typhoon reached its peak around 3 a.m., creating a frightening night in the tent.

On Day 14 of my Shikoku Pilgrimage, I walked from Temple 34, Tanema-ji, to Temple 36, Shoryu-ji, via Temple 35, Kiyotaki-ji. Despite heavy rain and an approaching typhoon, I crossed the historic Tsukaji Pass and stayed at Kokumin Shukusha Tosa, where I shared memorable stories with fellow pilgrims.

On Day 13 of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, walk from Niida across Urado Bridge to Katsurahama Beach, then visit Sekkei-ji (Temple 33) and Tanema-ji (Temple 34). Experience warm pilgrim hospitality, receive a handmade friendship bracelet, and complete a 110 km, four-day pilgrimage from Muroto to Kochi.

On Day 12 of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, walk from Dainichi-ji (Temple 28) to Zenjibu-ji (Temple 32) in Kochi. Discover the scenic pilgrimage trails, Matsumoto Daishido Rest Stop, the moss-covered grounds of Kokubun-ji, Chikurin-ji’s five-story pagoda, and stunning views of Tosa Bay from Zenjibu-ji.

On Day 11 of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, I walked from Nahari to Konomineji Temple, one of the pilgrimage's toughest climbs. After visiting the temple, I continued along the coast through Aki City and Akano Rest Area before spending the night near Yasu.

On Day 10 of my Shikoku Pilgrimage, I walked about 20 km from Muroto to Nahari via Temple 26, Kongocho-ji. Along the way, I visited Fudo-iwa, tested new foot pain prevention measures, and spent the night outdoors in Nahari.