The Shikoku Pilgrimage is one of the world’s few circular pilgrimage routes, offering participants the choice of walking or traveling by bus. For those who embark on foot, the journey spans approximately 1,200 kilometers, providing a profound opportunity to immerse themselves in Shikoku’s breathtaking natural beauty.

Before setting out on her pilgrimage, Sofia shared her plans with Istorja’s founder, Dinah. Their connection stemmed from a simple yet meaningful detail—Sofia mentioned that she would be wearing a hat reminiscent of the Istorja monk.

At Istorja, we deeply appreciated the journey Sofia was undertaking and the spirit behind it. Beyond this shared moment, both Sofia and Dinah are united in their support for the Nicholas Zoe Foundation, which is dedicated to supporting kids and families that experience Pediatric Sarcoma.

Before setting out on her adventure, Sofia shared her inspiration with us.

What inspired you to take on the Shikoku Pilgrimage?

“What inspired me to take on the Shikoku pilgrimage was a period of deep reflection. I was at a crossroads, trying to decide whether to quit my job and pursue a new career or simply take a break. I had just come out of another burnout, and London, as much as I love it, can be overwhelming. It’s not an easy place to live, and I needed to slow down, to take care of both my body and mind. As I planned my break, I knew I wanted to travel because traveling has always helped me reconnect with myself. But I wasn’t looking for just any trip, I wanted to do something physical yet meaningful, something that combined movement with a deeper sense of purpose. Japan had always been at the top of my bucket list, so I started researching retreats or experiences that would align with what I was searching for. I quickly realized that I didn’t want a typical retreat in a hotel, practicing yoga and meditation in a confined space. That didn’t feel right for me. Instead, I wanted something that involved walking, something that would allow me to reflect, clear my mind, and hopefully find answers to the questions I was carrying. I always wanted to go on a long hike, but I wanted to do it in my own terms, with no restrictions. That’s when I came across the Shikoku pilgrimage. Even though I’m not a religious person, I was drawn to its spiritual aspect. The pilgrimage isn’t just about Buddhism. it serves a different purpose for everyone who embarks on it. After reading more about it, I realized this was exactly what I was looking for. It takes time to complete, but I had an entire year to myself.”

How did you prepare physically and mentally for this journey?

“Over the past five years, I’ve dealt with multiple injuries and conditions that constantly set me back. Every time I started a new workout routine, whether it was boxing or other forms of exercise, I would end up injured or facing another physical setback. This cycle of starting, stopping, and recovering was frustrating.

Ironically, as soon as I started my career break, I got injured again in the first week. That moment made me realize that no matter how much you plan, life happens. So this time, I decided to approach things differently. I committed to taking as much time as necessary to fully recover. I had a severe injury in my right foot (this past June), and while I eventually healed from it, the strain led to a condition in my left foot. Suddenly, both of my feet were in bad shape, and for a journey like this, where walking is everything, I knew I had to be in the best possible condition. So, instead of pushing through recklessly, I took a step back. I found a trainer in Cyprus, Miltos, returned home, and started mobility exercises. We’ve been preparing for this journey for the past six months, focusing on building strength and endurance in a sustainable way. In the past, my impatience led to more injuries. This time, I chose to take it slow, giving my body the time it needed to recover. Unlike traditional training, where you push yourself to the limit, I haven’t trained by walking 25 kilometers a day. Instead, I’ve been gradually increasing my distance, allowing my body to adjust without unnecessary strain. The goal isn’t just to finish. it’s to enjoy the process and complete the journey without further injuries.

Mentally, this journey has been almost two years in the making. Every day, I’ve wrestled with doubts, wondering whether I’d be able to do it. But I’ve come to realize that self-doubt is part of the process. It’s not about never questioning yourself; it’s about how you respond when those doubts creep in.

Just like with physical training, mental preparation is a slow burn. Sometimes, your biggest obstacles aren’t just internal; they come from external influences, people or circumstances that aren’t necessarily supportive. In those moments, I remind myself why I’m doing this and who I’m doing it for. Therapy has played a huge role in this process. It’s helped me find answers to the questions and doubts that arise. Every time I hit a mental roadblock, I remind myself that there’s always a solution. If a problem exists, so does its solution, that’s something I truly believe in. So here I am, taking it one step at a time, trusting the process, and embracing the journey for everything it has to teach me.”

What do you hope to gain from this experience—spiritually, mentally, and physically?

“Spiritually, I want to reconnect with my essence and with nature. Over the past few years, the fast-paced lifestyle of London, work, and stress have pulled me away from that connection. I want to slow down, pause, and fully engage my senses, to truly feel, experience, and embrace the spiritual aspect of this journey. Mentally, I feel like I’ve already gained something just by making the decision to take this step. I don’t expect to come out of this with a completely different personality, but I do believe that facing and overcoming daily struggles will be transformative. Simply booking the tickets and getting here was already a win for me. There will be tough days, but the real lesson lies in learning how to navigate those lows and come out stronger. That’s what I hope to take away from this experience. Physically, if I manage to reach 25 kilometers a day, that would be an incredible achievement. But I’m not doing this for the physical aspect alone. This isn’t about hitting a specific number of kilometers in a set number of days. Just completing the pilgrimage, at my own pace, without injuries is the real victory. So, for me, success isn’t measured in numbers. It’s about presence, resilience, and growth, spiritually, mentally, and physically.”

Are you following any particular rituals or traditions along the way?

“When you visit the 88 Shikoku temples, most pilgrims choose to wear the traditional outfit and accessories. These are the sedge hat, the walking stick, the stamp book (Nokyo-sho), the white vest (Hakui), a silk scarf (wagesa) name slips (Osame-Fuda), and a small bell. For practical reasons, I chose to only get the hat, the book the vest and the name slips. I sometimes don’t wear the vest and the hat when entering the temples, only because it’s not convenient when carrying the backpack.

Even though I am not doing the pilgrimage for religious reasons, I also follow some of the temple rituals out of respect. As I pass through the first gate, I pause, take a deep breath, and bow slowly toward the temple. Once inside, I leave my stuff on the floor rather than on the benches, ensuring there is ample seating for others. At the handwash basin, I perform the cleansing ritual: I take a cup and pour water over my left hand, then over my right hand. Next, I pour a small amount of water into my left hand and sip it before rinsing the cup by letting water flow over its handle, then returning it to its place. If a bell is present, I ring it, and I take a moment to listen to its sound. I then proceed to visit the main hall (Hondo), the central building of the temple dedicated to its deity, which is typically the largest structure facing the entrance. I light a candle and incense sticks, then gently drop (rather than throw) a coin into the offering box. If I have a name slip, I leave it in the designated metal box. Afterward, I step aside to allow others to approach and take a moment with my eyes closed to meditate (others pray). I simply press my hands together in gratitude while reflecting on the good in my life or thinking of someone in need. I repeat the same ritual at the smaller temple (Daishidou). When I reach the shuin counter to receive the temple stamp and calligraphy, I hand over my pilgrimage book with both hands, saying “Onegai-shimasu” (which means “please do me a favor”).

The fee is 500 yen for the first stamp. Before leaving, I take some time to rest at the temple. On my way out, I pick up my stuff and, as I pass back through the first gate, I turn around and bow once more toward the temple in gratitude. While I walk to and from a temple, I enjoy meditating and I love listening to classical music. Sometimes I record notes on my day and take a couple of breaks to take pictures.”

What is your connection to the Nicholas Zoe foundation? What is the connection with the charity and this journey?

“My connection to the Nicholas Zoe Foundation is deeply personal. I have known Alexia, the founder and mother of Nicholas for a few years and have witnessed Nichola’s journey through her eyes. I met Alexia online, when I was looking for a dietitian with a specialty in hormones, and we have been working together on my nutrition while she was with Nicholas in Miami, when he was undergoing his treatments. I remember we used to have our catch up calls while she was driving to pick up Theo, Nichola’s sister, from school, or we were texting while she was in Nicholas room and he was sleeping or making little robots with pencils and markers.

So I never got to meet Nicholas in person, but he was someone I will never forget. He was a strong boy, with a passion for life, who wanted no other kid to suffer what he had been through. A few months after his passing, I reached out to Alexia’s office to find out if she is back to work. We had our first call and I announced that I was quitting my job, I was going travelling so we had to come up with a nutrition plan that would work for me and my new reality. While we were talking about it, I said to Alexia, in a couple of months I am going for a walk, and I will dedicate this to Nicholas. A couple of months after Nichola’s passing, one of my closest childhood friends lost her father to cancer. So I witnessed once again, what the C word does to a person, the void it leaves you with. It was so fast and so slow at the same time. I could not comprehend the pain, the feeling it leaves behind. I could physically see people that I cared about being torn apartfrom the grief. So when Alexia suggested I joined the board, it was a no brainer.

When the “Every Step Counts” campaign was launched on the 16/09/24, I was determined to make this pilgrimage a part of it. Making every step count, thinking of Nicholas, Pambos, Mahimos, and all those who suffer from losing their loved ones to the terrifying C. This journey is my way of honoring and supporting the foundations mission. By undertaking this pilgrimage, I aim not only to embark on a personal path of self-discovery and renewal but also to raise awareness and funds for the foundation. Every step I take is a tribute to the transformative work of the Nicholas Zoe Foundation, and a reminder that our journeys, whether physical or emotional, are enriched when we help others along the way.”

You can follow Sofia’s journey with her on her Instagram: @givingwanderlust

SUPPORT THE NICHOLAS ZOE FOUNDATION

We at Istorja, are supporting Sofia and have created 2 special products celebrating her Shikoku Pilgromage Adventure. A beautiful candle especially crafted by Sofia herself and a limited edition Istorja tote bag. ALL proceeds will go to Nicholas Zoe foundation which funds research for pediatric sarcoma.

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