“Shikoku O-Henro”, or the Shikoku Pilgrimage, is a religious journey to 88 temples in Shikoku. The total distance of the journey to these sacred places (temples) associated with Kobo Daishi Kukai is approximately 1,200 km. Historically, it is said that 1,200 years ago Kobo Daishi Kukai went on this pilgrimage for his own training. After the passing of the Heian and Muromachi periods, this pilgrimage spread among the general public in the early Edo period and became a central region of religious worship.

A cloudless, azure sky and the tranquil, bright blue Seto Inland Sea. The wakes of the ships traveling back and forth were the only objects drawing white lines across the canvas of that deep blue sea. A unique arts festival is being held on a stage of seven islands floating in the sea. Works of art are on display in various places, including old island residences. You may find that a trip made to view artwork ends up being one that exposes you to island life. The flow of time on the islands is slow and leisurely. Using Takamatsu as a hub, I spent four full days traveling around the six islands.