Shikoku Pilgrimage No. 2&3 Temples

Visiting the first three temples on foot

By Yoshifumi Hara

Community writer

The entrance gate (Niou-mon) of the 2nd temple

The main hall is up there beyond the stairs

This drawing represents the soles of the Buddha's feet

This path leads us to the side of the 3rd Temple

The entrance gate (Niou-mon) of the 3rd Temple

Pilgrims wearing traditional white dress

If you find your reflection on the surface of the water in the well, you will live a longer life

The first three temples of this famous pilgrimage are located a short distance away from each other (about 4 km). We can visit them on foot in half a day. I left the first temple and walked “Route 12” towards west. A short time later, I found a roadway sign saying “Gokuraku-ji Temple”. Yes, Gokuraku-ji Temple is the second temple of the pilgrimage. From the second temple, the path goes into a quiet residential area. The walking path of the pilgrimage is sometimes complex like a maze. But you do not need to worry as long as you follow the tiny signs to “Henro-michi”. But the signs somehow led me to the side of the third temple (Konsen-ji Temple). So, I had to reenter the gate.