Embrace spiritualism on Japan's sacred nature trail
Shikoku has a quiet, but profound presence in Japan's archipelago. It wears its heart on its sleeve, inviting you to explore ...
Nippon15d
Seated Image of Nyoirin Kannon (Kanshinji, Osaka)
A national treasure, the image is housed in the ancient Shingon temple of Kanshinji in the city of Kawachinagano, Osaka Prefecture. According to tradition, the temple was established in 701 by En ...
National Geographic news29d
Need a spiritual lift? Try this thousand-year-old island hike in Japan
The most recognisable figure along the Shikoku Henro is Kukai, or Kobo Daishi, the founder of esoteric Shingon Buddhism, one of several versions of Buddhism practiced in Japan. He was born in 774 ...
The Independent10d
What it’s like to hike Japan’s sacred Kumano Kodo trail
Collectively known as Kumano Sanzan, these sohonsha (“head shrines”) form the spiritual centre of Shingon Buddhism, established in the 9th century. The entire area was named a world heritage ...
朝日新聞社18d
Historian works to share Shikoku pilgrimage across the world
The 1,400-kilometer route connects sacred sites associated with Kukai (774-835), the monk who founded the Shingon sect of Buddhism and is known posthumously as Kobo Daishi. Moreton said he was ...