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Japan's Sacred Pilgrimage - Junrei

January 3, 2026 (1d ago)

Japan's pilgrimage traditions blend Buddhism and Shintoism, offering profound spiritual journeys to sacred sites. The mix of two major religions in a single spiritual journey is a uniquely Japanese cultural phenomenon.

These activitiess attract millions annually, promoting walking meditation, nature immersion, and personal renewal.

Famous Routes

Japan offers a lot of pilgrimage options in every prefecture. If there is a mountain + temple/shrine, chances are there is a pilgrimage, but for beginners you might want to stick for popular routes as it has the most support. The lodging, the road, the guides. You don't want to stumble around bear-infested areas, dont you?

  • Shikoku Hachijūhakkasho: An 88-temple circuit on Shikoku Island, honoring Kūkai (Kōbō Daishi), spanning about 1,200 kilometers. - Completing the full circuit on foot typically takes between 30 and 60 days.
  • Saigoku Sanjūsansho: 33 temples in the Kansai area dedicated to Kannon, the goddess of mercy. - This is the oldest formal pilgrimage route in Japan, believed to have been established over 1,300 years ago.
  • Kumano Kodō: Ancient trails in Wakayama connecting three grand shrines (Kumano Sanzan), a UNESCO World Heritage site popular since the Heian period. - It is one of only two pilgrimage routes in the world designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site (the other is the Camino de Santiago in Spain).
  • Chūgoksu Kannon Pilgrimage (Chūgoku Sanjūsan Fudasho): A 33-temple route across the five prefectures of the Chūgoku region, also dedicated to Kannon.
  • Mount Fuji Climbing Pilgrimage: While not a circuit, climbing Mount Fuji is a long-standing spiritual practice, with many pilgrims visiting the Sengen Jinja shrines at the base and summit.

When to Go & Who’s There

You can honestly start a pilgrimage whenever you feel the itch. Spring (cherry blossoms) and Autumn (red leaves) are the favorites because the weather is perfect for walking, but there’s no "official" season.

And don't worry about being a "pro"—you’ll see everyone from hardcore monks and devout grandmas to solo hikers and families looking for a "life reset." You don't even have to be religious; many people go just for the physical challenge and the incredible views.

Tips for Journey

Maximize your Shikoku Henro tips with these field-tested essentials for Japan pilgrimage preparation.

  • Gear Up: Skip robes if casual, but invest in trail-ready shoes—blisters end dreams fast. Pair with a lightweight backpack for the 25-30km days.

  • The Passport: Grab a goshuincho stamp book (¥2,000+). Japan temple stamps are colorful masterpieces and your brag-worthy souvenir.

  • The Food: Book shukubo temple lodgings for shojin ryori—vegan monk cuisine that's fresh, flavorful, and fuel-perfect. Think tofu, veggies, and sesame surprises.

  • Off-Peak: Summer and winter yield 50–70% availability, ideal for last-minute "temple stay Japan" searches.

Junrei vs. "Anime Pilgrimages"

While spiritual Junrei fuel the soul through ancient rites, Japan's "anime pilgrimage" counterpart mirrors it superficially but swaps enlightenment for fandom. Sparked by Your Lie in April, fans trace real Tokyo sites from the show, snapping photos and buying merch instead of collecting temple stamps. It's pop culture tourism: vibrant, accessible. One is for spiritual merit; the other is for the love of the story—but both are about the journey!