2 Day Ohenro Tour

Ohenro:Day 1
This two day course will be an introduction to the Shikoku
Pilgrimage set in the charmingly odd city of Takamatsu. Thispilgrimage (Ohenro in Japanese) is taken by many people formany different reason. Keep this in mind as you take your firststeps upon the ancient trail—your journey is much more
important than the destinations.
The first temples visited will be Shiromineji and Negoroji. Locatedhigh amid the Goshikidai Mountain Range, these temples offer
sweeping views of the countryside, city, and the Seto Inland Sea.
The temple grounds of Shiromineji are rich with greenery andmoss that are verdant green in the warmer months andsurrounded by fiery orange and red in the mild winter andautumn. From here you will walk the ancient pilgrimage trail thatconnects to Negoroji.
Overlooking the surrounding countryside, Negoroji is hidden
below a canopy of leaves enveloping it in mist of shady mystery.
This atmosphere is more than appropriate as, according tolegend, the surrounding area was once terrorized by a demon
that lived on the mountain. It is said that a local archer used hisfaith in Buddhism and martial skill to defeat the monster and thatthe monster’s horn is kept in the temple treasury to this day.
The day will end with a visit Ritsurin Park, widely regarded as oneof the best representations of classic Japanese gardening andarchitecture. Maintained for over 400 years by the lords ofTakamatsu, this garden is rich with koi filled ponds, blooming
flowers, and seasonal beauty. The park also maintains thetrappings of its feudal origins including plants gifted from far awaylords, archery grounds, and even an artificial waterfallconstructed for the amusement of one local lord.
In the evening, you will have ample free time to explore streets ofdowntown Takamatsu. The intriguingly modern yet old fashioned
atmosphere of this city provides an excellent opportunity to takein local culture and reflect on the day.

Ohenro:Day 2
After a temple breakfast at Anrakuji, you will visit three more
temples on your last day in Takamatsu.
First is Shidoji. Located near the Seto Inland Sea, this temple
boasts a sprawling garden rich with seasonal plant life and a
towering red pagoda. Its location to the sea is not without
significance either. According to legend, a sea dragon who stole amystical Buddhist Orb capable of fulfilling wishes was defeatednear by this temple.
Next is Yakuriji, a temple said to have been founded after fiveheavenly swords fell from the sky marking the 5 mountain peaksof the area. On clear days, this mountain temple offers asweeping view of the surrounding countryside that reaches theazure waters of the Seto Inland Sea.
The last temple of the day is Yashimaji. This area was the site of amajor battle in Japan’s first civil war between ruling clans.
Evidence of this still exists in such land marks as the “Pond ofBlood,” were soldiers are said to have washed their swords.
Aside from more grisly details, Yashimaji offers an exciting look
into the more “carnival” like nature of Japanese religious
expression. The temple itself is surrounded by a complex ofvendors selling everything from souvenirs, pilgrimage gear, toudon noodle flavored ice cream. This combined with the lovely
mountain top view of the Seto Inland Sea, makes for a trulyunique atmosphere.
The day will end with a visit to Shikoku Mura, a kind of open airmuseum. Showcasing buildings from the past taken and restoredfrom all over Shikoku, this village allows you to view slices of thepast local lives of people from all across this island.

The day will end at Takamatsu Station. Here you are free tocontinue onto the next leg of your journey amid the sun setting
behind the azure waves of the Seto Inland Sea.