Your Shikoku Pilgrimage, Your Art: Make Your Journey a Kakejiku, Japanese Traditional Scroll Art
What is the Shikoku Pilgrimage?
Shikoku’s 88-Temple Pilgrimage (Shikoku Hachijūhakkasho Henro) is a sacred route of over 1,200 years’ history, visiting 88 Buddhist temples scattered across Japan’s Shikoku region.
This path traces the footsteps of the great Heian-period monk Kōbō Daishi (Kūkai), who is said to have practiced ascetic training here.
This pilgrimage is far more than a simple temple tour. For Japanese pilgrims, the Henro has long been chosen as a journey to undertake when mourning the loss of a loved one, confronting a personal crisis, or seeking to reflect inwardly—marking a milestone by “walking once more to face one’s own heart.”
Each pilgrim’s purpose is unique, yet they all share one thing in common: it is not mere sightseeing, but a journey for oneself. Along the way, many find solace in the beauty of nature and the kindness of strangers, gradually restoring their inner balance.
What Sets the Shikoku Pilgrimage Apart
The Shikoku Henro features traditions found nowhere else, the most distinctive of which is the custom known as osettai.
What Is Osettai?
Osettai refers to the voluntary offerings—food, drink, sometimes lodging or money—given by locals free of charge. There is no expectation of return; these gifts arise purely from the wish, “May your journey be safe.”
Why Do the People of Shikoku Offer Osettai?
Pilgrims are believed to walk alongside Kōbō Daishi himself, so performing osettai is considered an act of prayer and merit-making for him. Even today, this tradition thrives, and Henro often receive unexpected kindness from strangers. This spirit of generosity is virtually unseen elsewhere in Japan.
A Pilgrimage Experience Drawing Worldwide Attention
Buoyed by local faith and kindness, and enveloped by nature and prayer, the Shikoku Pilgrimage’s unique atmosphere has attracted a growing number of foreign pilgrims in recent years. In fact, surveys show that since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, some 40–50% of those completing the walking route are non-Japanese—evidence that Shikoku offers “a life journey deeply immersed in Japanese culture” that captivates people around the globe.
After completing such a profound pilgrimage, many wonder:
“How can I keep this experience alive in a tangible way?”
In Japan, there is a tradition of collecting each temple’s red seal (shuin) on a silk (a nōkyōjiku), then having it mounted as a traditional hanging scroll (kakejiku).
This is not merely a souvenir, but a special way to preserve the proof of your prayers and the story of your journey as a work of art.
First Things to Understand: Nōkyō, Shuin, and Fudasho
Many foreign pilgrims who undertake Shikoku’s 88-Temple Pilgrimage are surprised to discover the tradition of the shuin (red seal). On this journey, at each temple (fudasho), pilgrims perform an act called nōkyō and, in return, receive a shuin as proof of their visit.
What Is Nōkyō?
Originally, nōkyō (納経, “sutra offering”) referred to the solemn Buddhist practice of hand-copying sutra texts and dedicating them to a temple. In the past, pilgrims would submit these hand-copied sutra scrolls as a heartfelt act of faith.
In modern pilgrimages, however, very few people actually hand-copy sutras. Instead, most fulfill nōkyō in one of two ways:
- ・Receiving a seal in a nōkyō-chō or nōkyō-jiku
At the temple’s nōkyō-jo (office), you present your pilgrimage stamp book (nōkyōchō) or stamp scroll (nōkyōjiku), pay a small fee (typically ¥300–¥500), and receive the temple’s calligraphy and red seal. - ・Offering a nōkyō-fuda
Some pilgrims write their name and prayer on a small votive slip (nōkyō-fuda) and leave it at the main hall or Daishi Hall.
Although the form has simplified over time, today “pay the nōkyō fee and receive the seal” is widely accepted as nōkyō. The spiritual essence—visiting each temple with a sincere heart and receiving its mark—remains unchanged.
What Is Shuin?
A shuin (朱印) combines elegant black-ink calligraphy (recording the temple’s name, principal image, and date) with one or more red stamps. Unlike a machine stamp, each shuin is hand-written by a temple priest or attendant, making every seal a unique work of art and a true certificate of your visit.
What Is a Fudasho?
A fudasho (札所) is one of the 88 designated temples on the Shikoku pilgrimage route. They are numbered from 1 (Ryōzen-ji in Tokushima Prefecture) through 88 (Ōkubo-ji in Kagawa Prefecture).
While most pilgrims follow the numerical order from temple 1 to 88, there is no strict rule—you may begin or pause at any temple, and the seals will still line up correctly by number.
In Japan, this culture of “pray at a temple, receive its red seal, and leave a tangible trace of your pilgrimage” has been passed down for centuries. Next, we will introduce the two main types of seal-collecting boards: the nōkyō-chō (stamp book) and the nōkyō-jiku (stamp scroll).
Differences Between the Nōkyō-chō and the Nōkyō-jiku
Many pilgrims on the Shikoku 88-Temple Pilgrimage collect shuin (stamp seals) at each temple, but did you know there are two entirely different ways to gather them? They are the nōkyō-chō (stamp book) and the nōkyō-jiku (stamp scroll), which differ greatly in appearance and use.
What Is a Nōkyō-chō? (Stamp Book)
- +A notebook–style booklet whose pages are each designed to receive a temple’s shuin.
- +Compact and easy to carry, it’s popular with first-time pilgrims and those on a sightseeing trip.
- +However, a nōkyō-chō is essentially meant to be kept as a book; it cannot be mounted later as a hanging scroll.
What Is a Nōkyō-jiku? (Pilgrimage Stamp Scroll)
- +A long, narrow strip of silk on which you receive each temple’s shuin directly.
- +It is carried like a rolled scroll.
- +This nōkyō-jiku, once your pilgrimage is complete, is transformed into a kakejiku (hanging scroll) through the traditional mounting process.
Common Misconception
Some ask, “I collected seals in a nōkyō-chō—can you turn that into a kakejiku?” Unfortunately, a notebook-style nōkyō-chō cannot be converted into a scroll. Only an unmounted nōkyō-jiku can be mounted as a kakejiku.
Order of Your Journey Doesn’t Matter
The sequence in which you walk the pilgrimage—where you start or pause—has no effect on your scroll. The backing material is pre-designed so that all seals line up in numerical temple order. Even if you begin at Temple 88, your seals will end up in the correct sequence.
If you plan to have your seals mounted as a hanging scroll, be sure to start with a nōkyō-jiku from the very beginning. Once your scroll is complete, the next step is hyōsō (mounting).
What Is a Kakejiku? The Allure of Traditional Japanese Art
A kakejiku (掛軸) is a form of traditional Japanese art in which a painting or calligraphy is mounted onto fabric or washi paper—called kireji (裂地)—so it can be rolled up for storage and hung on a wall for display. Often placed in a tokonoma alcove, a kakejiku can be unfurled only when desired, allowing you to choose works that suit the season or occasion.
Turning Your Nōkyō-jiku into a Kakejiku
After completing the Shikoku Pilgrimage and collecting all your red seals on a nōkyō-jiku (納経軸), that scroll becomes the foundation for a kakejiku. Rather than a mere souvenir, it is a highly meaningful way to preserve the proof of your prayers, effort, and encounters on this journey as a genuine work of Japanese art.
The Charms of a Kakejiku
- 1. A Beautiful, Meaningful One-of-a-Kind Piece
Each seal on your nōkyō-jiku varies by season of visit, ink tone, and individual brushstroke, making every mark uniquely yours. The choice of mounting fabric and style further transforms it, resulting in an artwork found nowhere else in the world. By turning your pilgrimage scroll into a kakejiku, you complete your journey as a tangible piece of art. - 2. Bring Home Authentic Japanese Culture
The kireji fabrics are high-quality, traditionally woven textiles, and all materials—washi, silk, and so on—are made in Japan. This offers the luxury of taking home a genuine piece of Japan’s craft heritage. - 3. An Interior Accent That Fits Any Space
With its tall, slender form and minimal footprint, a hanging scroll adds both Japanese ambiance and narrative depth to any wall. Its clean lines suit modern, minimalist interiors, making kakejiku increasingly popular as “Instagram-worthy” art even overseas.
“Don’t just collect—transform what you’ve collected into art.”
This uniquely Japanese aesthetic is the final step that completes your pilgrimage, turning your nōkyō-jiku into an enduring masterpiece.
Next, we’ll explore why this experience becomes a “lifetime treasure” for so many pilgrims, presenting the four key appeals of kakejiku mounting.
Why Turn Your Nōkyō-jiku into a Kakejiku? — 4 Compelling Appeals
Mounting your nōkyō-jiku as a kakejiku is more than simply preserving a record—it’s an artistic experience that transforms your Shikoku pilgrimage into a lifetime treasure. Here are four reasons why many foreign pilgrims say, “I’m so glad I had it made into a kakejiku.”
1. A One‐of‐a‐Kind Work of Art
Every one of the 88 temples you visited, each red seal, the season you walked, the memories you made—all are captured on your scroll.
No two nōkyō-jiku are ever the same, and your choice of mounting fabric and style makes the finished kakejiku a fully bespoke artwork found nowhere else in the world.
2. Preserve Your Journey in Visible Form
Memories may fade, but a hanging scroll lets you see—and feel—the experience every day. Display it in your living room or entryway, and each glance will bring back the sights, the landscapes, and the encounters of your pilgrimage.
3. Touch Authentic Japanese Tradition
Every step of the kakejiku mounting process is carried out by skilled artisans, who apply traditional mounting techniques and work exclusively with authentic Japanese materials—such as washi paper and silk.
The result is not only an art piece but also a vessel for carrying home the very essence of Japanese beauty and craftsmanship.
4. Spark Conversation and Connect Hearts
A hanging scroll is more than decoration; it’s a storytelling art piece. Visitors will naturally ask, “What is this?” or “How did you have it made?” You can then share your pilgrimage stories, the people you met, the prayers you offered, and the joy of creating the scroll—turning your home into a space of shared memories.
Your journey lives on as art—that is the true value of turning a nōkyō-jiku into a kakejiku.
Next, we’ll explain how to go about this process and why so many foreign pilgrims choose ART NOMURA for their kakejiku mounting.
The Creation Process – and Why Pilgrims Choose ART NOMURA
Mounting your nōkyō-jiku as a kakejiku is a deeply special, memorable experience.
It isn’t simply entrusting us with your scroll—it’s a collaborative journey in which we help you envision exactly how you want your hanging scroll to look.
Below is our step-by-step process, followed by four reasons why so many foreign pilgrims choose ART NOMURA for their kakejiku.
Steps to Your Finished Kakejiku (For those who already have a completed nōkyō-jiku)
1. Complete Your Nōkyō-jiku by Visiting All 88 Temples
Once all 88 red seals are in place, your personalised nōkyō-jiku is ready. Regardless of the order or starting point of your pilgrimage, the seals will line up in the correct numerical sequence.
Note on Thanksgiving Visits:
After completing the full pilgrimage, many people make a thanksgiving visit (o-rei-mairi) to Ryōzen-ji (Temple 1) or to Mt. Kōya to receive their final seal and finish their nōkyō-jiku. However, some scroll backings include an extra space for this final seal and others do not—so please double-check that your nōkyō-jiku has room for any missing stamps before you visit us.
Lately, we’ve had an increasing number of customers arrive at our workshop only to discover on the spot that their scroll isn’t actually complete because they skipped the thanksgiving visit. To help avoid this, please see the article below for more details.
2. Consultation on Mounting (Most Visitors Book Before Returning Home)
You’ll bring your scroll to our workshop in Tarumi-ku, Kobe, Hyōgo prefecture. Together, we’ll review dozens of fabric samples—while discussing your preferences, budget, and intended display (home décor, gift, etc.). We’ll refine the mounting style until it perfectly reflects your vision.
3. Production Begins (Handcrafted by Japanese Artisans)
Once you’ve selected the fabric and design, production of your hanging scroll gets underway. Skilled craftsmen, inheritors of traditional mounting arts, carefully craft each piece entirely by hand, ensuring exquisite quality in every step.
4. Completion & Overseas Shipping
Crafting your kakejiku typically takes 2–3 months. When it’s ready, we carefully pack it and ship via DHL or another reliable international carrier, ensuring it arrives safely at your home.
Why Pilgrims Choose ART NOMURA
+English-Fluent Service
Very few traditional mounting workshops in Japan can explain the nuances of fabrics and styles in fluent English. We pride ourselves on clear, expert guidance every step of the way.
+Hands-On Fabric Selection
Photos can’t capture true color, texture, or sheen. By seeing and touching actual fabric swatches, you gain confidence in your choices—and we are there to advise you in real time.
+Ideal Location
Our workshop is located in Tarumi-ku, Kobe City, Hyōgo Prefecture—right beside the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge, the gateway to Shikoku—making it exceptionally easy to reach.
+Proven International Shipping Experience
We have delivered kakejiku to the United States, Canada, France, Switzerland, Germany, Australia, and beyond—safely and on schedule.
The process of mounting your nōkyō-jiku is itself a valuable experience—a collaborative time spent envisioning exactly how your scroll will take shape. We believe that so many pilgrims choose ART NOMURA because we, too, cherish and honor that shared creative journey.
Next, we’ll share real testimonials from foreign pilgrims who have had their kakejiku created by ART NOMURA.
Customer Testimonials
The experience of having a nōkyō-jiku mounted as a kakejiku creates uniquely moving memories for our international clients. Below are voices from customers who entrusted their hanging scrolls to ART NOMURA:
A Swiss Customer
Hello dear friend,
I have received the kakejiku you have mounted and I have no words…. your work is incredibly fantastic! I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart.
It was very emotional for me to unroll the piece. There are so many memories…It is astonishing. Also the addition of the gold parts makes it even more special.
Thank you for making my Henro experience complete. I am so glad I came to see you.
I will cherish it for the rest of my life.
Michael-san from Australia
You did magic with the scroll; it looks wonderful. It will give us many nice memories for years to come. Again, many thanks to you and Yuuichi for doing so much, especially solving the Temple 1 conundrum.
A Canadian Customer
It’s so beautiful. I wish to thank all your craftsmen and you for making a treasured reminder of my pilgrimage. It will hang in my house with pride for many years.
Many clients tell us, “Having it mounted made my journey feel truly complete,” and “It became the most beautiful memory of my life.”
As these testimonials show, mounting your nōkyō-jiku is the “final highlight” of the pilgrimage. The collaborative time spent with our artisans—deciding exactly how your kakejiku will look—is a special moment to savor and reflect on your journey.
Next, to ensure first-time visitors feel fully supported, we will introduce our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
First-time customers often have many questions when preparing a nōkyō-jiku for mounting as a kakejiku. Below are some representative inquiries from our international clients, along with our answers.
Q1. I don’t speak Japanese. Is that OK?
A1. Absolutely. We provide all explanations and guidance in English, including specialized details such as mounting styles and fabric selection. With extensive experience serving overseas clients, we ensure that first-time customers can consult with complete confidence.
Q2. How long does the mounting process take?
A2. Generally, it takes about 2–3 months from start to finish. If you need your kakejiku sooner, please let us know—we will do our best to accommodate your schedule.
Q3. Do you ship overseas?
A3. Yes, we ship worldwide. We use reliable international couriers such as DHL and carefully package each scroll for safe delivery. To date, we have sent kakejiku to the United States, Canada, Germany, Switzerland, France, Australia, and many other countries.
Q4. What is the cost?
A4. Prices vary depending on the mounting style and the fabric you choose. As a general guideline, costs range from tens of thousands to several hundred thousand yen (excluding tax and shipping). We will propose a plan tailored to your budget, so please feel free to inquire.
Q5. Where can I consult with you?
A5. Many customers visit our workshop in Tarumi-ku, Kobe City, Hyōgo Prefecture, before returning home after completing the pilgrimage. Being able to see and touch the actual fabrics helps ensure satisfaction with the final result. For those who cannot visit in person, consultations by email or Zoom are also available.
If you have any other questions, please contact us via our inquiry form or by email.
We are committed to supporting you every step of the way, so your journey can be preserved in its very best form.
In Closing: Turn Your Journey into a One-of-a-Kind Work of Art
The Shikoku 88-Temple Pilgrimage is a uniquely personal adventure—every step you take becomes a chapter in your life’s story.
The landscapes you’ve seen, the people you’ve met, the emotions you’ve felt, and the prayers you’ve offered are all etched into your nōkyō-jiku.
By transforming that scroll into a kakejiku through authentic Japanese mounting techniques, your pilgrimage transcends memory and becomes a tangible artwork.
It is truly one-of-a-kind: a piece of traditional Japanese art that reflects your prayers and your path.
At ART NOMURA, we offer full English support and worldwide shipping to make this special experience effortless. If you wish to preserve your pilgrimage as a masterpiece, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
You can book your consultation or appointment via the page below.
Your journey deserves to be remembered in the most beautiful way.
