Shikoku Pilgrimage

Japan’s two-month Shut-in Pilgrimage – A 1,200-year-old way to deal with a modern issue

Program helps hikikomori take steps towards reconnecting with the outside world.

Read More

Online pilgrimages along Japan’s famous Shikoku Henro route begin later this year

A journey of 1,000 kilometers begins with a single log-in.

Read More

Ultra-cute moe pilgrims embark on Shikoku’s 88-temple journey in new TV show

2014 marks the 1,200th year since Buddhist monk Kukai made his holy journey to 88 temples on the southern Japanese island of Shikoku. The Shikoku Pilgrimage now attracts people from all over Japan as well as the world to visit the same temples along the 1,200 km-route.

Now, a new TV series, Ohenro, is out to appeal to a new generation of religious travelers and features three female pilgrims stylized in the ever popular moe fashion of super-cute anime characters.

But Japanese netizens, eager to soak up all things moe, are wondering if they will have to make their own “holy trip” since only four broadcasters are airing the show!

Read More