Japan has a rich walking and pilgrimage culture spanning centuries — from the 88-temple Shikoku circuit walked by Buddhist pilgrims since the 9th century to the ancient mountain trail networks of the Kii Peninsula. These routes offer a mode of travel increasingly sought by visitors seeking something beyond sightseeing: physical effort, quiet landscapes, and a connection to Japan’s spiritual geography. This guide covers the main pilgrimages and historic walking routes open to visitors.
Shikoku Henro — 88 Temple Pilgrimage
The most famous pilgrimage in Japan — a 1,400km circuit of 88 temples on the island of Shikoku, associated with the Buddhist saint Kōbō Daishi (Kukai, 774–835). The route can be walked (typically 30–60 days), cycled (10–14 days), or completed by tour bus. Walkers wear white pilgrim’s robes (hakui) and a conical sedge hat (sugegasa), and carry a wooden staff. The tradition holds that Kōbō Daishi walks with every pilgrim (dogyo ninin — “two walking together”).
The four prefectures of Shikoku correspond to the four phases of the pilgrimage: awakening (Tokushima), discipline (Kochi), enlightenment (Ehime), and nirvana (Kagawa). The route is accessible to non-Buddhist visitors who complete it as a spiritual journey or long-distance walk. The 88 temples vary from mountain retreats accessible only by steep mountain paths to large urban temple complexes. Accommodation is provided by temple lodgings (shukubo), guesthouses, and pilgrim rest huts (tsuyado).
Kumano Kodo (Kii Peninsula)
A network of ancient pilgrimage routes crossing the mountainous Kii Peninsula (Wakayama, Mie, and Nara prefectures), converging on three grand shrines: Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Nachi Taisha, and Kumano Hayatama Taisha. The Kumano Kodo routes are UNESCO World Heritage Sites — uniquely listed alongside the Camino de Santiago in Spain as one of two pilgrim routes to receive the designation. The most accessible route for visitors is the Nakahechi (Royal Road), with the full pilgrim’s route taking 3–5 days between major shrines.
The area includes Nachi Falls (Japan’s tallest waterfall, 133m), the giant camphor tree of Tsugizakura-oji, and Yunomine Onsen — one of Japan’s oldest hot springs, also UNESCO listed. Accessible from Osaka by JR Kinokuni Line to Shingu or Kii-Tanabe.
Nakasendo (Central Mountain Road)
One of the five major roads of the Edo period, connecting Edo (Tokyo) to Kyoto through the mountains of central Honshu. The full Nakasendo runs 534km, but the most popular walking section is the 8km stretch between the preserved post towns of Magome (Nagano) and Tsumago (Nagano) — two of Japan’s best-preserved Edo-period post towns (juku). The route follows a forest trail with minimal car traffic, passing through atmospheric mountain landscape. The walk takes 3–4 hours. Luggage transfer services operate between the two towns.
Tokai Nature Trail
Japan’s longest footpath — 1,697km from Mt. Takao (Tokyo) to Minoo Park (Osaka), crossing eight prefectures through mountain ranges, national parks, and historic sites. Completed in sections over multiple visits or in a single long-distance attempt (typically 50–80 days). The Tokyo end is easily accessible from Shinjuku (45 minutes by train to Takao Station); the route passes through the Japanese Alps and Kii Peninsula regions.
Yoshino-Omine Mountains (Kinpusen)
A demanding mountain route in Nara Prefecture associated with Shugendo — the syncretic practice of mountain asceticism combining Buddhism and Shinto. The Kinpusen route from Yoshino to the Omine range requires a serious commitment to mountain walking and is officially closed to women on parts of the route (a practice maintained as religious tradition). Yoshino itself (cherry blossom mountain, UNESCO) is accessible and rewarding independently of the full mountain route.
Mt. Koya (Koyasan) — Sacred Mountain
The headquarters of Shingon Buddhism, founded by Kōbō Daishi in 816 CE. A mountain plateau (900m) with 117 temples, deep cedar forests, and Japan’s most atmospheric graveyard — Okunoin, where approximately 200,000 stone lanterns line the path to Kōbō Daishi’s mausoleum. Traditional temple lodging (shukubo) is widely available, with vegetarian temple cuisine (shojin ryori) served. Accessible from Osaka’s Namba Station by Nankai Electric Railway (approximately 2 hours). Walking access is also possible from the Kumano Kodo area via the Choishi-michi trail (approximately 24km, 6–8 hours).
Practical Notes for Pilgrimage Walking
- Pilgrim’s passport (nōkyōchō): A folding accordion book for collecting temple stamps (shuin) and calligraphy. Available at the start of major routes. A lasting record of the journey.
- Season: Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–November) are the most comfortable for extended walking. Summer heat and humidity on Shikoku and the Kii Peninsula can be challenging.
- Language: Most pilgrimage routes have limited English infrastructure outside the most popular sections (Kumano Nakahechi, Magome-Tsumago). Offline maps and route apps (the Camino-style pilgrimage apps for Shikoku and Kumano Kodo have English versions) are essential.
- Luggage forwarding: Available on the Nakasendo Magome-Tsumago section; limited on other routes.
Related Pages
For hiking and outdoor activities, see Outdoor Activities in Japan. For religious and cultural context, see Religion in Japan. For accommodation including temple lodging, see Where to Stay in Kyoto.