Journeys in Japan

1,200 years ago, the Buddhist saint Kukai (also known as Kobo Daishi) established 88 temples in Shikoku. Later, it became popular to make a pilgrimage, along a route around the island, visiting all of the temples. This pilgrimage is known as ohenro, and the pilgrims are called ohenro-san. This week on Journeys in Japan, Bene continues on the second stage of her pilgrimage, through Kochi Prefecture. The trail is hard, covering a distance of about 350 km. Bene visits a cave on Cape Muroto where the young priest Kukai meditated and achieved enlightenment. Bene continues to Kochi City, visiting a temple where she experiences the spiritual discipline of copying sutras by hand. She encounters many people along the route, including other pilgrims. In Kuroshio Town, she stays the night at a homestay-style inn, and establishes a deep connection with the couple who run the inn.