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. It does not matter how one goes, when one goes, how many temples one covers or which temple one begins with, as long as one retains the spirit of pilgrimage.