Yoroshiku onegaishimasu

Pleased to meet you! My name is Remy — a travel-hungry Dutchie and, as of recently, a henro in the making.

Somewhere in 2025, after going through some personal upheaval, the idea took hold that I was in dire need of a break. A sabbatical, an escape — something different. At the very least, some serious time to reflect on my life and wellbeing.

Call it a midlife crisis, or simply the realization that — at age 45 — the candle has most likely already burned halfway down. However you frame it, the situation called for a drastic change of pace and an experience I could look back on later in life with a capital E.

In searching for such an experience, one rooted in self-reflection and contemplation, I came across the Shikoku 88 pilgrimage.

I’ve always wanted to do a long-distance hike — one where I rely mostly on myself, my feet, and whatever I can carry. And after visiting Japan in both 2023 and 2024, it quickly became my favorite country in the world. The fact that the pilgrimage takes place in rural Japan made it an instant certainty: I’m going to do this.

I created this blog to document the journey — so friends and family can follow along, and so others might learn from it, or maybe even feel inspired to begin their own.

Hope you enjoy / Tanoshinde kudasai