{"id":303,"date":"2026-01-24T10:52:44","date_gmt":"2026-01-24T01:52:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ohenro-gift.com\/en\/?p=303"},"modified":"2026-04-06T03:16:21","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T07:16:21","slug":"about-ohenro","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ohenro-gift.com\/en\/about-ohenro\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is Ohenro? Meaning, Purpose &#038; the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"balloon\">\n<figure class=\"balloon__img balloon__img-right\">\n<div><\/div><figcaption class=\"balloon__name\">Curious Reader<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"balloon__text balloon__text-left\">I\u2019ve heard the word Ohenro before, but what does it actually mean?<br \/>\nWhy do people do it?<br \/>\nDoes religion or Buddhist sect matter if you want to take part?<br \/>\nI\u2019d love a simple explanation.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>In this article, I\u2019ll answer those questions and explain <strong>what Ohenro really is<\/strong> in the clearest and simplest way possible.<\/p>\n<p class=\"check-point\">What You\u2019ll Learn in This Article<\/p>\n<div class=\"ep-box--border\">\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\"huto\">What Ohenro means, why people do it, and what its purpose is<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"huto\">Whether Ohenro is connected to a specific Buddhist sect<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"huto\">The origin, background, and history of Ohenro<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"huto\">What \u201cosettai,\u201d one of the best-known customs of the pilgrimage, actually means<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>This article will walk you through the history, meaning, and spiritual background of Ohenro in an easy-to-understand way. If you\u2019ve ever wondered, <strong>\u201cWhat is Ohenro?\u201d<\/strong> you\u2019ll find the answer here.<\/p>\n<div class=\"balloon\">\n<figure class=\"balloon__img balloon__img-left\">\n<div><\/div><figcaption class=\"balloon__name\">Hajime<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"balloon__text balloon__text-right\">Be sure to read to the end!<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">TAP TO JUMP TO A SECTION<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/ohenro-gift.com\/en\/about-ohenro\/#toc_1\" >What Is Ohenro?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/ohenro-gift.com\/en\/about-ohenro\/#toc_2\" >What Do \u201cOhenro-san\u201d and \u201cOhenro-sama\u201d Mean?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/ohenro-gift.com\/en\/about-ohenro\/#toc_3\" >What Is the Meaning and Purpose of Ohenro? Why Do People Do It?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/ohenro-gift.com\/en\/about-ohenro\/#toc_4\" >The Most Common Reasons: Prayer, Memorial, and Life Transitions<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/ohenro-gift.com\/en\/about-ohenro\/#toc_5\" >What Buddhist Sect Is Ohenro Connected To? Can People from Other Backgrounds Join?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/ohenro-gift.com\/en\/about-ohenro\/#toc_6\" >At Its Core, Ohenro Is Rooted in Shingon Buddhism Founded by Kukai<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/ohenro-gift.com\/en\/about-ohenro\/#toc_7\" >In Fact, Not All Temples on the Route Belong to Shingon Buddhism<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/ohenro-gift.com\/en\/about-ohenro\/#toc_8\" >You Can Join Ohenro Even If You Follow Another Religion\u2014or None at All<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/ohenro-gift.com\/en\/about-ohenro\/#toc_9\" >The Origin and History of Ohenro: What Is the Relationship Between Kukai and the Pilgrimage?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/ohenro-gift.com\/en\/about-ohenro\/#toc_10\" >The \u201c88 Temple Pilgrimage\u201d Means Visiting All 88 Sacred Temples<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/ohenro-gift.com\/en\/about-ohenro\/#toc_11\" >The Basic Way of Thinking About the 88 Temples<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/ohenro-gift.com\/en\/about-ohenro\/#toc_12\" >What Does Ketsugan Mean?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/ohenro-gift.com\/en\/about-ohenro\/#toc_13\" >What Does Dogyo Ninin Mean? \u201cEven Alone, You Are Not Truly Alone.\u201d<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/ohenro-gift.com\/en\/about-ohenro\/#toc_14\" >What Does \u201cNamu Daishi Henjo Kongo\u201d Mean on the Back of the White Pilgrimage Jacket?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/ohenro-gift.com\/en\/about-ohenro\/#toc_15\" >What Is Osettai? One of the Most Important Traditions of Ohenro<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/ohenro-gift.com\/en\/about-ohenro\/#toc_16\" >Ohenro Is a Pilgrimage Journey Through the 88 Sacred Temples of Shikoku<\/a><\/li><\/ul><div class=\"outline-accordion__wrap\"><div class=\"outline-accordion\">Show Contents<\/div><\/div><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"toc_1\"><\/span>What Is Ohenro?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-506\" src=\"https:\/\/ohenro-gift.com\/en\/giftohenro369\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/about-ohenro_01.jpg\" alt=\"What Is Ohenro?\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ohenro-gift.com\/en\/giftohenro369\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/about-ohenro_01.jpg 700w, https:\/\/ohenro-gift.com\/en\/giftohenro369\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/about-ohenro_01-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Ohenro<\/strong> is a pilgrimage around the <span class=\"marker--red\">88 temples in Shikoku associated with Kobo Daishi, also known as Kukai<\/span>, visiting them one by one in order.<\/p>\n<div class=\"balloon\">\n<figure class=\"balloon__img balloon__img-left\">\n<div><\/div><figcaption class=\"balloon__name\">Hajime<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"balloon__text balloon__text-right\">When I say \u201cpilgrimage,\u201d think of it not as ordinary travel, but as a journey of walking, praying, and bringing your heart into alignment.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Ohenro has continued for centuries and has been passed down in Shikoku as <span class=\"marker--yellow\">a deeply rooted part of everyday culture<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>You may have heard the name before, but at the center of this tradition is <span class=\"marker--yellow\">Kukai\u2014also known as Kobo Daishi\u2014a revered Buddhist monk from long ago<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"check-point\">Ohenro as a Living Tradition<\/p>\n<p>Ohenro has a traditional form that has been preserved for generations, and at its core, it is quite simple.<\/p>\n<div class=\"ep-box--border\">\n<ul>\n<li>Visit the 88 temples of Shikoku in sequence<\/li>\n<li>Follow proper etiquette and offer your prayers at each temple<\/li>\n<li>Pray for yourself or your family, express gratitude, or make the journey in remembrance of someone<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>These three elements have long been at the heart of Ohenro as a tradition.<\/p>\n<p>Ohenro is also known by several other names.<\/p>\n<div class=\"title-box\">\n<div class=\"box-title\">Other Names for Ohenro<\/div>\n<div class=\"box-content\">\n<ul>\n<li>Ohenro Pilgrimage<\/li>\n<li>Shikoku Henro<\/li>\n<li>Shikoku Pilgrimage<\/li>\n<li>88 Temple Pilgrimage<\/li>\n<li>Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage<\/li>\n<li>Pilgrimage to the 88 Sacred Sites<\/li>\n<li>Temple Pilgrimage<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>As you can see, the tradition is referred to in different ways depending on the person.<\/p>\n<div class=\"balloon\">\n<figure class=\"balloon__img balloon__img-right\">\n<div><\/div><figcaption class=\"balloon__name\">Curious Reader<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"balloon__text balloon__text-left\">So \u201cShikoku Pilgrimage\u201d and \u201c88 Temples\u201d are basically talking about Ohenro too.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>In short, Ohenro is an age-old pilgrimage in which people visit the 88 temples of Shikoku associated with Kukai (Kobo Daishi).<\/p>\n<p>And within each step of that pilgrimage lives a long-inherited <span class=\"huto\">culture of prayer and gratitude<\/span>.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"toc_2\"><\/span>What Do \u201cOhenro-san\u201d and \u201cOhenro-sama\u201d Mean?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>\u201c<strong>Ohenro-san<\/strong>\u201d is a warm, familiar way of referring to someone making the pilgrimage around the sacred temples of Shikoku.<\/p>\n<div class=\"balloon\">\n<figure class=\"balloon__img balloon__img-left\">\n<div><\/div><figcaption class=\"balloon__name\">Hajime<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"balloon__text balloon__text-right\">It\u2019s a term local people often use when speaking to pilgrims.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>On the other hand, \u201c<strong>Ohenro-sama<\/strong>\u201d is a more respectful and formal expression.<\/p>\n<p>You will often hear it in the context of osettai, or when older locals speak to pilgrims with particular reverence.<\/p>\n<div class=\"ep-box\">Both expressions reflect Shikoku\u2019s unique culture of honoring and caring for those on pilgrimage. There is no single \u201ccorrect\u201d answer.<\/div>\n<p>In everyday conversation, \u201cOhenro-san\u201d is more common, but <span class=\"marker--yellow\">both are respectful ways to refer to a person on pilgrimage.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"toc_3\"><\/span>What Is the Meaning and Purpose of Ohenro? Why Do People Do It?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"balloon\">\n<figure class=\"balloon__img balloon__img-right\">\n<div><\/div><figcaption class=\"balloon__name\">Curious Reader<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"balloon__text balloon__text-left\">What is the actual meaning or purpose of Ohenro?<br \/>\nWhy do people choose to do it?<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"balloon\">\n<figure class=\"balloon__img balloon__img-left\">\n<div><\/div><figcaption class=\"balloon__name\">Hajime<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"balloon__text balloon__text-right\">That\u2019s a great question. It\u2019s one of the most important things to understand about the pilgrimage.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The most common reasons people take part in Ohenro include the following:<\/p>\n<div class=\"ep-box--border\">\n<ol>\n<li><strong><span class=\"huto\">Prayer<\/span><\/strong>: wishes for health, family happiness, success in work, exams, and other hopes for the future<\/li>\n<li><strong>Memorial devotion<\/strong>: expressing gratitude to someone who has passed away and finding inner peace through prayer<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"huto\">A turning point in life<\/span>: marking a new chapter such as a job change, divorce, graduation, moving, or recovery<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"huto\">Finding yourself again<\/span>: restoring balance to a life or heart that has become exhausted or unsettled<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<p>At its core, Ohenro is a pilgrimage in which people visit the 88 temples of Shikoku while praying, remembering loved ones, and reflecting on their own hearts.<\/p>\n<p>So if someone asks, <strong>\u201cWhy do people do Ohenro?\u201d<\/strong> the honest answer is that there is no single reason. It depends on the individual.<\/p>\n<p>In recent years, some people have also joined the pilgrimage simply because of the temple stamp boom, thinking of it as <span class=\"marker--blue\">a way to collect goshuin stamps<\/span>. And that, too, can be one reason someone begins Ohenro.<\/p>\n<div class=\"balloon\">\n<figure class=\"balloon__img balloon__img-left\">\n<div><\/div><figcaption class=\"balloon__name\">Hajime<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"balloon__text balloon__text-right\">For people who deeply admire Kukai, Ohenro can also feel like a sacred journey to follow in his footsteps.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"toc_4\"><\/span>The Most Common Reasons: Prayer, Memorial, and Life Transitions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>People walk Ohenro for many different reasons, but the three most common are <span class=\"marker--red\">prayer, memorial devotion, and major life transitions<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>For those who walk in prayer, the journey is made with hopes for personal health, family happiness, or success in work and life.<\/p>\n<div class=\"balloon\">\n<figure class=\"balloon__img balloon__img-left\">\n<div><\/div><figcaption class=\"balloon__name\">Hajime<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"balloon__text balloon__text-right\">In that sense, it\u2019s very similar to the way people normally visit temples to pray.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>For memorial purposes, Ohenro becomes a journey of gratitude and remembrance for someone who has passed away, or a way to calm one\u2019s own heart.<\/p>\n<div class=\"ep-box\">It can be a deeply meaningful act of prayer for the peace of the departed, a wish for their rest, and an expression of gratitude that is carried step by step along the road.<\/div>\n<p>In Shikoku, some even say that <span class=\"marker--yellow\">this form of memorial devotion can feel stronger than an ordinary visit to a grave or family altar.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"balloon\">\n<figure class=\"balloon__img balloon__img-right\">\n<div><\/div><figcaption class=\"balloon__name\">Curious Reader<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"balloon__text balloon__text-left\">It sounds physically demanding, so I can see why it would feel powerful as a memorial offering.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>As a life transition, Ohenro is often chosen by people who want to rebuild themselves during a turning point in life\u2014after changing jobs, moving, heartbreak, divorce, or illness recovery.<\/p>\n<p>What all of these motivations share is this: walking, praying, and visiting temples helps people sort through their feelings and take the next step forward.<\/p>\n<div class=\"balloon\">\n<figure class=\"balloon__img balloon__img-left\">\n<div><\/div><figcaption class=\"balloon__name\">Hajime<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"balloon__text balloon__text-right\">That\u2019s why Ohenro has continued for so long\u2014not only as a way to pray for something, but also as a time to steady the heart.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>As a side note, there are stories that when Kukai himself traveled through Shikoku, he was performing ascetic practice and even guiding temples in the region toward Shingon Buddhism. Some legends even say that <span class=\"marker--red\">he was spiritually protecting Shikoku itself<\/span>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"ep-box\">By contrast, some people say that walking the pilgrimage in reverse\u2014from Temple 88 back to Temple 1\u2014symbolically breaks that spiritual barrier.<\/div>\n<div class=\"balloon\">\n<figure class=\"balloon__img balloon__img-left\">\n<div><\/div><figcaption class=\"balloon__name\">Hajime<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"balloon__text balloon__text-right\">That idea even appears in the horror novel that became the film <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/45XdOTI\">Shikoku<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>How much of that is literal truth is impossible to say, but one thing is clear: <span class=\"marker--yellow\">the meaning and purpose of Ohenro can differ from person to person.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"balloon\">\n<figure class=\"balloon__img balloon__img-right\">\n<div><\/div><figcaption class=\"balloon__name\">Curious Reader<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"balloon__text balloon__text-left\">That\u2019s what makes Ohenro so fascinating\u2014the meaning changes depending on the person.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"toc_5\"><\/span>What Buddhist Sect Is Ohenro Connected To? Can People from Other Backgrounds Join?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-507\" src=\"https:\/\/ohenro-gift.com\/en\/giftohenro369\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/about-ohenro_02.jpg\" alt=\"What Buddhist Sect Is Ohenro Connected To? Can People from Other Backgrounds Join?\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ohenro-gift.com\/en\/giftohenro369\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/about-ohenro_02.jpg 700w, https:\/\/ohenro-gift.com\/en\/giftohenro369\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/about-ohenro_02-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Many people wonder:<\/p>\n<p>\u201c<strong>Which Buddhist sect is Ohenro connected to?<\/strong>\u201d<br \/>\n\u201c<strong>Can I still take part if I follow a different religion\u2014or none at all?<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The short answer is this: because Ohenro is rooted in the path of Kukai (Kobo Daishi), it has a strong foundation in Shingon Buddhism.<\/p>\n<p>But in practice, Ohenro is not a place where people compete over the depth of their faith.<\/p>\n<p>That means <span class=\"marker--yellow\">people from other sects, other religions, or no religion at all are absolutely welcome to take part.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"balloon\">\n<figure class=\"balloon__img balloon__img-left\">\n<div><\/div><figcaption class=\"balloon__name\">Hajime<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"balloon__text balloon__text-right\">Most foreign visitors who come to Japan to do Ohenro are not Buddhist, after all.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>From here, I\u2019ll explain clearly:<br \/>\nwhy Shingon Buddhism is seen as the foundation,<br \/>\nhow to think about Ohenro if you come from another background,<br \/>\nand why some of the temples on the route actually belong to other sects.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"toc_6\"><\/span>At Its Core, Ohenro Is Rooted in Shingon Buddhism Founded by Kukai<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>As mentioned above, the main religious foundation of Ohenro is <span class=\"huto\">Shingon Buddhism<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>According to the Shikoku 88 Temple Association, the 88 sacred sites of Shikoku were established around 1,200 years ago in connection with Kobo Daishi (Kukai), the founder of Shingon Buddhism.<\/p>\n<div class=\"ep-box--question\">It is also said that Kukai walked through Shikoku for training and spiritual practice, and that because of his influence, <span class=\"huto\">many temples on the route became Shingon temples<\/span>.<\/div>\n<p>So when people ask which sect Ohenro belongs to, Shingon Buddhism is the spiritual foundation.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"toc_7\"><\/span>In Fact, Not All Temples on the Route Belong to Shingon Buddhism<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Although many people assume that all Ohenro temples are Shingon temples, <span class=\"marker--yellow\">the 88 temples actually include some from other sects as well.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"check-point\">Sects Other Than Shingon on the Route<\/p>\n<div class=\"ep-box--border\">\n<ul>\n<li>4 Tendai temples<\/li>\n<li>2 Rinzai temples<\/li>\n<li>1 Soto temple<\/li>\n<li>1 Ji-shu temple<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>Historically, the route may have been even more diverse, and some temples are believed to have changed sect affiliation over time.<\/p>\n<div class=\"balloon\">\n<figure class=\"balloon__img balloon__img-right\">\n<div><\/div><figcaption class=\"balloon__name\">Curious Reader<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"balloon__text balloon__text-left\">I assumed Ohenro was purely a Shingon custom, but apparently not.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"balloon\">\n<figure class=\"balloon__img balloon__img-left\">\n<div><\/div><figcaption class=\"balloon__name\">Hajime<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"balloon__text balloon__text-right\">That\u2019s right. There are even stories that some temples chose not to convert despite Kukai\u2019s influence.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ep-box--question\">Does that mean the way you pray changes depending on the temple\u2019s sect?<\/div>\n<p>No\u2014not really.<\/p>\n<p>Even when the temple belongs to a different sect, the basic pilgrimage etiquette remains the same, so there is usually no need to worry about each temple\u2019s sect while doing Ohenro.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"toc_8\"><\/span>You Can Join Ohenro Even If You Follow Another Religion\u2014or None at All<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Some people worry, <strong>\u201cIs it okay if I\u2019m from another faith, or not religious at all?\u201d<\/strong> The answer is yes\u2014absolutely.<\/p>\n<p>At its heart, <span class=\"marker--red\">Buddhism does not turn people away.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>The Japan Heritage Portal of the Agency for Cultural Affairs describes the Shikoku pilgrimage as:<\/p>\n<div class=\"ep-box\">a \u201cjourney of the heart\u201d in which anyone\u2014regardless of nationality, religion, or sect\u2014can become an Ohenro pilgrim and walk with their own hopes, prayers, discipline, healing, or remembrance.<\/div>\n<div class=\"balloon\">\n<figure class=\"balloon__img balloon__img-right\">\n<div><\/div><figcaption class=\"balloon__name\">Curious Reader<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"balloon__text balloon__text-left\">If anyone is welcome, that makes it much easier to take part.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"balloon\">\n<figure class=\"balloon__img balloon__img-left\">\n<div><\/div><figcaption class=\"balloon__name\">Hajime<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"balloon__text balloon__text-right\">Exactly. It\u2019s a little like climbing the same mountain\u2014some do it for exercise, others for the scenery, but everyone can make the ascent.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"toc_9\"><\/span>The Origin and History of Ohenro: What Is the Relationship Between Kukai and the Pilgrimage?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The origin of Ohenro is traditionally linked to the sacred places of Shikoku associated with the spiritual training of Kobo Daishi Kukai.<\/p>\n<p>Because <span class=\"marker--yellow\">Kukai was born in what is now Kagawa Prefecture in Shikoku (then known as Sanuki Province) and is said to have trained there<\/span>, Shikoku became the land of this pilgrimage, and that tradition continues to this day.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>According to the Agency for Cultural Affairs, the roots of the pilgrimage go back to monks and ascetics of the Heian period. By the Kamakura period, famous figures such as Saigyo, Honen, and Ippen are also said to have visited Shikoku, and over time the pilgrimage spread to ordinary people as well.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\">Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/japan-heritage.bunka.go.jp\/ja\/stories\/story015\/\">Agency for Cultural Affairs \u2013 Ohenro<\/a><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Later, during the Edo period, improved travel routes made long-distance pilgrimage more accessible, and Shikoku came to be seen as a sacred place\u2014firmly establishing Ohenro as part of Japanese culture.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"toc_10\"><\/span>The \u201c88 Temple Pilgrimage\u201d Means Visiting All 88 Sacred Temples<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Another common name for Ohenro is the <strong>88 Temple Pilgrimage<\/strong>. The name comes directly from the act of visiting the 88 sacred temple sites spread across Shikoku.<\/p>\n<div class=\"balloon\">\n<figure class=\"balloon__img balloon__img-right\">\n<div><\/div><figcaption class=\"balloon__name\">Curious Reader<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"balloon__text balloon__text-left\">So the name literally means visiting all 88 temples.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"balloon\">\n<figure class=\"balloon__img balloon__img-left\">\n<div><\/div><figcaption class=\"balloon__name\">Hajime<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"balloon__text balloon__text-right\">Exactly. Completing all 88 temples is the classic goal of the pilgrimage.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"toc_11\"><\/span>The Basic Way of Thinking About the 88 Temples<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>A core idea of the Shikoku 88 Temple pilgrimage is that all 88 temples form <span class=\"huto\">one connected pilgrimage path<\/span>, and every temple matters.<\/p>\n<div class=\"ep-box\">Some people also believe that because the entire island of Shikoku forms the pilgrimage circuit, it is acceptable to begin from any point on the route.<\/div>\n<p>That is why many people take the approach of <span class=\"marker--yellow\">visiting temples at their own pace, whenever they can, over the course of a lifetime until they complete the full circuit.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"toc_12\"><\/span>What Does Ketsugan Mean?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Ketsugan<\/strong> is the word used when a pilgrim has <span class=\"marker--red\">successfully visited all 88 temples of the Shikoku pilgrimage.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>It carries the sense of \u201cbringing one\u2019s vow to completion,\u201d marking the end of the pilgrimage.<\/p>\n<div class=\"balloon\">\n<figure class=\"balloon__img balloon__img-left\">\n<div><\/div><figcaption class=\"balloon__name\">Hajime<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"balloon__text balloon__text-right\">It may look like it should be read one way, but in this context it is pronounced \u201ckechigan.\u201d<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>You may also hear the term <strong>Mangan<\/strong>, which is another word used for the same idea.<\/p>\n<p>Once all 88 temples have been completed, some say that <span class=\"marker--yellow\">your prayers may finally come to fulfillment as part of completing the vow.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"toc_13\"><\/span>What Does Dogyo Ninin Mean? \u201cEven Alone, You Are Not Truly Alone.\u201d<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-508\" src=\"https:\/\/ohenro-gift.com\/en\/giftohenro369\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/about-ohenro_03.jpg\" alt=\"What Does Dogyo Ninin Mean? \u201cEven Alone, You Are Not Truly Alone.\u201d\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ohenro-gift.com\/en\/giftohenro369\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/about-ohenro_03.jpg 700w, https:\/\/ohenro-gift.com\/en\/giftohenro369\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/about-ohenro_03-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>There is a phrase that has long been treasured in Ohenro: <strong>Dogyo Ninin<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"balloon\">\n<figure class=\"balloon__img balloon__img-right\">\n<div><\/div><figcaption class=\"balloon__name\">Curious Reader<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"balloon__text balloon__text-left\">What is Dogyo Ninin? I\u2019ve never heard that before.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"balloon\">\n<figure class=\"balloon__img balloon__img-left\">\n<div><\/div><figcaption class=\"balloon__name\">Hajime<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"balloon__text balloon__text-right\">It means that on the Ohenro journey, you are walking together with Kobo Daishi.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>So even if you are physically traveling alone, the meaning is that <span class=\"marker--yellow\">you are not truly alone\u2014you are walking alongside Kobo Daishi.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Some people who have actually completed the pilgrimage\u2014especially on foot\u2014say they genuinely felt that presence.<\/p>\n<div class=\"balloon\">\n<figure class=\"balloon__img balloon__img-left\">\n<div><\/div><figcaption class=\"balloon__name\">Hajime<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"balloon__text balloon__text-right\">I\u2019ve had moments on the pilgrimage myself when I truly felt protected by something beyond myself.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"balloon\">\n<figure class=\"balloon__img balloon__img-right\">\n<div><\/div><figcaption class=\"balloon__name\">Curious Reader<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"balloon__text balloon__text-left\">That\u2019s incredible\u2026 maybe there really is some mysterious force at work.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"toc_14\"><\/span>What Does \u201cNamu Daishi Henjo Kongo\u201d Mean on the Back of the White Pilgrimage Jacket?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Many people notice the phrase <strong>Namu Daishi Henjo Kongo<\/strong> written on the back of the white garment, or byakue, worn by Ohenro pilgrims.<\/p>\n<p>This phrase is read \u201cnamu daishi henjo kongo,\u201d and it can be understood as a kind of vow: \u201cI entrust myself to Kobo Daishi (Kukai) and walk with him as my spiritual support.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"ep-box\">Pilgrims may chant it during prayer or even use it almost like a greeting along the road.<\/div>\n<p>Breaking it down, <span class=\"huto\">\u201cNamu\u201d is a Buddhist term that expresses devotion or entrusting oneself spiritually.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>In Buddhist terms, it means <span class=\"marker--red\">to rely on something noble and place yourself under its guidance.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>You may have heard phrases such as Namu Amida Butsu or Namu Myoho Renge Kyo.<\/p>\n<p>In that sense, they are declarations of trust\u2014something like saying, \u201cI entrust myself to the power of Amida Buddha\u201d or \u201cI rely on the Lotus Sutra.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"balloon\">\n<figure class=\"balloon__img balloon__img-right\">\n<div><\/div><figcaption class=\"balloon__name\">Curious Reader<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"balloon__text balloon__text-left\">So those Buddhist phrases I\u2019ve heard before actually carry that meaning.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Next, <span class=\"marker--yellow\">\u201cDaishi Henjo Kongo\u201d refers to another sacred name for Kukai.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"ep-box--question\">By the way, \u201cDaishi\u201d means \u201cgreat teacher\u201d and is an honorific title used for highly revered monks.<\/div>\n<p>So taken together, <strong>Namu Daishi Henjo Kongo<\/strong> means something like: <span class=\"marker--red\">\u201cI place my trust in Kobo Daishi and rely on his spiritual guidance.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"balloon\">\n<figure class=\"balloon__img balloon__img-right\">\n<div><\/div><figcaption class=\"balloon__name\">Curious Reader<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"balloon__text balloon__text-left\">I see. So in simple terms, it\u2019s a bit like carrying a protective charm that says, \u201cI\u2019m walking together with Kukai.\u201d<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"balloon\">\n<figure class=\"balloon__img balloon__img-left\">\n<div><\/div><figcaption class=\"balloon__name\">Hajime<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"balloon__text balloon__text-right\">That image works surprisingly well\u2014especially since it\u2019s written right on the pilgrim\u2019s back.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"toc_15\"><\/span>What Is Osettai? One of the Most Important Traditions of Ohenro<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>Osettai<\/strong> refers to the acts of kindness shown by local people in Shikoku to Ohenro pilgrims.<\/p>\n<p>In Shikoku, this is not unusual at all\u2014it is a natural and deeply rooted part of the culture.<\/p>\n<p>Osettai can take many forms, including:<\/p>\n<div class=\"ep-box--border\">\n<ul>\n<li>Offering drinks or food<\/li>\n<li>Giving directions<\/li>\n<li>Offering words of encouragement or small gifts<\/li>\n<li>Providing rest stops or free lodging known as zenkonyado<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>In this way, the people of Shikoku support pilgrims, and there is also a long-standing idea that if someone cannot make the pilgrimage themselves, they can support another person who walks in their place.<\/p>\n<p>There is also a belief that <strong>performing osettai itself is an act of spiritual merit.<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"ep-box\">When I was on pilgrimage myself, I even came across a scene where elementary school children were being taught, as part of their education, how to offer osettai to pilgrims.<\/div>\n<p>This may not be very familiar in many countries, but in Buddhist cultures such as Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar, there is a practice called <span class=\"huto\">takuhatsu<\/span>, where people offer food or money to monks. In some ways, the spirit feels similar.<\/p>\n<div class=\"balloon\">\n<figure class=\"balloon__img balloon__img-right\">\n<div><\/div><figcaption class=\"balloon__name\">Curious Reader<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"balloon__text balloon__text-left\">Leaving aside the idea of having someone walk in your place, simply being kind to others feels like a beautiful way of thinking.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"balloon\">\n<figure class=\"balloon__img balloon__img-left\">\n<div><\/div><figcaption class=\"balloon__name\">Hajime<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"balloon__text balloon__text-right\">Exactly. In Buddhism, there is a teaching that what you give to others eventually returns to you. Osettai is a living expression of that idea.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>In short, osettai is not only meaningful for the people who walk Ohenro. For those who cannot make the pilgrimage themselves, it is also <span class=\"marker--yellow\">a precious part of Shikoku culture that allows their feelings and prayers to travel with the journey.<\/span><\/p>\n\n            <div class=\"sitecard\">\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/ohenro-gift.com\/en\/agency\/\" target=\"_self\">\n                    <div class=\"sitecard__subtitle\">Related Post<\/div>\n                    <div class=\"sitecard__contents\">\n                        <span class=\"heading\">[Ohenro]Shikoku Pilgrimage Proxy Service: Costs and How to Choose a Trusted Provider<\/span>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"sitecard__eyecatch\">\n                        <div class=\"sitecard__eyecatch-link\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/ohenro-gift.com\/en\/giftohenro369\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/agency_thumb-300x200.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"[Ohenro]Shikoku Pilgrimage Proxy Service: Costs and How to Choose a Trusted Provider\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ohenro-gift.com\/en\/giftohenro369\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/agency_thumb-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ohenro-gift.com\/en\/giftohenro369\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/agency_thumb.jpg 700w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/a><!-- .sitecard -->\n            <\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"toc_16\"><\/span>Ohenro Is a Pilgrimage Journey Through the 88 Sacred Temples of Shikoku<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-323\" src=\"https:\/\/ohenro-gift.com\/en\/giftohenro369\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/about_ohenro_04.jpg\" alt=\"Ohenro is a pilgrimage through the 88 temples of Shikoku\" width=\"700\" height=\"381\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ohenro-gift.com\/en\/giftohenro369\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/about_ohenro_04.jpg 700w, https:\/\/ohenro-gift.com\/en\/giftohenro369\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/about_ohenro_04-300x163.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Ohenro is <span class=\"marker--yellow\">a pilgrimage journey through the 88 temples of Shikoku connected to the spiritual training of Kukai, also known as Kobo Daishi<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>As you can see, people take part in Ohenro for many different reasons\u2014prayer, remembrance, life transitions, healing, or simply a desire to reconnect with themselves.<\/p>\n<div class=\"balloon\">\n<figure class=\"balloon__img balloon__img-right\">\n<div><\/div><figcaption class=\"balloon__name\">Curious Reader<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"balloon__text balloon__text-left\">I see. That really helped me understand Ohenro better.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>If you ever visit Shikoku, it may be worth stopping by even one temple for a day trip and experiencing a small part of the pilgrimage for yourself.<\/p>\n<div class=\"balloon\">\n<figure class=\"balloon__img balloon__img-left\">\n<div><\/div><figcaption class=\"balloon__name\">Hajime<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"balloon__text balloon__text-right\">You will almost certainly see real pilgrims along the way, and it becomes a wonderful chance to experience this culture firsthand.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Curious Reader I\u2019ve heard the word Ohenro before, but what does it actually mean? Why do people do it? Does religion or Buddhist sect matter if you want to take part? I\u2019d love a simple explanation. In this article, I\u2019ll answer those questions and explain what Ohenro really is in the clearest and simplest way [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":505,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_wp_rev_ctl_limit":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-303","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ohenro"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ohenro-gift.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/303","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ohenro-gift.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ohenro-gift.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ohenro-gift.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ohenro-gift.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=303"}],"version-history":[{"count":22,"href":"https:\/\/ohenro-gift.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/303\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":509,"href":"https:\/\/ohenro-gift.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/303\/revisions\/509"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ohenro-gift.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/505"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ohenro-gift.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=303"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ohenro-gift.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=303"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ohenro-gift.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=303"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}