The island of Shikoku, is the scenario that receives a millennial pilgrimage, surrounded by one of the most beautiful and inhospitable landscape of Japan. The meaning of the name is four countries. We face the most mysterious and sacred island of Japan.
Until recently, less than three decades as the most southerly of all, the island of Shikoku joined Kyushu backbone consists of a series of bridges, which are considered by many the longest in the world, the four provinces were composing some unknown to most of the Nipponese.
For many executives this island has become his refuge from the hot and stifling life of Japanese financial institutions. But once the pilgrims ventured to walk the 88 temples that run through this sacred route, and in many cases many of them disappeared without trace, due to road accidents.
This increased the legend of this region, whose locals are said to be fiercely independent people of character.
The route of over 200 thousand miles above noted pilgrimage runs like 88 temples scattered throughout the island. These commemorate the journey of the Buddhist teacher Kukai in the tenth century, this was the way in which the purity found.
There is a tradition of welcoming travelers selflessly in the temples or the signs that dot the roads most inaccessible mountainous island. Something that inevitably recalls the Camino de Santiago.
The journey through the development of infrastructure in Japan, especially the railway, has provided those that deny modern life lost in the forests and temples of Shikoku without too many compromises.
However, the path of righteousness and reflection require other sacrifices, such as getting up early to the rhythm of Buddhist sutras. Each chooses according to your preferences.
If you travel to the island must not leave something typical of the cuisine, the famous “Udon” Shikoku, thick noodle made of wheat flour soup is accompanied with different flavors. Those in this archipelago are considered the best in the country.
For the rest, Shikoku reserves the visitor one of the best parts of “onsen” around the country, public restrooms rooted in Japanese tradition and usually are filled volcanic water.
Lush bamboo forests, waterfalls, hills and rugged mountains, bridges such as Oku-iya, canyons and secluded beaches are the perfect setting for an unforgettable trip.
No doubt for me is a new reason to want to visit as soon as this fascinating country.
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