A long contemplative walk
In March and April of 2026, I have walked a 1,200 km pilgrimage on the Japanese island of Shikoku. Following in the footsteps of the Buddhist monk Kōbō Daishi, I have visited the 88 sacred temples of the Shikoku Henro.
This blog documents both my preparation and the journey itself as well as the lessons I learned along the way. It is mainly meant as a reminder and encouragement to persevere and I genuinely hope it may also inspire anyone interested in attempting a similar challenge.
Pilgrimage epilogue 1 - Was my body ready?
Ode to Onsen
Closure and Release
The End and Beginning
Entering Nirvana
A State of Flow
Above and Beyond
Halfway to Enlightenment
Forest Bathing & Cape Walking
From coast to Kōchi
Hosshin: Awakening
Namu Daishi Henjo Kongo
Year of the Fire Horse
Sutanpu, sutanpu
Solace for the soles
Nihongo ga sukoshi dekimasu
Getting my heart ready — Part 2
Getting my heart ready — Part 1
Gearing up
Getting my body ready