Check out these articles
-
Video article 9:15
Toshodaiji Temple – A World Heritage Site in Japan, Built by a Chinese Monk! Explore National Treasures and More at This Temple in Nara, Japan
TravelTraditional CultureArt & ArchitectureHistory- 103 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 5:07
A hidden spot with a spectacular view! 4K video of “Kinzo-ji Temple” in Kyoto, Japan! Don't miss the beauty of this mountain temple known for its autumn foliage!
TravelArt & ArchitectureNature- 37 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 14:51
Koyasan Is a Holy Land for Japanese Buddhism Which Was Founded by Kukai. Come Purify Your Mind and Body at This Mysterious Power Spot in Wakayama Prefecture!
Art & Architecture- 78 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:32
Climbing the 1015 stone steps of "Hoshuzan Risshakuji Temple" in Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture, one is met with a spectacular view. The temple, built on a precipitous cliff, is a scenic spot where Matsuo Basho, the famous haiku poet, wrote a poem!
Art & ArchitectureTravel- 346 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 2:40
Kashima Jingu Shrine" in Kashima City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan! Don't miss the video of the power spot associated with Tokugawa Ieyasu, the Okumiya Shrine, Mitarashi Pond, Yoseki, and other highlights!
Art & Architecture- 102 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:43
Ome City, TokyoOme City, TokyoOme City, Tokyo, one hour from the center of Tokyo, surrounded by great nature, experience Ome's sightseeing spots in this video! Full of activities, gourmet food and attractions! Experience the sightseeing spots in Ome, surrounded by great nature, in this video! Full of activities, gourmet food, and attractions!
TravelNatureFood & Drink- 48 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 6:40
Easy-To-Make Origami Cranes That Both Kids and Adults Can Enjoy! Origami Is a Japanese Art That Turns Squares of Paper Into Beautiful 3D Works of Art!
Traditional CultureThings to DoHistory- 216 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 1:11
Fuku Otoko 2023 – Who Will Be This Year's Lucky Man?! The Annual, High-Profile Gate Opening Ritual of Hyogo's Nishinomiya Shrine Is Back After a 3-Year Hiatus!
NewsTraditional CultureFestivals & Events- 66 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 15:11
The “1,000-day Kaiten Gyogyo,” a 1,200-year-old ascetic practice in the Mudoji Valley in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, on the southern edge of Mount Hiei, is a rigorous seven-year walk of 40,000 kilometers, or one full circle around the globe!
Traditional Culture- 32 plays
- YouTube
Experience the 1200-Year Old Pilgrimage "Shikoku Henro." Journey to the 88 Sacred Sites and Connect With Japanese History and Nature
About Shikoku Henro
The video "Japan the Beautiful, Shikoku Henro" ([美しき日本] 四国 四国遍路), is about the Shikoku Pilgrimage, also known as Shikoku Henro.
Shikoku Henro is a walking route that takes you to the 88 temples of Shikoku Island, in the four prefectures of Tokushima, Kagawa, Ehime, and Kochi.
This article takes a look at the charms of this ancient route.
The video navigates us through the beautiful landscapes of Shikoku Henro, and the distant view of the mountains, clad in green amongst the blue skies, make viewers feel as if their on the pilgrimage themselves.
What is Shikoku Henro?
Shikoku Henro is a multi-site pilgrimage of 88 temples associated with the Buddhism monk Kukai (Kobo Daishi) on Shikoku Island.
Pilgrims are called "ohenro-san."
The pilgrimage was practiced exclusively by ascetic monks until the Edo Period when the teaching of Kukai became widely spread across the country due to infrastructure developments, and commoners subsequently traveled to Shikoku Island to trace the path of Kukai and pray for good health.
The culture of "osettai" by the Shikoku locals to support the safe journeys of ohenro-san by offering meals and shelter, has been maintained for roughly 300 years.
In 2015, Shikoku Henro was added to the Japan Heritage list.
The pilgrimage is quite exhausting due to the mountains and valleys, but it gives you a profound spiritual experience.
Making the Shikoku Henro Pilgrimage
You can visit any temple you want, but many people start at Temple 1 and visit them in order.
After offering prayers at a temple, pilgrims receive a red seal stamp (known as Goshuin) in their stamp book.
The motto to symbolize Shikoku Henro is expressed by the word "dogyo ninin" (Traveling together), which means that a pilgrim traveling alone is accompanied in spirit by the monk Kukai at all times.
There exists a custom to visit the mausoleum of Kukai, Koyasan (Mt.Koya) Okunoin Temple in Wakayama Prefecture, after completing the pilgrimage route as well.
Tips for Making the Pilgrimage
Shikoku Henro takes around 50 days on foot.
You can take breaks to go sightseeing or enjoy local dishes.
Staying at local inns, referred to as "henro-yado," also offers a refreshing experience, allowing you to relax and continue the pilgrimage at your own pace.
The video portrays a traveling pilgrim taking steps forward on the route winding through the mountains and valleys.
The natural beauty of Shikoku Henro is breathtaking.
There is no designated clothing that pilgrims must wear, but they are often clad in white robes and a ceremonial stole, a cone-shaped hat to protect them from the sun and rain, and holding a wooden staff which is said to represent the body of Kukai and support the pilgrim along the way.
Wearing the classic pilgrim clothing will help you feel ready for the journey.
Summary of Shikoku Henro
Experiencing the pilgrimage will lead you to discoveries that lay deep within the depths of Japanese culture and history.
Tracing the ancient path of the pilgrimage, you may encounter yet undiscovered gems.
Furthermore, the beautiful natural environment and the local custom of selflessly helping and supporting another may also lead to self-discovery and personal growth.
AccessMap (Google Maps)
-
Video article 1:42
'Dou' or 'The Way' – Learn About Traditional Japanese Cultures and Understand the Spirit of Harmony in Japan Through Ancient Japanese Cultures Like Kendo and Archery!
Traditional Culture- 2.27K plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 2:10
How to Put on a Yukata for Men! A Must for Any Guy Looking To Wear a Yukata During Summer in Japan!
Traditional Culture Life & Business- 655 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:30
Radio Calisthenics Have Been Around in Japan for Approximately 90 Years and Has Been Ingrained Into Japanese Culture. Loved by Many, It's a Source of Health for the Japanese People!
Traditional Culture- 312 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 2:47
Karakuri Puppets With Delicate Movements: Traditional Japanese Technology, Realistic Movements, and All Done Without Electricity!
Traditional Culture- 481 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 4:20
The Shinobue - See the Traditional Japanese Instrument Played by Kazuya Sato. Its Graceful Sound Has Been Loved by the People of Japan Since the Heian Period
Traditional Culture- 708 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 8:44
Be Amazed at the Beauty of Nara's Three Major Gardens: Jiko-in, Isuien Garden, and Sainan-in - A Look at Japan's Ancient Gardening Culture
Traditional Culture Nature- 140 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 4:22
Sanuki Kagari Temari - A Traditional Handicraft of Takamatsu, Kagawa. Enjoy an Inside Look At How the Beautiful Patterns Are Made!
Traditional Culture Traditional Crafts- 168 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 4:34
Edo Furin (Wind Chimes) Have Been Used in Japan for Hundreds of Years as a Way To Feel Cool and Refreshed in the Heat of Summer. Find Out Exactly How They're Made in This Article!
Traditional Culture Traditional Crafts- 95 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 12:33
Noh - Fall in Love With the Classical Japanese Dance Theatre. A Look at Its History, Charm, and Aesthetics
Traditional Culture Celebrities- 443 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:10
The Urasenke School of Tea Has Detailed Rules on Not Only How To Drink Tea, but Also on How To Take Sweets! Experience the Hospitality of Japan's Ancient Tea Ceremony!
Traditional Culture- 1.04K plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 6:03
Okinawan Bullfighting - Experience a Fierce Battle Between 2 Beasts in Uruma, Okinawa!
Traditional Culture Travel- 213 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 4:16
Sakura - Enjoy Japanese Folk Music on a Koto Beneath the Cherry Blossoms
Traditional Culture Entertainment & Music- 842 plays
- YouTube
1 Comment