etc.
・To do pilgrim one must make an application in advance?
・It is not allowed to do Ohenro without purchasing sedge hat(菅笠 sugegasa) and trekking pole(杖 tsue)?
・How can one receive the certificate?
・In Shikoku people speak English?
・Does it snow in Shikoku?
・Which period of the year is good for pilgrimage?
・Can a non-Buddhist try a pilgrimage?
・Is it allowed to take pictures of temples by a drone?
・For Japan National Tourism (External link)
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To do pilgrim one must make an application in advance?
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No need for it. You may start from anywhere you like. The choice of the Ohenro route is also up to you.
2016.05
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It is not allowed to do Ohenro without purchasing sedge hat(菅笠 sugegasa) and trekking pole(杖 tsue)?
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There is no requirement on your clothes. If you are properly dressed in the Ohenro style, then the local people would easily recognize you as a pilgrim and find it easier to invite you for Osettai.
2016.05
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How can one receive the certificate?
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Unlike the Spanish pilgrimage, there is not pilgrimage certificate.
It sometimes happens that they would ask you to present nokyo-cho(Pilgrimage book) to make a discount for pilgrims.
2016.05
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In Shikoku people speak English?
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At airports and stations, you may find people who can speak English. During Ohenro only at a few henro-yado(lodging) people understand English. In some cases, they would not let you in simply for the reason that they cannot offer the service in your language.
Most Japanese are not good at listening English. But younger people can read fairly well. (English is an compulsory subject at school) So, you may communicate with them by writing what you want tosay.
But, just think why you go abroad.
Isn't it to experience a different culture? It would be very convenient for you if people understand your language everywhere and you can buy things as easily as at a convenient store in the city. But this kind of journey is not exciting and not adventurous either, isn't?.
Even a Japanese sometimes finds it difficult to do Ohenro. Some people go out for Ohenro deliberately leaving the mobile phone behind to experience difficulties and inconveniences. It is a way of doing Ohenro, enjoying the inconveniences!
It is, however, very inconvenient that the language barrier should hinder a foreigner from finding an accommodation. To avoid such a problem, you may contact [page ]. They will make a reservation for you by telephone.
(Related information: Most Japanese medical doctors can speak English and thus can help you in case of sickness or injury.)
Related [ Translation Application ]
2016.05
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Does it snow in Shikoku?
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It snows on the mountain top. (In January the twelfth fudasho Shozanji-temple was covered with snow.) Early morning and in the shade the land surface is often frozen.
[ No21 Tairyuuji 2018 Tokushima ]
2016.05
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Which period of the year is good for pilgrimage?
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In spring (March, April, May) and fall (October, November) there are relatively many pilgrims, which makes it difficult to secure the lodging. During the rainy season (Mid-June～Mid-July) the weather is exhausting hot and humid. It is very hot during summer. The temperature registered in Kochi Prefecture was 41℃(105.8°F) . During winter the temperature can go below zero. Day time is short and you can walk less. On the other hand you won’t come across venomous snakes and bees. Also, it is easier to find the lodging even though some of the accommodations are out of service during winter.
Meteorological data 2015 [ Kochi Prefecture Kochi City ]
[ Ehime Prefecture Kumakogen City ]
2016.05
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Can a non-Buddhist try a pilgrimage?
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Anyone with any religious belief can do Ohenro.
2018.01
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