ABSTRACT
Authoritative issues in Shikoku are intimately linked to patterns of pilgrimage performance of which there are many possibilities that are usually freely selected by individuals. Among the most commonly found pilgrims in Shikoku are those who choose to travel by tour bus or car and are under the direction of formally licensed authorities in the form of sendatsu, who are qualifi ed through the offi cial pilgrimage association, the Shikoku Reijōkai 四国霊場会.1 Sendatsu-led pilgrims are generally compelled to observe a unifi ed standard of ritual behaviour and are required to purchase and use a specifi ed set of garments and accoutrements. Despite the considerable number of guided-pilgrims, do-it-yourself (DIY) pilgrims conspicuously dominate both online and traditionally published accounts and resources. This is especially true with respect to independent pilgrims who walk the lengthy henro-trail (Kushima online). In these narratives, discussions of sendatsu are exceptionally rare, suggesting that the guides hold little infl uence over the DIY ohenro-san, who conspicuously lack outward restraints with respect to their travel, ritual behaviours or dress.
