Explera DMC Japan plans pilgrim-route trips that join Dewa Sanzan, the Kumano Kodo and the Shikoku Pilgrimage. Japan Airlines and four JR companies, JR East, JR Central, JR West and JR Shikoku, now promote the three regions together to international visitors, using JAL flights and JR trains to link them.
The partners launched an English website, Discover Japan's Sacred Journeys, on 30 July 2026, and announced the joint project in late August. They say the aim is to bring visitors to regional Japan beyond the big cities.
What are the three Sacred Journeys?
- Dewa Sanzan, Yamagata. Three sacred mountains of the Shugendo tradition in Tohoku. JR East plans to use its Joyful Trains, its sightseeing trains, to bring visitors to the region.
- The Kumano Kodo, Kii Peninsula. Ancient pilgrim trails to the Kumano shrines, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- The Shikoku Pilgrimage. The circuit of 88 temples around the island of Shikoku.
How do we plan a pilgrim-route trip?
- One region or two. Most clients walk one route well. We add a second region by air when the trip is long enough.
- Fly the long legs. Domestic flights shorten the gaps between Tohoku, the Kii Peninsula and Shikoku, and we use the train for the shorter legs.
- Walk short sections. Groups usually walk chosen stages with a guide rather than a full route, with luggage sent ahead.
- Book lodging early. Temple lodgings and small inns on these routes have few rooms.
See our guides to Kumano Kodo walking tours, the Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage and Yamagata.
Sources: Japan Airlines press release: joint project with four JR companies and Discover Japan's Sacred Journeys.
FAQ
What is Discover Japan's Sacred Journeys? A joint project by Japan Airlines, JR East, JR Central, JR West and JR Shikoku that promotes three pilgrimage regions to international visitors.
Which routes are part of the Sacred Journeys project? Dewa Sanzan in Yamagata, the Kumano Kodo on the Kii Peninsula, and the Shikoku Pilgrimage.
Can one trip include more than one pilgrim route? Yes, if the trip is long enough. We use domestic flights for the long legs between regions and trains for the shorter ones.
Do groups need to walk a whole pilgrim route? No. Most groups walk chosen sections with a guide, and we send luggage ahead to the next lodging.
Planning a pilgrimage trip for your clients? Write to b2b@explera.jp, message the trade desk on WhatsApp at +66 93 656 8090, or register on the B2B portal. Proposals within 24 hours. IATA TIDS 96215733, ASTA member 900408341.
