Osettai — The Culture of Unconditional Giving
One of the most unique traditions of the Shikoku Henro (Shikoku Pilgrimage) is osettai (hospitality offerings). While walking along the pilgrimage route, locals may approach you with drinks or food. This is not business or service—it is a heartfelt “please accept this.” The spirit of osettai leaves a deep impression on many pilgrims.
Not a Tip
For visitors from abroad, the first surprise may be that you do not need to give money in return. In many cultures, kindness is followed by tipping, but osettai is different. In Shikoku, gratitude expressed in words and with the heart is considered enough. Pilgrims sometimes offer their osamefuda (name slip) in return—a small card with their name and prayer written on it. Handing this over means, “I will carry this kindness forward,” making osettai a cycle of goodwill.
Modern Forms of Osettai
In the past, offerings were often rice balls or vegetables. Today, you might find bottled tea, sports drinks, candy, or chocolate placed in unmanned roadside boxes. Farmers may hand you fresh oranges from their fields. Sometimes locals offer a ride or even a discount on lodging. All of these gestures are born from the wish to make a pilgrim’s journey a little easier.
Encounters that Deepen the Journey
Osettai creates brief yet unforgettable connections between pilgrims and locals. The taste of cold tea after a long walk, the sweetness of candy offered by the roadside, the fragrance of a freshly picked orange—these small moments stay with you. More than anything, the words “ganbatte” (keep going) touch the heart. For international travelers, this is not just “omotenashi (hospitality)” but something simpler and more profound: the culture of offering kindness with no expectation in return.
Summary
Osettai is a defining element of the Shikoku Henro. It is kindness that cannot be measured in money, kindness that sustains the journey. When walking in Shikoku, keep your heart open. That one cup of tea or piece of fruit may become the most meaningful part of your pilgrimage.
Previous Post