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The Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage is a 1,300 year old, 1,000+ km pilgrimage to 33 Buddhist temples, each dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy Kannon. It stretches across Japan‘s fabled Kansai region. Every year, pilgrims from Japan and around the world follow this Japan Heritage route to introspect deeply and see western Japan through a different lens.
The Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage, also called the “Saigoku 33” or the “Kansai Kannon Pilgrimage”, is Japan’s oldest Buddhist pilgrimage route, established over 1,300 years ago. It winds over 1,000 kilometers through beautiful western Japan, taking pilgrims to both rural and urban locations. Along the way, travelers visit 33 temples dedicated to the Bodhisattva of Compassion and Healing, Kannon..
For more than a thousand years, the sacred sites of the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage have been tied to stories of healing. Each temple along the way is associated with a miracle, and tales of the release of physical, mental, and spiritual pain surround the pilgrimage’s rich traditions. To this day, completing the Saigoku 33 is an expression of a desire to heal suffering in oneself and in the world. It is also an opportunity to experience popular destinations in Japan through a different lens.
Pilgrims go on the Saigoku 33 for many reasons. Historically, the Saigoku Pilgrimage has been a journey of healing and devotion to Kannon. The route is seen as a manifestation of Japan’s national identity, and people flock to the Saigoku 33 to immerse themselves in authentic Japanese culture.
People go on the Saigoku 33 to seek physical, emotional, and spiritual healing; to see popular tourist destinations through a more meaningful light; to visit impressive temples in locations less often visited; to immerse themselves in the nature of rural Kansai; to pause life and grow as a person; or to embark on a respected adventure. Everyone has their own reason for doing the pilgrimage.
Today you will travel to Nagoya. Japan. We will give you the name of the hotel and directions on how to get to the hotel from the train station. No Meals Included
Travel: TBD, Walking: light.
Today we will first meet at the hotel, and distribute the pilgrimage items you will for the pilgrimage such as stamp book, candles, incense, etc. After checking into the ryokan at KiiKatsuura Onsen, you will have free time to use the baths in the seaside caves. Breakfast and dinner at the ryokan included.
Travel: 4 Hours; Walking: Light
We will start the pilgrimage today by visiting Seganto-ji, Temple #1. In addition we will also visit the nearby Nachi Waterfall, long worshipped by the Japanese. Breakfast and dinner at the ryokan.
We will drive to the western side of the Kii Peninsula. Here we will visit temples 2 and 3. The group will stay overnight in Wakayama
Today we will visit temples 4 and 5. (It is a 2km walk to temple 4, all uphill.) After completing the visit to these two temples, we will drive to Nara where we will be staying overnight. Breakfast at the hotel included.
Travel: 2 1/2 Hours; Walking: Heavy
Visit Temples 6 to 9. Breakfast at the hotel included
Travel: 2 1/2 Hours; Walking: Heavy
Visit Temples 10 to 14. Breakfast at the hotel included
Travel: 3 Hours; Walking: Heavy
Visit temples 15 to 19 by public transportation. Breakfast at the hotel included.
Travel: 1 1/2 Hours; Walking: Heavy
Visit temples 20 to 23. Overnight at Takarazuka.
Travel: 2 1/2 Hours; Walking: Heavy
Visit temples 24 to 26. Overnight in Himeji.
Travel: 1 1/2 Hours; Walking: Heavy
Visit temple 27. Overnight at Kyotango.
Travel: 3 Hours, Walking: Light
Visit temples 28 and 29. Overnight in Nagahama.
Visit Temple 30 by boat. Overnight in Nagahama. Breakfast at the hotel is included.
Travel: 2 Hours; Walking: Medium
Visit temples 31 to 33, Overnight in Nagoya. Breakfast at the hotel included.
Travel: 4 Hours; Walking: Medium
| Dates | Price (land only) / Single Supplement (All prices are per Person) | Status | Assigned Lodging |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 29, 2026 - Jul 13, 2026 | $6,695.00/ $1,030.00 | Available |
For those requiring meeting or sending services on other than the scheduled arrival/departure dates, there will be a $100 fee for the meeting service from the airport into Tokyo or the sending service to the Kyoto train station.)
Each tour member receives an electronic copy of our tour handbook. This handbook is full of tips and suggestions taken from our Japan travel experiences that allow you to better plan and prepare for your trip, and therefore enjoy your trip even more. The tips and suggestions included cover everything from how to save while exchanging money, what to pack, some basic Japanese-language tips, general etiquette do’s-and-don’ts, ryokan customs, etc.
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