Japan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese Language

Shikoku's 88 Temple Pligrimmage: What You Should KNOW (Kevin Tarpey) | Japan Station 169

Aug 1, 2025

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On this episode of Japan Station, Kevin Tarpey joins us to talk about what it was like doing Shikoku's famous 88 Temple Pilgrimmage and why Japan is such a great place for long-distance walking.

👉Topics Discussed

Why Japan is such a great place for long-distance walking
About the famous Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimmage (Ohenro, お遍路)
What it's like walking the 88 temple pilgrimmage
How long it took to walk the 88 temple pilgrimmage in Shikoku
How much distance Kevin covered per day while doing the 88 temple pilgrimmage
About getting blisters while walking the 88 temple pilgrimmage
About the importance of pacing yourself while doing long-distance walks
The customs surrounding the 88 temple pilgrimmage
About the stampbook/passport used while on the 88 temple pilgrimmage
About the "traditional" clothing pilgrims often wear while doing the 88 temple pilgrimmage
Why you should use the hakui/vest while doing the 88 temple pilgrimmage
About the custom of Osettai
About walking on roads in japan
About walking the most rural area of the 88 temple pilgrimmage
About the official English guidebook for the 88 temple pilgrimmage
About the importance of preparing for a long-distance walk
Memorable experiences on the 88 temple pilgrimmage
About walking Cape Muroto
About eating paella at the lodging on Cape Muroto
About booking accomodations while on the 88 temple pilgrimmage
What accomodations might cost while on the 88 temple pilgrimmage
About "free lodging" on the 88 temple pilgrimmage
About henro huts
How knowing some Japanese can enrich your experience on the 88 temple pilgrimmage
About the finishing the 88 temple pilgrimmage
About th Hagi Okan and what it is like walking it
About Kevin's upcoming walks
About liquid intake and bathroom planning while on long-distance walking
And much more!

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