88 Temple Pilgrimage Travel

Equipment

Oizuru or Byaku-e: Pilgrim’s traditional white costume which symbolises a pure heart. Scarf worn around the neck,
to indicate that you are on a religious pilgrimage.

Wagesa: It is a simplified version of a purple robe of a Buddhist priest. Usually purple, but there are many colours
and materials are used nowadays.

Kongōtsue: Walking stick, and the one indispensable sign that identifies you as a pilgrim. It is said to represent the
body of Kōbo Daishi and to support the pilgrim along the way; as such it is treated with respect, having its "feet"
washed and being brought inside at the end of each day's journey.

Prayer beads: It is ok to bring your own Buddhist rosary, but usually for a pilgrimage, a rosary with a length around
38 cm is used.

Shirofuda: Literary means white card with religious inscription. After chanting a sutra, write your name, and offered
to Hondo (the main hall) and Taishido at the temple.

Nokyo-cho: A signature book. Pilgrims collect the signatures and seals of every temple they visit. It will be a record
of each temple visited.