Shikoku pilgrimage SECOND DOCUMENTARY

Video-diary of my second full circle OHenro. The 1200km/8week long pilgrimage route on the Japanese island of Shikoku. For more extensive video-footage of my 2013 pilgrimage, please follow this link: • Shikoku pilgrimage DOC... . It's the first of 22 parts.
WARNING!!!
MY SUGGESTIONS TO FREE-CAMP OR SLEEP OUTSIDE IN HUTS, COUCHES ETC ARE OUTDATED! THERE IS (2022) A GROWING DISSATISFACTION AMONG LOCAL PEOPLE ABOUT THIS DEVELOPMENT.
Local people are very warm and welcoming to pilgrims, but within the confines of respect for their land (In Japan almost every strip of land is private property). ALWAYS ask for permission in a modest way if you want to sleep outside. Don't be pushy. But better: check websites about official Henro Hut's, use official campgrounds and remember that Tsuyado's - free sleeping places on temple grounds - are just a LAST resort in case you didn't find any payed lodging. They are not intended as default lodging.
The OHenro is not your average outdoor-destination. It is a very old Japanese tradition, in which your disposition is not just focussed on yourself, but also on giving in to the local customs of the island.

[@kurzweber3041]

I came back to re watch this. It was uploaded before I did the Pilgrimage in early 2017. Thank you for this!

[@ingmarbeldman]

thank you! are you planning another OHenro?

[@kurzweber3041]

@ingmarbeldman Next year if I can get the time off.

[@poubby]

Hello Ingmar, thank you very much for sharing your videos with us. My trip is planned for Oct/Nov this year and I can't wait to follow your/Kūkai footsteps!

[@ingmarbeldman]

Gerat! Same time as I did. oktober can still be hot, November temps go down. Good luck! Don't plan, just be involved"🙏

[@shaunminehan]

Hi Ingmar- thank you so much for this video. I’ve watched this on and off over the last 2 years in lockdown in Australia. I walked Shikoku in 2019 and met a few Dutch pilgrims and had the time of my life - you’ve captured the good times and the frustrating time which are so inevitable in Japan. After so much lockdown I’m planning on going back in March - May next year ( madness to do it again right!!!!). Anyway 5 stars to you- thank you again so much.

[@ingmarbeldman]

Hi, thanks so much for your kind words! Let's hope that all the madness ends soon enough and we can travel back to the island we all love! Wish you all the best and trust me, you are nog the only one being mad to return again and again:-)))

[@shaunminehan]

@@ingmarbeldman so, I really want to ask, would you do it again? I love the moment in this film where you are at temple 77 or somewhere after Matsuyama and you say the pilgrimage holds no meaning anymore and you’re done with Shikoku. Would you return and walk it again? I said never again yet am going back haha

[@ingmarbeldman]

Haha, at that moment i was under the impression that i was done with my journey. I continued my journey as someone, who feld that what he came for was processed. But…. That was applicable for that journey. Now i am five years further and a new longing is making me entertain the idea to return. Be it, that it will not be in honor of dealing with the past anymore. Currently i am writing my first book on this 2016-OHenro! After that i will return. The thing is, the OHenro is an entity that connects to my biography now. Everyone has a place or means in live that serves as a battery. Mine is Shikoku:-) I hope you will have a wonderful time next year! If you have any (video)blog running than let me know. I love to subscribe:-)

[@shaunminehan]

@@ingmarbeldman hi Ingmar - Id love to buy your book! Please post when its published on this channel! Have you read Neon Pilgrim by Lisa Dempster? Published maybe 8 years ago now - Australian henro who walked on her own and its quite the read. Stay well. Keep walking and writing!

[@ingmarbeldman]

Hi! If the dutch version has potential i consider translating in english! And i will certainly annonce in FB groups:-) Thanks for your tip, i check her:-)

[@myleneoyarzabal4757]

absolutely beautiful video!! thank you so much for your dedication:)

[@JamesFennerIllustration]

So amazing you got to visit again! I still go back and watch your other videos of the pilgrimage from time to time as I try and save and plan for my first time going. What you say at the beginning with 'to want' and 'to need' is really inspiring and makes me feel the need to go even more. Congratulations!

[@ingmarbeldman]

Hahaha.....believe me, you will know when the time is there. Thing start moving by themselves, financial obstructions evaporate, unexpected people pop up and help and the only thing you yourself have to do is pack your backpack....Good luck!!

[@RobertBurdock]

Much love and respect to you too, Ingmar. Thank you for sharing your Shikoku Henro with us. I (we) very much look forward to sharing in your third. For now, many congratulations, much peace, and may you remain as inspiring as you always are.

[@ingmarbeldman]

Thank you Robert. That is very kind. A third time is already moving in my system; a premature intentions with just no too important reason yet to stick itself to:-) it will come...... what about you?

[@georgefarris4915]

Congratulations, Ingmar! I watched your previous videos which helped me immensely during my first pilgrimage. Like you, the loneliness and isolation got to me and I quit after a couple of weeks. On the way back to KIX, I knew in my heart that I'd made a mistake and already regretted my decision. I am planning on returning next year and seeing another one of your successful pilgrimages gives me hope that next year I will finish for the first time. All the best from the U.S.!

[@ingmarbeldman]

sorry for my late respons.....secondly, didn't we meet in Tokushima at a station? are you from Hawaii? anyway, your story is my story and the only thing i can say....if your hearts consistently reaches out for this experience.....GO!!!! in yoga there is the awareness that any muscles causing pain should be infused...massaged with your 'joyful and loving intention. The pain will go then. the same is applicable here... when on the road and feeling that pain of loneliness, don't be hard on yourself but compassionate. grant yourself a hotel, an onsen, company, a train or bus or MacDonalds:-))) infuse yourself with love and understanding and next day you will feel the strength and good will to continue. my point: the heart is a muscle too/ give it love!

[@lauriepfeiffer9820]

Excellent documentary Ingmar, I thoroughly enjoyed it! I completed the pilgrimage in Spring 2018 and I have loved recapturing the magic of the trail over the past two hours. Thank you for sharing your very personal experience of the trail.

[@ingmarbeldman]

thanks! sorry for late reply... I am now writing a book about this trip. hopefully i have enough money to translate it into english as well.

[@michaelmcdermott1054]

Wonderful Narration, Wonderful Footage. Thank you for posting your experience and journey. Thank you for your willingness to share it with all of us. Peace and Blessings to you!

[@ingmarbeldman]

Thank you Michael!! Any plans yourself?

[@isabelleboudreault1572]

WOW ! Merci pour votre documentaire sensible, touchant et très inspiré.

[@stestewart1119]

1 hour 7-10 I did not expect that.... How thrilling love it..... What a video this is so inspiring ♥

[@andrewmathews7966]

Cheers for capturing another grand adventure, Ingmar! Still very upset you didn't stay at Hotel Herb but I guess that can be done next time!

[@ingmarbeldman]

hahahah!!!!! my latest assumption is that naughty hotel herb is a love hotel where the youth of Matsuyama can hide to....ehh.....herbalize?

[@GaryDean]

well done, ingmar. your first series of videos actually inspired me to do the quick Rakuyo pilgrimage route in Kyoto in january this year. of course, this was nothing compared to Ohenro. i did the Rakuyo as a kind of practical and psychological preparation for doing the Shikoku pilgrimage next year.

[@ingmarbeldman]

very good training i guess! thanks for your reply!

[@luigipaoletti2000]

Hi Ingmar, your story is very touching! I am seriously thinking about it... Thanks for sharing :)

[@ingmarbeldman]

sorry for late reply: did you already go?

[@luigipaoletti2000]

@@ingmarbeldman yes I went last year and it was the best experience of my life!!

[@ingmarbeldman]

@@luigipaoletti2000 Great to hear!!

[@andrewgills1306]

I am a Dutch-born Australian traveling in Taiwan. I was at a temple in Taipei and had the urge to go on a pilgrimage. I found your video on YoTube and have been watching it. I previously considered Shikoku Pilgrimage but it wasn’t the right time for me (that was 4 years ago). You were up to the final day of your Henro in the video when I grabbed my mobile phone to check my emails. The hotel wifi here in Kaohsiung is not fantastic but it worked. And when I opened my emails there was a sale airfare from my home in Australia to fly to Japan with the return leg for free. I could book for $AU373 return for September 2018. I start my 40th year on 7 September 2018 and will be on my Henro for my 39th birthday. I have always wanted to do something special when I approach 40. The stars seem to have aligned and I am listening to the call. I will have 49 has to walk my Henro. Longer would be ideal but it is all I can afford off work because I am already traveling in Taiwan now for 16 days and to Laos for 1 month in May. I have also signed up for Japanese language classes when I return home to brush up on what I learned in school 25 years ago. Thank you for your video

[@ingmarbeldman]

Well, that sounds good! 49 will be enough when you have warmed up legs and condition:-) practice at home with backpack and hilly tracks for hamstrings. be prepared, september and october will be humid occasionally. so adjust your outfit. pack suncream, muskito-protection and a cap:-). good luck!

[@andrewgills1306]

Ingmar Beldman Thank you for the encouragement and advice. I will take it.

[@lucasengam7573]

This was an amazing documentary. One of my biggest dreams is to go to Japan and after this documentary, I just want it more. Hope you will make another documentary one day.

[@ingmarbeldman]

sorry for the late reply:-) did you already go? Well, i will go someday! for now i am writing a book about this trip!

[@lucasengam7573]

@@ingmarbeldman No, I haven´t been able to go, because of the virus. I hope I will be able to go next year. Good luck with writing the book! Hope it will be possible to read it in the future and thank you for the reply.

[@claudemontes]

The crickets have the last word. Awesome. Can’t wait to see the snow version!

[@LCavendish]

Complimenti, il tuo è un video molto bello ed articolato che oltre a raccontare un viaggio, parla anche di un percorso spirituale. Non si trovano tante opere così sul web, veramente improntate sul contenuto.

[@ingmarbeldman]

i understand the word "complimenti":-) the rest is like Japanese to me:-)))) tell me!

[@complositeur]

Hi it's a pleasure to see you again ! you became more a Japanese ^^. I hope you'll learn a litle more Japanese for your third trip ^^ Thx for your movie i like to see the film make by henro brothers ^^ i don't know when i'll come back too for my second piligrim but evry day i think about it ^^ KUKAI is with US

[@ingmarbeldman]

i was learning japanese, when i got ill. i had to stop unfortunately. if ever i go again i have to learn the character at least, since it will be in winter time and many sleeping facilities will be closed. Knowing japanese is then essential:-)

[@gregorythomas7788]

I really enjoyed watching your pilgrimage video. I hope that one day I will take the time to walk this pilgrimage myself.

[@worklesstrekmore9091]

Hello Ingmar, thank you for your video and well done on your journey and honouring where you were at the time. I'm going in March 2019. Do you have any advice for a solo traveler? Where did you pick up the bed bugs when you are sleeping in the rest huts? Thank you in advance for any tips you have. Cheers from Canada.

[@bobbobfarlig7855]

Cool start.. You went there alone several times, then with a friend, for then to realize you needed to go alone again 🤸

[@ingmarbeldman]

IMPORTANT!!! MY SUGGESTIONS TO FREE-CAMP OR SLEEP OUTSIDE IN HUTS OR ON COUCHES ARE OUTDATED!!! IT IS NOT ALLOWED OR AT LEAST NOT APPRECIATED BY THE LOCALS (DESPITE THE FACT THEY DON'T COMPLAIN).

[@user-pi8bi5pc5p]

懐かしいね!私がした頃は、NHKTVで、芸能人のリレー風巡拝をしていたね、親もしてたし、私は熊野巡礼から西国三十三所して、四国88へ!その後、2度目の西国三十三所、坂東~秩父観音、瀬戸内33観音…今や霊場病!!但し、ｺﾛﾅで中断してます~神仏150&西国薬師•紀の国13佛霊場を!早く終息して穏やかに巡拝できます様に!!

[@ingmarbeldman]

i tried to translate your message. I guess you had your share in experiences as to pilgrimages. Domo arigato!

[@TheChinaClipper]

I am halfway thru your video and so far loved it! but it looks so tough! I'll be biking around Shikoku next autumn but I don't know if I'll be able to cope up with every temple hahaha. I love Japan!

[@lesp315]

I will be doing it second time on a bike starting mid October. First time I did it 4 year ago and it was hard work and tons of fun. This time I'm going to use bike with electric assist that I build myself. I also love Japan. Good luck and enjoy.

[@TheChinaClipper]

@@lesp315 Sounds like a good idea,! is it possible to access all temples by bike or at some of them you need to leave the bike down and hike up? how long did it take you to do it?

[@lesp315]

@@TheChinaClipper I "only" visited 59 temples in 11 days. I was doing it for 12 days and took one day off in Kochi. Visited very nice original castle and did housekeeping. My goal was to have interesting experience. I also took couple of detours and was traveling longer routes just to enjoy beauty of the country. I'm planning on repeating that "mistake" again :-). If you are really fit you can do the whole thing in 2 weeks. I recommend 3 weeks minimum. I would say that 30% of riding route will be different than walking. Just use google map and keep in mind that majority of Japanese do pilgrimage by a bus or a car, so you can leave your bike with cars or somewhere near the gates. Japan is super safe, I never locked my bike and had zero problems, but I saw one Japanese Henro girl biking and she had a thick chain and used it every time. Take a good cable just in case. That's what I will do this time. I almost forgot MOSQUITO REPELLENT.

[@BundtLust]

Thank you so much for uploading, this is my dream while I am still living in Japan. I have visited Koyasan and Kumano Kodo, I would also like to complete this pilgrimage as well.

[@ingmarbeldman]

sorry for the late reply:-) Did you already went??

[@claudedesgreniers6636]

Very good video, very informative for me, I will do the pilgrimage in march 2018. Thanks Ingmar for those information.

[@ingmarbeldman]

you're welcome! have a great time then! With some luck you will enjoy the Sakura!!

[@ctyragdoll]

lol, I have to assume that "ruxyrious" would be a romaji attempt for "luxurious". And. congrats on your second henro.

[@claudemontes]

Great video. Thank you for not including the 🔔 bells!

[@chessylatendresse941]

I’m thinking doing next year. Wish info of Kyukyodo-jo, can u spend a night? Is any hot springs? How much total did u spend? Why did u sign up for pilgrims & get uniform. U should have some one translated each temple.

[@TheOldmankk]

Cheers, from another rough it out there henro san. LOL....

[@sunskaer5186]

fantastic

[@kermitboy]

四国病 is a thing. I've done the pilgrimage over the course of four years. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't have flashbacks to the island. I also yearn for the day I'll be able to go back. Safe travels!

[@tlnab359]

I love the Asian culture and the people are so humble and nice. Beautiful places ...

[@edvhollywood4544]

Great, I will go again, I volunteered in 2 places there , Kumokogen Genrinosato, not the pilgrimage but amazing, also other temples not on the 88 with beauty, kind people way off the track.

[@Trisocron]

When did you start exacctly ? I think we might have cross each other on the road, i started the 29/08/16

[@philstory2556]

Planning on doing this next year. For anyone whos done it, how do you manage water? I know while camping water management is very difficult. Are there a lot of places between towns to buy water?

[@chessylatendresse941]

Page 2 2:01 is 1,000 wishing Tsuru origami I understand some of the temple u can spend a night & they serve vegetarian dishes. 2:07 u should visit Japanese kindergarten, the education is best in the world. U missed: Kukai did construction of dam, deep orange color rock mine. Kikai & pilgrimage is much more than just walking. Next year I’m planing to walk, ur film sure helps. Thax

[@ingmarbeldman]

Sorry for my late reply. I guess your trip is still an upcoming thing?

[@stephentutton3298]

quest Ions QUESTIONS. What weight did you carry. Overall the cost. Live video kudos to you. What ages do this trail.Im thinking of gaigins. Id like to do it some day my self. Amongsy other stuff. Only have 90 days.Visa requirements. What did you wish you had. Wht did you wish you had left behind. I love seeing it live. What season is best. least crowded. Is winter doable. For the inexperienced.

[@232888]

hello, I am also intending of doing this pilgrimage road, do you have the possibility to help me with some questions regarding the preparation ? if so, what is the best way you would prefer to contact you ? Thanks and many more traveling in this year for you !

[@ultimate4416]

i love this video!

[@ingmarbeldman]

thanks and sorry for the late reply. Now writing a book about it!

[@ultimate4416]

@@ingmarbeldman no worries :) aswesome! seems like it made you realize something! I want to go and do this trip someday aswell :)

[@sarojamaryanne5167]

Now, I am having the sudden urge of doing my pilgrimage in Shikoku after listening to Heart Sutra for 3 months.

[@ingmarbeldman]

Hahaa tell me about it……i think three minutes is long:)))

[@user-bq1jl8qp1v]

ありがとう

[@Embrybros]

hey this was a well done video. I am wondering what month you started the hike. I want to go but don't know what kind of weather to expect.

[@Embrybros]

nevermind I just heard you mention that Autumn started.

[@ingmarbeldman]

@@Embrybros sorry for the late reply:-) early spring and late autumn are best!!

[@BillyMays6]

1:08:18 this part is awesome.

[@Eggs_is_eggs]

I want to do this next year. When is the best time to start? Mid-march? Late-march? Early-april?

[@ingmarbeldman]

spring (before the third week of May) or fall (from mid october on) are weather wise the best moments to take off. March is fine anyway! good luck!!

[@Newtac84]

I look for the first documentary you mentioned after this amazing one. The length helped to deep dive in it. Amazing. Found it. Perhaps it would help to pin it here?

[@ingmarbeldman]

Thank you so much for your kind compliments. When do you go?? And thanks for the suggestion:-) As you see, I pinned the link💪

[@Newtac84]

@@ingmarbeldman ha- cool. Perhaps that can boost your chanel a bit. It would be amazing to do it. It takes time for me to grow the seed of "need to do it"... I hope you are doing well and your 2024 becomes awesome.

[@ingmarbeldman]

@@Newtac84 haha thank you again🙏🏻 the fire seems to be lit already in your soul. i am a big fan of slow cooking😉 when the time is there let me know if you need advise for tips (although i would say: don’t plan, jump) 🙏🏻

[@nopejoeandangie]

39:51 where did you pick up bed bugs in Japan? That seems crazy to me

[@ingmarbeldman]

sorry for late reply:-) Don't know where it happened. But sometimes the free-lodging places can be a bit off. Pilgrims maintain it themselves so....:-) But then again, it could have happened anywhere.

[@claudemontes]

Tell more about the Love Hotel.

[@chrisduhaime5715]

Did you find that where you stayed for the nights that there was always power available?

[@ingmarbeldman]

no. but in restautants, Miso No Eki's and public toilets i had enough chance to power-up:-)

[@globe1987]

That woman has an interesting packing system towards the beginning of the vid.

[@cafejensen]

please hike the camino santiago franceses

[@marymerrill1612]

I recently learned that Japanese landowners pay 6 times more taxes on empty properties as opposed to land with any home on it, no matter what its condition. That explains why so many abandoned homes are there!

[@user-vl9yy1bd8m]

「「」」

[@ogamiittou9786]

2:03:46 Ruxyrious is the japanese pronouce for LUXURIOUS. (豪華) "Gouka" in japanese. It´s the japanese way to say that something is a top class or high quality. Their english is bad, in most of cases. The spelling of "restaurant" is also wrong in that sign.

[@ingmarbeldman]

Ogami-san, domo arigato! Funny is this: for a book i am currently writing on this 2016-trip, i did research for the kind of interiours like the one of this cafe, because I needed a way to describe it, not thinking about the mysterious name on the outside btw. Then I stumbled acrross the term 'luxurious'. I laughed and understood the 'R' in that name! So thanks again!

[@ivantving9389]

Hello Ingmar. It appears that you have two KZbin channels, and after watching your 2012 documentary series on Shikoku 88 several times, I've just discovered your 2017 documentary. I'm looking very much forward to watching it! I really appreciate your efforts here. I highly enjoy your videos and the narrative. You are very good at conveying the atmosphere of the trail to your audience. Recently I got this unexplainable feeling that I have to find the time to do Shikoku 88 ... it is like it is calling me ... yeah, strange, isn't it? I've done several long-distance walks, but this seems different. If nothing else it will be much longer, and I'll be replacing English pubs with Japanese temples ;-D

[@ingmarbeldman]

Thanks Ivan for mentioning the two channels. didnt even know:-) To me, Shikoku also came as a 'calling'. No rationality here:-) So follow the feeling. If it persists, then take it seriously! And btw, they do have Japanese pubs too🙃 PS: you know there is an international OHenro site on facebook? In there you will find much information. Although..... i am a strong supporter of not being prepared. And just jump into the rabbit-hole:-) Up to you!

[@takerukari]

31:42 is a beautiful view

[@OliveirosDiasJr]

I dream to be in Shikoku and do my pilgrimage on this life!

[@ingmarbeldman]

Go🙏🏻

[@kate-miawhite5633]

Would love 💖 to do this

[@ingmarbeldman]

so 'do':-))) (sorry for late reply)

[@ringscircles142]

move forward while you can

[@phaelin]

Hoe lang heb je erover gedaan?

[@ingmarbeldman]

acht en een halve week. Maar ik ga volgende keer absoluut langer uittrekken, om zo veel meer te genieten van de vele mogelijkheden om ergens even langer te verblijven, in een tempel wat vrijwilligerswerk te doen etc....

[@user-yv6cr3uv9u]

first! myenglish Is not good atall sorry! I'm studying english now I'm japaneseman I live kochi in shikoku my house is near the29temple kokubunji and I'm walking around everyday I talk to pilgrimage everybody because I may have met you before

[@ingmarbeldman]

Hi! Thank you for responding. Your English is very understandable. No worries at all🙏 You live in a beautiful area, surrounding Kochi City. I passed it twice, in 2013 and 2016. But when I passed Kokubun-ji, Kochi city was always my final goal of that day. For that reason I never gave your neighborhood a proper visit; I was always tired and longing for food and a bed in Kochi:-))))) My next OHenro might be in the winter of 2024/2025. And my intention is to pay special attention to all temples along the OHenro that never got my full intention. Dainichi-ji, Kokubun-ji and Zenraku-ji are one of these temples🙏 If you are in the Facebook group OHenro-san, we can connect🙏

[@gurfatehsingh4328]

1:36 + it is all Dutch to me!

[@yoshimizushita6312]

親子の巡礼？

[@sobertents]

you don't need me to tell you the Japanese are very clever

[@talpakiks703]