Japanese Temple Accommodations Gear Up for Shikoku Pilgrimage Season
Startup Temple Stay has begun taking reservations for this room in Anrakuji Temple, in Tokushima prefecture. (Photos by Toyofumi Amano)
TAKAMATSU, Japan — As international tourism grows in Japan, the Shikoku island is approaching a pivotal phase in enriching its cultural tourism infrastructure by revitalizing traditional temple lodgings strategically positioned along the Shikoku Henro pilgrimage corridor. These historic accommodations, known as *shukubo*, are being reimagined to welcome pilgrims and visitors while preserving their centuries-old spiritual significance. The initiative aims to honor the region’s Buddhist heritage while adapting to modern hospitality standards, ensuring these sacred spaces remain accessible and meaningful for contemporary travelers.
