Sasaguri Pilgrimage: 88 temples near Fukuoka

Just a few kilometres from Fukuoka, the Sasaguri pilgrimage offers a unique experience combining hiking, cultural discovery and gathering. Following a route of 88 Buddhist temples spread over about 50 km, visitors explore the religious and natural richness of this northern Kyushu region.

Understanding pilgrimages to Japan

Pilgrimages are an integral part of Japanese religious culture. One of the most famous is Shikoku Henro, a route of more than 1,000 km around Shikoku Island, marked by 88 temples. However, more accessible versions have been created in other parts of the country, with the symbolization of the figure 88 over a much smaller distance. Sasaguri pilgrimage is one of these alternative routes, anchored in the mountains of Fukuoka.

Created around 1835 by a monk who had himself completed the Shikoku pilgrimage, this route was intended to make the spiritual experience accessible to the inhabitants of Kyushu. Even today, hundreds of thousands of walkers adventure there every year, whether they are believers, lovers of religious art or simply curious to discover a rural Japan that is little frequented.

The route of the Sasaguri pilgrimage

The route follows a loop of about 50 kilometers, crossing bamboo forests, valleys and mountain paths. It usually starts near the Sasaguri train station at Honmyō-in temple (n°33), although the order of visit is not imposed. A recommended version offers a path from Sasaguri station to Kidonanzoin-mae station, allowing a logical and well marked progression.

The journey can be completed in 3 to 7 days depending on the pace of each. Some prefer a continuous hike, others divide it over several stays. The trails vary between quiet forest trails, low-used country roads and some urban sections. The elevation is moderate in the northern part, with a peak at about 450 m. In the southern part, the ascent of Mount Wakasugi (650 m) represents the main physical challenge of the route.

An immersion in Buddhist religious art

Of the 88 temples on the route, about 20 are large, with multiple buildings, resident monks and regular activities. The others are simpler chapels or sites, but all accessible and rich in religious representations.

Unlike some Japanese temples where statues are hidden, the shrines of the Sasaguri pilgrimage reveal a profusion of Buddhist figures: Buddhas, Kannon with a thousand arms, Jizō, Fudō Myōō, and many others. These statues, made in various materials and styles, are present inside temples as well as in their gardens and access roads. The route constitutes a real open gallery of Buddhist iconography.

Highlights of the pilgrimage

The most impressive temple is undoubtedly Nanzoin (n°1), famous for hosting one of the largest statues of Buddha lying in the world. This site is often chosen as a unique step for visitors with little time.

Another highlight is the ascent of Mount Wakasugi, whose summit is decorated with religious buildings. The sacred site of Okunoin is located in a cave, accessible either by stairs or by a narrow fault in the rock to be crossed by means of a chain. According to tradition, Kōbō Daishi (founder of the Shingon Buddhist school) stayed in this cave.

Finally, several sacred waterfalls are integrated into the course. With Shimenawa strings, they are still used today for rituals of purification by immersion.

Preparing for walking

No specific equipment is required, but good hiking shoes, a walking stick and a light bag are recommended. The weather can vary depending on the season, although most of the route is feasible all year round. In winter, the peaks can be slightly snowy.

It is possible to buy anōkyōchō(Pilgrimage Book) from the first temple. This booklet collects buffers from 88 sites, sometimes accompanied by a calligraphy by a monk. Some pilgrims also wear a white vest, light a candle at each temple, or leave a votive card (osamefuda) with their names and a prayer.

There are shops and vending machines in places, but some sections are isolated. Provision should therefore be made. Washrooms are available throughout the journey.

Accommodation and access

Although there are some accommodations in Sasaguri itself, the proximity to Fukuoka (18 minutes by train from Hakata) allows you to return to the city every night. This solution is often more practical and economical.

The route is served by several stations on the Fukuhokuyutaka line: Sasaguri (to the west), Chikuzen Yamate (in the centre) and Kidonanzoin-mae (in the east). From these points, temples are quickly accessible on foot.

Maps are available at the Sasaguri Station Tourist Office and at Honmyō-in Temple. Although written in Japanese, their reading is intuitive, especially with a GPS on a smartphone.

The Sasaguri pilgrimage is an invitation to slow down, observe, meditate, and soak up a spiritual Japan that is often unknown. Without imposing dogma, it offers a structured and accessible setting for those seeking meaning, beauty or simply contemplative walking.

Si cet article vous a apporté des informations utiles et peut aider d’autres voyageurs à préparer leur séjour, un avis Google en cliquant sur l’image suivante sera toujours apprécié.

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