Shikoku 88 Temple: Takamatsu Station - Yakuri Station
While I was in Shikoku, I decided to walk part of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage route for a few days. The full pilgrimage circles the island and includes 88 official temples, plus many other sacred spots connected to the monk Kukai (Kobo Daishi), who lived in the 9th century. The whole route is about 1,200 km, but I’m only doing a small section this time. Traditionally, pilgrims wear a white vest (hakui), conical hat, carry a walking stick, a stamp book, and sutras—but I decided not to collect any stamps this time. I plan to come back and do the full pilgrimage someday.
The day was warmer than I’d like, and I felt a bit sluggish, but since the elevation wasn’t too high, I figured I’d manage. I started from Takamatsu Station and headed toward Mt. Yashima (293m), where Yashima Temple is. The path wasn’t shaded until I reached the trailhead, and the climb was steeper and sandier than I expected—I had to watch my footing carefully. At one point, the trail wasn’t clear, and I almost climbed the wrong way up the cliff!
Eventually, I made it to the top, though the temple was still a bit further. I ran into another pilgrim—she was surprised to see a foreigner walking the route in winter and kindly gave me a bottle of green tea.
I spent more time there than planned and then headed toward Yakuri Station. I had thought about continuing on to Yakuri Temple, but I wasn’t feeling great, so I stopped at the station and took the train back to Takamatsu, then walked to my accommodation.
Route Detail
Distance: 14.8km from Takamatsu Station to Yakuri Station
Total elevation gain: 367m
Time: 3h 07m (total time with breaks 3h 24m)
Difficulty: Moderate
Peak: Mt. Yashima 293m
Temple: #84 Yashima Temple
Miscellaneous
Food ¥160
