29Oct2011: Richard Kinsella

This piece was a submission to the 2011 Fall Henro Pilgrimage Experience organized and run by the Kagawa International Affairs division. The event aims to promote the Shikoku Pilgrimage as a Unesco World Heritage Site.


Participants of this particular walk were asked to submit a piece of writing that reflected upon their experience of walking part of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. The temple we visited was Unpenji Temple near Kanonji in Kagawa-ken, Japan.

This particular submission was a response to how walking the pilgrimage can give you an appreciation of your environment. Walking along the rural path, amongst the trees and mountains reminds you of the natural environment we live it yet fail to recognize on a day to day basis. Japan is a country of contrasts where grey concrete cities are often located amongst mountain top temples and vast bamboo forests. After spending time within this beautiful environment, it's easy to return to our grey concrete homes with a sense of rejuvenation. Where once we saw square, boring buildings we behind to see hints of how Buddhist architecture and nature has influenced and informed modern day life in Japan.