Junrei

With Junrei ( jap巡礼) or Junpai (巡 拝) are referred to in Japan pilgrimages of Japanese religion. In Japan there are different words for pilgrimages, Junrei colloquially referred to only those that consist of Tours.

It is believed that the tradition of Junrei emerged in the Nara period, but only in the Heian period became popular. Kumano in the southern Wakayama Prefecture became a great center of Shugendō sect, besides also enjoyed Hase- dera, Shitenno -ji, Kinpusen -ji and the Kōya -san great popularity as places of pilgrimage. In the Edo period, the number of pilgrims then increased rapidly, most of the pilgrimage routes used today date from this time.

These pilgrimages can in visiting a number of specific Shinto shrines, Buddhist temples or other holy places exist, which are visited in a particular order.

The most famous pilgrimages are these tours and lead one hand on the Shikoku pilgrimage, with its 88 temples on the island of Shikoku and the other to the 33 shrines of Kannon in the Western provinces ( Saigoku - pilgrimage ). However, known individual places of pilgrimage are also inter alia the Ise - jingū and several sacred mountains, such as Mount Fuji.

The pilgrimages are often organized by coach companies and then only last a few weeks. Many pilgrims prefer to Shikoku but still the two or three month long traditional walk.