19.Sagishima Pilgrimage
Shaka Nyorai (The first Fudasho)
Many islanders started journeys called the Shikoku pilgrimage during the Genroku era.
However it was impossible for them to do such a long pilgrimage, so they made and scattered 88 Jizo statues (the guardian deity of children) on Sagishima for doing it instead of the Shikoku 88 temples pilgrimage in early Taisho era.
The total distance is 15km, which takes about 5 or 6 hours to complete on foot.
Special pilgrimage events are held in spring and autumn; the islanders treat pilgrims with meals and sweets.
Special pilgrimage events