Books and Links on the Pilgrimage

1.) "Shikoku Henro: Hitori Aruki Do-gyo- Ninin" (Shikoku Pilgrim: Walking Alone, Two Walking Together). Miyazaki, Tateki. Cooperative Society to Preserve the Henro Trail. 2004
A two volume set written in Japanese. Buy this!!! The first volume contains tips on everything from taping your feet to the distances between the temples. The second volume is the map book. This was my constant companion and directed me almost everystep of the way. The maps not only include the temples but also the locations of inns that cater to pilgrims with their addresses and phone numbers cross-referenced in the back. If you leave without this you are asking for trouble. I sent a fax to Japan +81-89-951-2506 asking them to send it to me, but they wouldn't ship overseas. So my wife's parents bought it (2,500 yen - $25) , had it delivered to them and then shipped it to me. There must be an easier way, especially if you don't have a Japanese contact. Let me know if you find one.

2.) "Shikoku Japan 88 Route Guide". Tateki Miyazaki, David Moreton & Claire Tanaka. Buyodo Co. Ltd., Tokyo, Japan. 2007.
This is an excellent English language version of Miyazaki San's map book plus some other helpful information such as a glossary of terms (pp. 34-38). This is not a translation in the strictist sense. The English translator, David Moreton (a real English guy), is an experienced Henro and has passed on his wisdom for our benefit. A friend in Japan bought my copy for me, but a copy can be got from David Moreton's site http://www.davidmoreton.com/.

3.) "Pilgrimage on Shikoku Island"
This is a complete English guide to undertaking the pilgrimage. The author, David Turkington, has laid it out pretty well from preparation to his own personal travelogue. Go here if you're serious about doing it. I also suggest going back to it afterwards to "get" those parts that only a person who has been there can appreciate.

4.) East Asia News Online Edition
This contains a great photo collection of the pilgrimage taken by Tom Ward. He has also got other collections from other places at this location. His collection on Vietnam is especially moving. Tom was also kind enough to allow me to use some of his images here. So if you see a particularly nice image on this site look for the "copyright Tom Ward" stenciled in the lower right.

5.) "A Henro Pilgrimage Guide To The Eighty-Eight Temples Of Shikoku Island, Japan". Miyata, Taisen. Koyasan Buddhist Temple. Los Angeles, CA. 2006.
This book is great to have because it describes in detail each temple. It's origins, it's diety and the mantra that one must chant at it's main shrine (Hondo). There are also sections on the proper gear and rituals a Henro should perform. The best part it's in English. You can call Bishop Miyata (he will actually pick up the phone) at (213) 624-1267 or write to Bishop Taisen Miyata, Los Angeles Ko-ya-san Buddhist Temple, 342 First Street, Los Angeles, Ca, 90012. I sent him a check for $25 and he sent me the book. Simple as that.

6.) "A BRIEF SHIKOKU PILGRIMAGE "ENGLISH" GUIDE"
This is a great one page guide by Jeffrey Hackler.

7.) "Echoes of Incense: A Pilgrimage in Japan"
Another excellent online reference by Don Weiss. This is also a published book. I didn't buy the book, but I did enjoy a few hours of reading it online. The photos are fantastic and his Buddhist insights are refreshing.

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