It is said he told his weeping disciples that he would come back when Miroku, the future Buddha, the saviour of the world, comes to this earth, and that until then he would always be watching people from the Pure Land of Miroku. After his passing away, those who believed in his nyujo or entering into a new life of meditation, began to make the round of his memorial places in Shikoku. This is said to be the origin of the Shikoku Pilgrimage. That is why the best pilgrims go on foot as Daishi did long ago. It takes about 60 days to cover the 1,647 km.
Some young people go by bicycle or by motorbike.
Some family groups drive their cars, while yet others hire a taxi. Still others ride the nearest trains and buses to the temples on their own. Naturally it is most desirable to make a complete circuit of the 88 Temples at one time. But one can make it at one's own convenience. Many people divide it into 4 or more pilgrimages over a year or several years.