The Shikoku Pilgrimage

Japan's Sacred Trail

John Lander, Douryu Takahara

$69.99

Hardback

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English

River Swift
01 April 2023

Photography & photographs; Travel & holiday

The Shikoku Pilgrimage on the island of the same name is one of the few circular pilgrimages in the world. At 1,200 kilometers in length, the trail includes 88 temples and passes through diverse countryside such as idyllic bamboo groves, deserted beaches and ordinary Japanese neighbourhoods. There is a long tradition of pilgrimage in Japan, dating back at least to the time of the renowned monk, poet and philosopher Kobo Daishi (774-825) who is particularly associated with this trail.

The pilgrimage is undertaken for many reasons to have a time of reflection away from everyday life, as a spiritual journey or as a healing period after a traumatic life experience. Along the way, pilgrims will encounter ordinary Japanese people and learn to understand the custom of o-settai, or charitable giving.

AUTHOR: John Lander, long-time resident of Japan, author and photographer, has visited and recorded every temple in evocative images, as well as providing fascinating details about the origin of the trail and what the pilgrimage means to the thousands who undertake it every year.

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Evocative photographs of one of the world's most famous pilgimages

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All 88 temples illustrated and discussed

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Includes accounts by former pilgrims

210 colour illustrations, 2 maps

By: John Lander
Preface by: Douryu Takahara
Imprint: River Swift
Country of Publication: Thailand
Dimensions: Height: 229mm, Width: 229mm,
Weight: 1.050kg
ISBN: 9786164510517
ISBN 10: 6164510511
Pages: 240
Publication Date: 01 April 2023
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Unspecified

John Lander, long-time resident of Japan, author and photographer, has visited and recorded every temple in evocative images, as well as providing fascinating details about the origin of the trail and what the pilgrimage means to the thousands who undertake it every year.

Reviews for The Shikoku Pilgrimage: Japan's Sacred Trail

This illustrated book of Japan's most famous pilgrimage, which connects 88 temples associated with the Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi (774-835), is like a serene stroll around a beautiful Japanese garden, and one in the company of a genial host. John Lander's images are - as befits the subject manner - calming, beautiful, and honest. The ultimate test of a travel-related book is whether it makes you want to get out of your armchair. The Shikoku Pilgrimage passes with flying colors. I'd very much like to visit Shikoku and do the pilgrimage, but in keeping with Lander's advice, it won't be a completist exercise in ticking off temples, but a leisurely amble along one section.-- Bookish Asia - The East Asia Book Review