Belongings

Get Ready
What do you need for the Shikoku Pilgrimage?

Wears and Goods

This shows you the traditional style.
You don't need to take all in the list below to your journey.

 

Sugegasa		coned sedge hat. This is useful as both a sunshade and a shelter from rain. TIP: putting a hand towel on your head, you can secure it. The print “Dogyo Ninin or a practice by two” on it, suggesting that you journey under the protection of Kukai, come to the front.
Hakui		white jacket worn by a pilgrim. At the centre of back it is emblazoned “南無大師遍照金剛” (the Buddhist name of Kukai). This pilgrimage is a journey to trace Kukai's asceticism. So, regardless of your religion, you are supposed to wear this white jacket.
Juzu		the Buddhist rosary. This is an essential object in the pilgrimage as it purifies your body and soul, and guides you to become the believer of Buddha. TIP: Hold it with your left hand and bring the largest bead at the top. This is not for neck.
Jirei		bell hanged from a Zudabukuro or cloth sack as a charm again evils.
Zudabukuro/Sanyabukuro		cloth sack containing the pilgrimage goods, e.g. stamp book, sutra book, the Buddhist rosary, candles, incenses, etc.
Wagesa		purple scarf worn around the neck. It's an informal type of monk's stole and here regarded as the symbol of a religious pilgrim. TIP: At rest, you are required to take it off. Then, do NOT put it on ground. You have to place it on a table or seat.
Kongotsue		walking stick. This is designed as the incarnation of Kukai. On it says “Dogyo Ninin or A Practice by Two” in the meaning of “you are always with Kukai and protected all the way through the Shikoku pilgrimage, even when travelling alone”.
Osamefuda		Nameslips. On it you can write your name, address, date of visit and wishes. As you come to a temple, you dedicate one slip to both Mail Hall and Taishi Hall. Also, it is used as the pilgrim's namecard and as to show your appreciation for somebody's Osettai (hospitality services) and Zenkon (charity lodgings). TIP: In the attempt to complete the Shikoku pilgrimage in a journey, you need two bundles of nameslips. You can get them ready in advance. There is a colour variation of nameslips: white is for the first rounds to forth; blue for fifth to seventh; red for eighth to 24th; silver for 25th to 49th; and gold for 50th to 99th!!
Nokyocho		Stamp book. Ask the temple monk or officer for stamps AFTER you give a prayer at Mail Hall and Taishi Hall.
Kyohon		Sutra book holding a volume of sutras, inc. Heart Sutra, essential to the pilgrimage. Some are written in Hiragana, the easy Japanese character.

You can purchase these wears and goods near the initial temple Ryozanji.
Now it's available to get them at an online store: EICHI-KAI(詠智会 in Japanese).

 

Others

The following goods are necessaries for walking pilgrims.
Additionally, you have to care about your stamina and health conditions.

shoes	Gore-Tex shoes or waterproofed trekking shoes are the best to wear. You can tie the strips firmly. TIP: Do NOT put on new ones.
socks	Reduce exhaustions in feet and avoid shoe sores by wearing thicker or double socks.
Rucksack	in the size of 30- 35L as you carry five to ten kilograms.
Sleeping Bag	lighter and smaller on fold is better.
Belt Bag	or Zudabukuro (cloth sack).
Rain wears	mountaineering ones are good, separated to top and bottom and well designed for walking. It's useful to have a folding umbrella too.
Hat	or Sugegasa (sedge hat).
Clothing	You can wash the laundry at accommodation. So, it's better to carry a smaller amount of clothing.
Compass	just in case you get lost. Usually, not necessary.
First Aid Pack
Medicines
Torch	a head- banded type is convenient.
Water Bottle
Stationery
Pocket Knife	for cooking and first aid.
Guidebook and Map	‘Shikoku Japan 88 Route Guide'is highly recommended.
Dictionary
Toiletries	for the locations, e.g. on the mountains, away from bathrooms.
Passport
Travel Insurance Packs
Camera
Mobile and Battery

■更新日:2020/03/10