RoadAtlas
Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip — Japan — Cultural
East Asia

Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip

Japan

Point-to-point
Day 1 - Temples 1-10 Day 12 - Temples 85-88

In short: Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip is a About 1,200 km cultural road trip in Japan, typically driven over 12 days, best in Mar-May / Oct-Nov. Highlights: Day 1 - Temples 1-10, Day 2 - Temples 11-17, Day 3 - Temples 18-23.

Distance
About 1,200 km
Duration
12 days
Best Season
Mar-May / Oct-Nov
NotableModerateCulturalEV-friendly

Drive the canonical Shikoku Henro in clockwise jun-uchi order from Temple 1 Ryozenji to Temple 88 Okuboji. The 12-day plan visits every numbered temple in sequence through Tokushima, Kochi, Ehime, and Kagawa, with the long Muroto, Ashizuri, and southern Ehime transfers given their own realistic stages. It is an intensive pilgrimage rather than a general sightseeing loop: the temples, worship routine, coastal roads, and mountain approaches are the experience.

~2 refuels
~4 charges
Practical notes
This is the complete clockwise 88-temple drive, not a highlights tour. Temple administration and stamp offices normally operate 07:00-17:00 all year; worship at the main and Daishi halls before requesting a stamp, allow roughly 20-30 minutes per temple plus queues, and never treat the schedule as a stamp race. Start each day at the first gate before 07:00, carry lunch on the densest days, and add a thirteenth day if weather, mobility, or unhurried prayer requires it. Check the official temple pages the evening before for ropeway, cable-car, construction, parking, and mountain-road changes, especially at Shozanji, Kakurinji, Tairyuji, Iwayaji, Yokomineji, Unpenji, and Yakuriji. Coastal rain, typhoons, landslides, winter snow, and narrow single-lane approaches can change the plan; do not drive those roads after dark. Use a compact car, charge an EV overnight in the larger towns rather than relying on mountain stops, and confirm Japan's current passport, licence, International Driving Permit, insurance, toll, and left-side-driving requirements with the rental company. The canonical finish is Temple 88 Okuboji. Returning afterward to Temple 1 Ryozenji is an optional completion custom, about 60 km and roughly two hours, and may require an extra night.

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Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1Naruto to Kamojima — Temples 1–10

Temples 1–5 — Ryozenji, Gokurakuji, Konsenji, Dainichiji, Jizoji · Temples 6–10 — Anrakuji, Jurakuji, Kumadaniji, Horinji, Kirihataji · Kaisen Katsugyo Uruoi

Day 2Kamojima to Tokushima — Temples 11–17

Temples 11–12 — Fujiidera and Shozanji · Temples 13–17 — Dainichiji, Jorakuji, Kokubunji, Kannonji, Idoji · Inotani Main Shop

Day 3Tokushima to Muroto — Temples 18–23

Temples 18–21 — Onzanji, Tatsueji, Kakurinji, Tairyuji · Temples 22–23 — Byodoji and Yakuoji · Hiwasaya

Day 4Muroto to Kochi — Temples 24–30

Temples 24–27 — Hotsumisakiji, Shinshoji, Kongochoji, Konomineji · Temples 28–30 — Dainichiji, Kokubunji, Zenrakuji · Myojinmaru Hirome Market

Day 5Kochi to Shimanto-cho — Temples 31–36

Temples 31–33 — Chikurinji, Zenjibuji, Sekkeiji · Temples 34–36 — Tanemaji, Kiyotakiji, Shoryuji · Roadside Station Aguri Kubokawa Restaurant

Day 6Shimanto-cho to Sukumo via Cape Ashizuri — Temples 37–39

Temple 37 — Iwamotoji · Temple 38 — Kongofukuji · Roadside Station Mezura no Sato

Day 7Sukumo to Matsuyama via Kumakogen — Temples 40–45

Temples 40–43 — Kanjizaiji, Ryukoji, Butsumokuji, Meisekiji · Temples 44–45 — Daihoji and Iwayaji · Hozumitei

Day 8Matsuyama — Temples 46–53

Temples 46–49 — Joruriji, Yasakaji, Sairinji, Jodoji · Temples 50–53 — Hantaji, Ishiteji, Taisanji, Enmyoji · Oidenya

Day 9Matsuyama to Shikokuchuo — Temples 54–65

Temples 54–59 — Enmeiji, Nankobo, Taisanji, Eifukuji, Senyuji, Kokubunji · Temples 60–65 — Yokomineji, Koonji, Hojuji, Kichijoji, Maegamiji, Sankakuji · Shigematsu Hanten

Day 10Shikokuchuo to Zentsuji — Temples 66–75

Temples 66–70 — Unpenji, Daikoji, Jinnein, Kannonji, Motoyamaji · Temples 71–75 — Iyadaniji, Mandaraji, Shusshakaji, Koyamaji, Zentsuji · Okasen

Day 11Zentsuji to Takamatsu — Temples 76–84

Temples 76–80 — Konzoji, Doryuji, Goshoji, Tennoji, Kokubunji · Temples 81–84 — Shiromineji, Negoroji, Ichinomiyaji, Yashimaji · Honetsukidori Ikkaku Takamatsu

Day 12Takamatsu to Okuboji — Temples 85–88

Temples 85–87 — Yakuriji, Shidoji, Nagaoji · Temple 88 — Okuboji · Udon Baka Ichidai

Stops along the route

Day 1 - Temples 1-10 — Departure — Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip — Japan
Departure
Day 1 - Temples 1-10
Begin at Ryozenji and complete the compact eastern Tokushima group through Kirihataji, staying near Kamojima rather than returning to Tokushima.
Day 12 - Temples 85-88 — Arrival — Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip — Japan
Arrival
Day 12 - Temples 85-88
Visit Yakuriji, Shidoji, and Nagaoji before the canonical mountain finish at Okuboji.

Things to Do

Day 2 - Temples 11-17 — Landmark — Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip — Japan
Landmark
Day 2 - Temples 11-17
Climb to mountain Temple 12 Shozanji, then follow the five-temple Tokushima-city group in canonical order.
Day 3 - Temples 18-23 — Landmark — Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip — Japan
Landmark
Day 3 - Temples 18-23
Complete the mountain and southern Tokushima temples, ending at Yakuoji before the long coastal transfer to Muroto.
Day 4 - Temples 24-30 — Landmark — Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip — Japan
Landmark
Day 4 - Temples 24-30
Round Cape Muroto from Hotsumisakiji through Konomineji, then continue west to the first Kochi-city temple.
Day 5 - Temples 31-36 — Landmark — Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip — Japan
Landmark
Day 5 - Temples 31-36
Follow Kochi's six-temple sequence to Shoryuji, then reposition to Shimanto-cho for the Ashizuri stage.
Day 6 - Temples 37-39 — Nature — Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip — Japan
Nature
Day 6 - Temples 37-39
Give the long Cape Ashizuri loop its own day: Iwamotoji, distant Kongofukuji, then Enkoji near Sukumo.
Day 7 - Temples 40-45 — Landmark — Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip — Japan
Landmark
Day 7 - Temples 40-45
Cross southern Ehime and finish with mountain temples Daihoji and Iwayaji; the latter includes a steep walk from parking.
Show 16 more
Day 8 - Temples 46-53 — Landmark — Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip — Japan
Landmark
Day 8 - Temples 46-53
Complete the dense Matsuyama sequence from Joruriji through Enmyoji without adding unrelated city sightseeing.
Day 9 - Temples 54-65 — Landmark — Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip — Japan
Landmark
Day 9 - Temples 54-65
Use the full office window for Imabari and Saijo, including the slow mountain approach to Yokomineji, and finish at Sankakuji.
Day 10 - Temples 66-75 — Landmark — Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip — Japan
Landmark
Day 10 - Temples 66-75
Start with Unpenji's ropeway access, cross western Kagawa, and end at Kobo Daishi's birthplace, Zentsuji.
Day 11 - Temples 76-84 — Landmark — Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip — Japan
Landmark
Day 11 - Temples 76-84
Continue through the Seto Inland Sea side in strict order, ending above Takamatsu at Yashimaji.
Temples 1-10 - Ryozenji to Kirihataji — Pilgrimage stage — Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip — Japan
Pilgrimage stage
Temples 1-10 - Ryozenji to Kirihataji
Visit Ryozenji, Gokurakuji, Konsenji, Dainichiji, Jizoji, Anrakuji, Jurakuji, Kumadaniji, Horinji, and Kirihataji in that order.
Temples 11-17 - Fujiidera to Idoji — Pilgrimage stage — Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip — Japan
Pilgrimage stage
Temples 11-17 - Fujiidera to Idoji
Visit Fujiidera, mountain Shozanji, Dainichiji, Jorakuji, Kokubunji, Kannonji, and Idoji in canonical order.
Temples 18-23 - Onzanji to Yakuoji — Pilgrimage stage — Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip — Japan
Pilgrimage stage
Temples 18-23 - Onzanji to Yakuoji
Visit Onzanji, Tatsueji, Kakurinji, Tairyuji, Byodoji, and Yakuoji before transferring to Muroto.
Temples 24-30 - Hotsumisakiji to Zenrakuji — Pilgrimage stage — Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip — Japan
Pilgrimage stage
Temples 24-30 - Hotsumisakiji to Zenrakuji
Visit Hotsumisakiji, Shinshoji, Kongochoji, Konomineji, Dainichiji, Kokubunji, and Zenrakuji along the Muroto-Kochi coast.
Temples 31-36 - Chikurinji to Shoryuji — Pilgrimage stage — Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip — Japan
Pilgrimage stage
Temples 31-36 - Chikurinji to Shoryuji
Visit Chikurinji, Zenjibuji, Sekkeiji, Tanemaji, Kiyotakiji, and Shoryuji before the Shimanto-cho repositioning drive.
Temples 37-39 - Iwamotoji to Enkoji — Pilgrimage stage — Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip — Japan
Pilgrimage stage
Temples 37-39 - Iwamotoji to Enkoji
Visit Iwamotoji, make the long Cape Ashizuri run to Kongofukuji, and finish at Enkoji near Sukumo.
Temples 40-45 - Kanjizaiji to Iwayaji — Pilgrimage stage — Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip — Japan
Pilgrimage stage
Temples 40-45 - Kanjizaiji to Iwayaji
Visit Kanjizaiji, Ryukoji, Butsumokuji, Meisekiji, Daihoji, and Iwayaji; protect time for the mountain drive and Iwayaji approach walk.
Temples 46-53 - Joruriji to Enmyoji — Pilgrimage stage — Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip — Japan
Pilgrimage stage
Temples 46-53 - Joruriji to Enmyoji
Visit Joruriji, Yasakaji, Sairinji, Jodoji, Hantaji, Ishiteji, Taisanji, and Enmyoji through greater Matsuyama.
Temples 54-65 - Enmeiji to Sankakuji — Pilgrimage stage — Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip — Japan
Pilgrimage stage
Temples 54-65 - Enmeiji to Sankakuji
Visit Enmeiji, Nankobo, Taisanji, Eifukuji, Senyuji, Kokubunji, Yokomineji, Koonji, Hojuji, Kichijoji, Maegamiji, and Sankakuji.
Temples 66-75 - Unpenji to Zentsuji — Pilgrimage stage — Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip — Japan
Pilgrimage stage
Temples 66-75 - Unpenji to Zentsuji
Visit Unpenji, Daikoji, Jinnein, Kannonji, Motoyamaji, Iyadaniji, Mandaraji, Shusshakaji, Koyamaji, and Zentsuji.
Temples 76-84 - Konzoji to Yashimaji — Pilgrimage stage — Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip — Japan
Pilgrimage stage
Temples 76-84 - Konzoji to Yashimaji
Visit Konzoji, Doryuji, Goshoji, Tennoji, Kokubunji, Shiromineji, Negoroji, Ichinomiyaji, and Yashimaji.
Temples 85-88 - Yakuriji to Okuboji — Pilgrimage finish — Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip — Japan
Pilgrimage finish
Temples 85-88 - Yakuriji to Okuboji
Visit Yakuriji, Shidoji, and Nagaoji before completing the official circuit at Temple 88 Okuboji.

Where to Eat

Inotani Main Shop — Tokushima ramen — Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip — Japan
Tokushima ramen
Inotani Main Shop
Try the city's defining pork-and-soy ramen at the long-running Nishi-Daikumachi shop. It closes when sold out and is normally a daytime stop, so verify its current Monday closure.
Hiwasaya — Local fish and Awaodori chicken — Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip — Japan
Local fish and Awaodori chicken
Hiwasaya
The Minami tourism association recommends its Sea and Mountain set combining local sashimi with Tokushima chicken. Check its Wednesday and irregular closures before the Temple 23 day.
Ryotei Kagetsu — Muroto kinmedai — Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip — Japan
Muroto kinmedai
Ryotei Kagetsu
Reserve the Muroto Kinmedai Bowl at this established local restaurant near the Day 4 start; confirm service hours because the temple schedule leaves no room for a long lunch.
Myojinmaru Hirome Market — Katsuo tataki — Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip — Japan
Katsuo tataki
Myojinmaru Hirome Market
Choose the specialist stall for straw-seared bonito rather than treating the whole market as one restaurant. Expect queues and use it after the Kochi temple day.
Hozumitei — Uwajima regional — Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip — Japan
Uwajima regional
Hozumitei
Order Uwajima taimeshi or jakoten while passing through the city on the southern Ehime stage. Verify the current service break and reserve dinner if staying nearby.
Goshiki Okaido — Ehime regional — Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip — Japan
Ehime regional
Goshiki Okaido
Use the Matsuyama overnight for Hojo- or Uwajima-style sea-bream rice and five-colour somen at a named central restaurant. Reserve and confirm the current branch hours.
Show 3 more
Shigematsu Hanten — Imabari yakibuta egg rice — Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip — Japan
Imabari yakibuta egg rice
Shigematsu Hanten
Fit Imabari's signature roast-pork-and-egg rice around Day 9 only if temple timing permits; otherwise carry lunch and eat after the final stamp.
Udon Baka Ichidai — Sanuki udon — Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip — Japan
Sanuki udon
Udon Baka Ichidai
Have an early bowl of kama-butter udon during the Takamatsu stage, checking the current queue and opening hours so it does not jeopardize the 17:00 stamp cutoff.
Honetsukidori Ikkaku Takamatsu — Kagawa roast chicken — Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip — Japan
Kagawa roast chicken
Honetsukidori Ikkaku Takamatsu
Celebrate after Okuboji with Kagawa's peppery bone-in chicken at the named Takamatsu branch; verify hours and reserve where offered.

Nearby and similar drives

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip drive?

The Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip covers About 1,200 km from start to finish.

How long does the Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip take to drive?

Most travellers spend 12 days on the Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip?

The recommended season for the Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip is Mar-May / Oct-Nov.

Where does the Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip start and end?

The Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip runs from Day 1 - Temples 1-10 to Day 12 - Temples 85-88.

What are the main stops on the Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip?

The Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip passes through Day 1 - Temples 1-10, Day 2 - Temples 11-17, Day 3 - Temples 18-23.

How difficult is the Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip to drive?

The Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip is rated moderate and is best handled with any vehicle.

Can I drive the Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip in a regular car?

Yes — the Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

How many fuel stops are needed on the Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip?

Plan around 2 refuels (or about 4 EV charges) along the Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip, based on its About 1,200 km length.

Is the Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip EV friendly?

Yes — the Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip has charger coverage along the route and works as an EV road trip.

Is the Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip safe to drive?

This is the complete clockwise 88-temple drive, not a highlights tour. Temple administration and stamp offices normally operate 07:00-17:00 all year; worship at the main and Daishi halls before requesting a stamp, allow roughly 20-30 minutes per temple plus queues, and never treat the schedule as a stamp race. Start each day at the first gate before 07:00, carry lunch on the densest days, and add a thirteenth day if weather, mobility, or unhurried prayer requires it. Check the official temple pages the evening before for ropeway, cable-car, construction, parking, and mountain-road changes, especially at Shozanji, Kakurinji, Tairyuji, Iwayaji, Yokomineji, Unpenji, and Yakuriji. Coastal rain, typhoons, landslides, winter snow, and narrow single-lane approaches can change the plan; do not drive those roads after dark. Use a compact car, charge an EV overnight in the larger towns rather than relying on mountain stops, and confirm Japan's current passport, licence, International Driving Permit, insurance, toll, and left-side-driving requirements with the rental company. The canonical finish is Temple 88 Okuboji. Returning afterward to Temple 1 Ryozenji is an optional completion custom, about 60 km and roughly two hours, and may require an extra night.

What scenic tier is the Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip?

The Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip is a notable drive — Notable scenic drives — strong character routes that locals know well and that reward travellers willing to step beyond the most-photographed roads.