Welcome to Author Talk, The Shikoku Pilgrimage - Japan's Sacred Trail, the next installation of our Beyond Tokyo series! As a part of this month's celebration of the Shikoku region, JASWDC is inviting John Lander, the author of The Shikoku Pilgrimage - Japan's Sacred Trail.
The Shikoku Pilgrimage on the island of the same name is one of the few circular pilgrimages in the world. At 1,200 kilometers in length, the trail includes 88 temples and passes through diverse countryside such as idyllic bamboo groves, deserted beaches and ordinary Japanese neighborhoods. There is a long tradition of pilgrimage in Japan, dating back at least to the time of the renowned monk, poet and philosopher Kobo Daishi (775 - 825) who is particularly associated with this trail.
The pilgrimage is undertaken for many reasons - to have a time of reflection away from everyday life, as a spiritual journey or as a healing period after a traumatic life experience. Along the way, pilgrims will encounter ordinary Japanese people and learn to understand the custom of o-settai, or charitable giving.
John Lander, long-time resident of Japan, author and photographer, has visited and recorded every temple through vibrant photographs, and has a carefully studied understanding of the origin of the trail and what the pilgrimage means to the thousands who undertake it every year.
Join this one-of-a-kind seminar to learn more about regional Japan!
**About John Lander**
John Lander is a freelance photographer based near Kamakura, Japan. When he is not at home, he is often out and about on photographer assignments at local events, festivals, or indulging in his passion: Japanese gardens. Japan has been home for nearly 40 years. John's photography has been featured in GEO, TIME Magazine, National Geographic, Travel+Leisure, Rough Guides and many others.
Please visit John's Amazon Author page: www.bit.ly/johnlander
This event is part of the Beyond Tokyo series, which is presented by Sakura Matsuri 2021 - Year in Bloom.
Sakura Matsuri 2021 - Year in Bloom Sponsors