Put your hiking boots on and get ready to experience the Shikoku Pilgrimage from your local area with the virtual pilgrimage experience ‘Ohenro Walking’ app.

The phone application allows users to explore the Shikoku Pilgrimage from their current location without the need to physically travel to Shikoku - which during times like the present, is a great alternative to travelling across the country.

The app offers step counting and burnt-calorie tracking, so you can use it to maintain your health. Any health data can be shared via email in CSV or Text format. The app even works alongside the new iOS 14 update with a widget that shows your current step-count.

Progress along the map in real-time and discover each sacred place along the pilgrimage. Information about each important location will appear as you “reach” them along the route. Additionally, the app utilises street view for an augmented reality experience of the streets of Shikoku.

The app works immediately, which means that after installation, you can enjoy exploring the Shikoku Pilgrimage trail from wherever you are. Choose a cute avatar and watch your journey progress as the application utilises your phone’s pedometer to record daily step counts along the ‘virtual’ route.

Free to download from the iOS store, Ohenro Walking allows you to explore the 1400km pilgrimage tour and 88 sacred sites related to the historic monk, Kobo Daishi, at your own convenience. Discover the route, history and perhaps something about yourself that you didn’t know before, whilst enjoying the Shikoku Pilgrimage from wherever you may be.

It may not be quite the same as hiking the real thing, but for those who are unable to travel or the physical route is too challenging, the Ohenro Walking Walking app offers an affordable and comfortable alternative experience.

App: Ohenro Walking
Compatible with: iOS 11.0 or later. iPhone and iPod Touch.
Languages: Japanese, Chinese, English
Price: Free