Kongōzue

The kongōzue (金剛杖) is the pilgrim's wooden walking staff (o-henro お遍路) on the Shikoku pilgrimage (the tour of the 88 places: Shikoku hachijūhakkasho meguri 四国八十八ヶ所巡り). It is much more than a simple walking stick, as it is considered to embody Kūkai accompanying the pilgrim every step of the way. It is of great help along steep, slippery mountain paths.

The characters Dōgyō Ninin mean “the two of us travel together,” referring to Kōbō Daishi (Kūkai). One must treat it with deep respect, washing its tip at every temple visit and at the end of each day. Finally, one must not strike it on the ground when crossing a bridge, because Kōbō Daishi sometimes slept beneath bridges and one must not disturb his rest.