What is the
Sasaguri Pilgrimage?
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History of the Sasaguri Sacred Sites
Statue of Jinin, Temple 83, Senju-in
Origins of the Sasaguri Sacred Sites
Origins of the
Sasaguri Sacred Sites
It is said that the origin of Sasaguri Sacred Sites dates back to the Tempo era (1830–1844), when a nun named Jinin from Meinohama, Sawara District, visited this area to pay her respects to Kobo Daishi.
Jinin was a nun who stopped by Sasaguri Village on her way back from completing the Shikoku Pilgrimage of 88 temples.
Jinin saw the poverty of the villagers living in the area, which is said to have been visited by Kobo Daishi, the founder of the 88 temples of Shikoku, and stayed there to help. It is said that she continued to pray in the name of Kobo Daishi, eventually bringing peace to the village.
Recognizing this as a blessing from Kobo Daishi, Jinin proposed that the villagers build 88 sacred sites, modeled after those in Shikoku. The villagers gradually began to respond to this call, producing stone figures of the Buddha, but Jinin died in the middle of this work.
Statue of Fujiki Tosuke, Temple 59, Danoura Yakushido
Beginnings of the Sasaguri Shikoku
88 Sacred Sites
Beginnings of the Sasaguri
Shikoku 88 Sacred Sites
Jinin’s vision was passed on to Fujiki Tosuke, a resident of Danoura, Sasaguri Village.
In 1850, Fujiki Tosuke, a strong believer in Kobo Daishi, consulted with volunteers in the village, collected donations, and carved a statue of the Buddha. Then, in 1855, he and five companions made the pilgrimage around the original Shikoku Sacred Sites, and the sand they brought back with them was deposited at 88 sacred sites in the village. This is said to be the beginnings of the Sasaguri Shikoku 88 Sacred Sites.
Alongside the Shodoshima Pilgrimage and the Chita Shikoku Pilgrimage to 88 Sacred Sites, it is considered one of Japan’s three “Major New Shikoku Pilgrimages.” The pilgrimage route is approximately 50 km long, and can be completed in 4 to 5 days on foot or 2 to 3 days by car. Pilgrims can enjoy a variety of landscapes, from countryside to mountain trails, and experience soothing tranquility.
Why do people make the Sasaguri Pilgrimage?
People make the Sasaguri Pilgrimage for all sorts of reasons. Whether it is to pray for health or the safety of family members, to commemorate a loved one, or to learn more about Japanese culture, each pilgrim has their own purpose. Moreover, because it does not take as long to complete as the Shikoku pilgrimage, it is also recommended for those with limited time.
Statue of Fujiki Tosuke, Temple 59, Danoura Yakushido
Sasaguri Shikoku Pilgrimage to 88 Sacred Sites
MOREEtiquette
How to Worship at the Temples
When you arrive at a temple, first, bow once at the temple entrance’s main gate or the marker bearing the temple’s name.
Rinse your hands and mouth if there is a place to do so.
Pour water on your left hand, then your right hand, rinse your mouth with the water held in your left hand, and then pour the rest of the water down the handle of the ladle to rinse it out.
In front of the main hall, dedicate a votive slip, and make an offering of candles, incense, or money.
As a consideration for those coming after you, candles should be placed toward the top, and incense (three sticks) in the middle.
*Please prepare the pilgrimage name slips, candles, and incense sticks in advance.
Sutra Recitation
Sutra Book —Pilgrimage Guide—
* Sutra books are distributed to participants in the introductory tour to the pilgrimage.
(They are also sold at the Tourism Association counter)
Receive sutra stamps.
First stamp the red seal, then the black. After stamping, return the seals to their original place.
Some temples have writing brushes.
The sutra fee is 300 yen.
The fee for brush-written sutras is 500 yen.
Bow once again at the temple entrance’s main gate or the marker bearing the temple’s name, then head to the next temple.
Pilgrim’s Attire
No dress code!
Although the traditional style is to wear a white pilgrimage robe, straw hat, and pilgrim’s carry-all, together with a pilgrim’s staff and a string of prayer beads, there are no particular rules, so please feel free to wear what you please.
However, just wearing a white pilgrimage robe over your normal clothes and carrying a staff can help give a sense of resolve, so we recommend preparing some of these items for use on your pilgrimage.
Recommendations from the Tourism Association
Recommendations from
the Tourism Association
Clothes that are easy to move around in
Avoid skirts, or anything with eye-catching colors or patterns. White or similarly-colored clothes are recommended.
Comfortable shoes
Avoid high heels or leather shoes. There are many hills and staircases, so sneakers or light hiking shoes are recommended.
Backpack / Cross-body bag (pilgrim’s carry-all)
Backpacks are convenient, allowing the use of both hands. A cross-body bag allows quick access to incense, money offerings, etc.
Rain gear
Towels, hats, folding umbrellas, and removable raincoats are useful to keep out the rain and keep warm.
Drinking water
Make sure to drink plenty of water! Carry a canteen or plastic bottle, and take care not to get dehydrated.
Plastic file
A handy item perfect for holding pamphlets, catalogs, etc.
Seven must-have items for the pilgrimage
Seven must-have items
for the pilgrimage
Stamp book
Pilgrimage name slip
Prayer beads
Sutra book
Incense
Candles
Lighter
Points to note for foreign pilgrims / Etiquette guide
Points to note for
foreign pilgrims
Etiquette guide
- Please be sure to check whether or not taking photos is permitted. Some areas prohibit photography.
- Please refrain from using selfie sticks, stabilizers, tripods, and similar items.
- Please remain quiet on temple grounds, etc. Avoid talking loudly or using the telephone. Please be considerate so as not to disturb other worshippers.
- Please do not touch Buddha statues, carvings, temple pillars, doors, etc.
- Please refrain from wearing revealing clothing such as short skirts.
- Dispose of trash in a trash can. If there are no trash cans, please be sure to take your trash with you.
- Many tourist attractions and temples are non-smoking areas.
- Please smoke only in designated areas.
- Avoid eating and drinking as you walk. This can cause nuisance to others, especially in crowded areas.
- Please keep any public restrooms you use clean.