Itinerary Details
MT Sobek: Japan Shikoku Pilgrimage & Inland Sea Islands Hiking
Day 1 Arrive in Kyoto
Welcome to Japan! Meet the group and your guides at your hotel in Kyoto. This evening, stroll the winding cobbled streets of Gion, a district known for its historic charm and enigmatic geisha culture. Marvel at traditional wooden machiya architecture, crafted in minimalist style with latticed windows and sliding doors. Settle in for a sumptuous welcome dinner joined by a maiko (apprentice geisha).
Accommodation: Nohga Hotel Kiyomizu
(D)
Day 2 Explore Kyoto’s Mystical Temples & Ancient Paths
Public train, bus, and subway transfers within Kyoto
8 hours/5-6 miles city walking with negligible elevation gain or loss
Immerse yourself in daily life with a typical ride on public transportation—along with your guides, of course—to Nanzen-ji, a serene Zen temple in the Higashiyama foothills. Pause to cross through the towering gate to its beautiful structures and gardens, then follow the Philosopher's Path, a contemplative ramble along a peaceful cherry tree-lined canal through a quiet Kyoto neighborhood. Time permitting, visit Heian Jingu, a Shinto shrine with a blazing red torii gate. This afternoon, visit To-Ji, a Buddhist temple and UNESCO World Heritage Site. This temple was founded by Kukai (Kobo Daishi)—the monk who established the Shikoku Pilgrimage—and continues to be the headquarters of the Shingon sect of Buddhism. While there, he built the landmark five-story wooden pagoda, the tallest in Kyoto and a symbol of the city. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and discuss your plans for the journey to Shikoku Island.
Accommodation: Nohga Hotel Kiyomizu
(B, L, D)
Day 3 Travel to Shikoku & Step onto the 88 Temple Trail
3-hour private van transfer
2 hours/4 miles walking (negligible ascent and descent)
Depart Kyoto for the coast, then cross a series of bridges across Awaji Island and the bay to Tokushima, the traditional starting point of the Shikoku Henro (pilgrimage). The 750-mile route is centered around the monk Kukai (Kobo Dashi), who was born on the island and later founded the Shingon sect of Buddhism. Walk in the afternoon light, following rural roads linking the first three temples on the route—Ryozen-ji, Gokuraku-ji, and Konsen-ji. Each has its own charms, from weathered pagodas and moss-covered stone paths to lantern-lit halls rich with incense and history. You will walk alongside pilgrims beginning their months-long journey around the island, dressed in white, shaded by conical hats, and carrying distinctive wooden staffs. Mark the start of your hiking adventure with a staff of your own, available at Ryozen-ji, your first stop on the legendary trail.
Accommodation: JR Hotel Clement Tokushiima
(B, L, D)
Day 4 Visit Fujii-dera Temple & Climb the Path to Shosan-ji Temple
1-hour private van transfer
3 hours/3.5 miles hiking with 1,950’ elevation gain and 1,345' elevation loss
After a morning visit to temple 11, Fujii-dera (Wisteria Temple), a collection of atmospheric weathered-wood structures tucked at the base of Mount Shosan-ji, head into the mountains by private van to rejoin the route at Ryusui-an Temple. Hike one of the more challenging sections of the trail, which are known as henro korogashi (pilgrim tumbler). The path winds up stone and log steps through a magical landscape of ferns, moss, and forest. Crest two hills and pass through stands of bamboo and camelias with stone pilgrimage guardians cheering you on to temple 12. Ascend to stunning Shosan-ji (Burning Mountain Temple), perched in a lush grove of cedars. Depending on the weather, the temple may be beautifully enveloped in clouds, or if the sun is out, look outward for a breathtaking view over the valley.
Accommodation: Hotel Shikinosato
(B, L, D)
Day 5 Hike from Kakurin-ji to Tairyu-ji & Journey to the Iya Valley
3-hours private van transfer
3 hours/4.5 miles hiking with 1,510' elevation gain and 1,540' elevation loss
Start the day at temple 20, Kakurin-ji (Crane Forest Temple), immersed in ancient cedar, hinoki, and pine trees. Walk through the mountaintop temple's impressive gate to gaze up a rare three-storied pagoda before starting your hike for the day, another challenging henro korogashi. Walk along narrow paved paths and rock staircases through endless shades of green, descending to curving Naka River. Now it's time to climb! Trace a burbling brook through towering groves, climbing the last section on log steps. At temple 21, Tairyu-ji (Great Dragon Temple), the scent of burning incense wafts below intricately carved woodwork. Ride down the mountain by cable car, gliding over the cedar canopy with views out to the sea. Meet your waiting vehicle and travel into remote Iya Valley, soaking in outdoor hot spring baths at your onsen hotel this evening.
Accommodation: Iyanoyado Kazuraya
(B, L, D)
Day 6 Marvel at Ancient Vine Bridges & Explore Traditional Villages in Iya Valley
2-hour private van transfer
4 hours/4 miles walking with 500' elevation gain & 500’ elevation loss
This morning, set off into the mountains and gorges of Iya, a place where little has changed over the centuries. Walk across two massive vine bridges (kazurabashi) spanning the river valley, said to have been built by exiled samurai in the 12th century. Peer down at the rushing river below and stunning valley on either side, as the bridge gently sways, the knotted vines securely lashed to hardwood beams—a thrilling look into the region's past. Visit one of the oldest farmhouses in the valley, its thick thatched roof and dark pine floors have endured for 300 years, preserving the tradition of rural Japanese architecture through the Chiiori Trust. Explore the small village of Ochiai, guided by members of this traditional community. This evening, relax in the thermal waters at your hotel and complete your day of Japanese traditions with a delicious dinner of local dishes.
Accommodation: Iyanoyado Kazuraya
(B, L, D)
Day 7 Walk a Three-Temple Trail into the Goshikidai Mountains
3-hour private van transfer
5 hours/8.4 miles hiking with 1,100' elevation gain and 2,150' elevation loss
Start the day with a drive through the countryside to reconnect with the pilgrimage trail. Begin at the lantern-filled halls of temple 82, Negoro-ji (Fragrant Root Temple), on the slopes of Mount Aomine, then follow a sloping path through dense forest and ascend log stairs to the peak of Mount Shiromine. Discover beautiful architecture at temple 81, Shiromine-ji (White Peak Temple), surrounded by maple trees. Descend back into the forest, walking downhill on rock and dirt trails to the bottom of the mountain at temple 80, Kokubun-ji. Have a look at its legendary bell, then drive to Kotohira, a delightful onsen town known for its large Shinto shrine dedicated to sailors and seafaring, Kompira-san. Settle into your inn and soothe any sore muscles at the onsen baths.
Accommodation: Onyado Shikishimakan
(B, L, D)
Day 8 Follow the Path Between the Pilgrimage’s Final Two Temples
1.5-hour private van transfer
3-4 hours/6.8 miles hiking with 1,765' elevation gain and 826' elevation loss
After breakfast, begin your final day of walking on the Shikoku Pilgrimage. Begin with a visit to temple 87, Nagao-ji (Long Tail Temple), tucked into a suburban neighborhood and the penultimate temple for pilgrims. Drive to the Shikoku Henro Pilgrimage Exchange Salon, then hike the final leg of the pilgrimage to temple 88, Okubo-ji (Great Hollow Temple), on the slopes of Nyotai-san Mountain. You can feel the emotion as the journey nears its goal on this last ascent. As the final stop on the pilgrimage, wooden staffs are traditionally discarded at the understated temple to mark the completion of the journey. Celebrate your achievement together before leaving the trail for the coastal city of Takamatsu.
Accommodation: Royal Park Hotel, Takamatsu
(B, L)
Day 9 Explore the Art Island of Naoshima & Travel to Hiroshima
50-minute ferry, 20-minute ferry 1-hour private van transfer 40-minute bullet train ride
4 hours/5 miles walking with 300' elevation gain & 300’ elevation loss
Depart Shikoku by ferry for Naoshima island, an art-filled jewel in the picturesque Inland Sea. Visit a museum that is a work of art in itself. Designed to minimize its impact on the island's natural beauty, it was ingeniously constructed underground in such a way that the interior is illuminated with natural light, which changes color and angle according to the hour and season. Works by artists such as Claude Monet and James Turrell can be experienced in this unusual space. Next, get outdoors to view installations and sculptures, including Yayoi Kusama's celebrated Pumpkin, set on a pier with the Inland Sea as a striking backdrop. Discover unoccupied homes, now reimagined as works of art through the Art House Project. At the end of the day, hop on a ferry to Honshu and drive to Okayama where you'll board the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Hiroshima and check into your hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel Granvia Hiroshima South Gate
(B, L)
Day 10 Witness the Floating Itsukushima Shrine
30-minute private van transfer, 30-minute ferry ride
3 hours/3 miles walking with 300' elevation gain & 300' elevation loss
This morning the ferry takes you back onto the Inland Sea to the photogenic shores of Miyajima Island, a sacred Shinto site since the 6th century. Visit Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site listed as an excellent example of the Japanese standard of beauty, harmoniously combining architecture with nature—in this case both sea and mountains. Built over the water on stilts, the Shinto shrine features elegant wooden pavilions connected by boardwalks, designed to appear as if floating during high tide. Its iconic vermillion torii gate rises dramatically from the sea, framing the forested mountains beyond. Spend tonight on the island.
Accommodation: Itsukushima Iroha
(B, D)
Day 11 Summit Miyajima’s Mount Misen for Inland Sea Views
20-minute gondola ride down from Mount Misen
3 hours/3 miles hiking with 1,700' elevation gain
Awake for another day on this gorgeous island. Head out on the trails, first stopping at Buddhist Daisho-in temple. Although Miyajima is known for its Shinto shrine, Mount Misen is also a place where Kukai (Kobo Daishi)—who the Shikoku pilgrimage is dedicated to—practiced Buddhism. Ascend into the hills, walking through enchanting old growth groves with chances to see the resident spotted deer or—if you are very lucky—monkeys. After a final steep climb, reach the summit for breathtaking panoramic views of inland sea islands, forested ridges, and down over the Itsukushima Shrine. Return to the base of the mountain by gondola and gather for a celebratory farewell dinner.
Accommodation: Itsukushima Iroha
(B, L, D)
Day 12 Depart from Hiroshima
30-minute ferry ride, 30-minute private van transfer 1.5-hour train ride
Rise early to catch the morning ferry from Miyajima to Hiroshima. Board the Shinkansen to Osaka and transfer to Kansai International Airport for flights home, or continue by train to Kyoto to continue your Japan journey independently.
(B)
