Temple lodgings preparing for pilgrims on Japan's Shikoku island

Travel & LeisureStartup expects foreign tourists to experience Henro pilgrimageStartup Temple Stay has begun taking reservations for this room in Anrakuji Temple, in Tokushima prefecture. (Photos by Toyofumi Amano) TOYOFUMI AMANOAugust 9, 2026 11:55 JSTTAKAMATSU, Japan -- As more tourists from abroad flock to the western Japanese island of Shikoku, drawn by its Buddhist heritage and natural beauty, an effort is underway to revive shukubo temple lodgings used by pilgrims traveling along the Shikoku Henro pilgrimage route.