Oshikoku-byo means Shikoku Henro addicted and is why we have met so many people who are repeating the pilgrimage, either as section hikers or doing it all at once. These people are a wealth of information about where to stay, how hard is a particular trail section, and where to get food and drink. Some of them become Sendatsu aka experts who can help others with their knowledge. They carry a special orange staff with rings on top.
We met two ladies who first met on a bus tour and then became Oshikoku-byo. One has become a Sendatsu. They now spend much of their vacation time section hiking the pilgrimage. They told us about some great Udon places we will be visiting in a few days.
One person is doing it for the 7th time and is 78 years old. Another did a section and is now section hiking the entire route as they are hooked.
These people come from all walks of life - a banker, pharmacist, engineer, etc. What they all have in common is their Oshikoku-byo.
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