Kagawa Prefecture's 7th Henro Pilgrimage Experience for Foreign Residents/Visitors

On May 14, 2011, Kagawa Prefecture held its 7th Henro Pilgrimage Experience for Foreign Residents and Visitors in the western part of the prefecture.  We walked 15.1 km between Daikoji (Temple No. 67) and Kannonji/Jinnein (Temples Nos. 68 & 69, the only temples located together in one location).  The weather was perfect, and we enjoyed the nature, history, and exercise from our day on the Henro Path.

On this trip, we were especially fortunate to be joined by His Excellency, Mr. Virasakdi Futrakul, Ambassador from the Kingdom of Thailand, Mrs. Amapourn Futrakul, and Minister Counselor Waravuth Pouapinya of the Royal Thai Embassy.  Our deepest thanks to them!

On every Henro Experience, our participants where the traditional byakue vests...

...don sedge hats, and carry the kongozue walking sticks that authentic pilgrims (o-henro san) actually use as they visit all 88 temples located around a 1400 km circuit on the island of Shikoku.

The rice paddies and greenery of western Kagawa were just gorgeous. It was a perfect day for walking the path and learning about the history of the 88 temples.

Many temples and shrines in Japan are located on hills or other places that require a little bit of effort to get to.  A beautiful tree-lined staircase led to the main hall at Daikoji Temple.

We purified ourselves by washing our hands at the entrance basin and then enjoyed the grounds of the temple.

After our long trek, we arrived at Kannonji/Jinnein, where the assistant head priest introduced us to the temples' history beneath a glorious, old camphor tree.

He was kind enough to let us see the storehouse, which was full of beautiful statues and scrolls.  Unfortunately, photography inside was not allowed...so you will have to go see the temple for yourself!

Please come to Kagawa and experience the beauty, history, and tranquility of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage!