巡礼

• Reading: じゅんれい
• Romaji: junrei
• Kanji breakdown: 巡 (jun/megu) — go around, patrol; 礼 (rei) — worship, bow, courtesy
• Pronunciation: /dʑɯɴ.ɾeː/

Meaning

Pilgrimage; a journey to sacred or significant places. Also the pilgrim themselves.

A noun and する verb referring to the act of visiting sacred sites, temples, or shrines in sequence. Traditionally associated with religious pilgrimages like the Shikoku 88 Temple circuit. In modern Japanese, also used for 'anime pilgrimage' (聖地巡礼) — visiting real locations depicted in anime or manga.

Examples

1. 四国八十八か所の巡礼に出かけた。 I went on a pilgrimage to the 88 sacred sites of Shikoku.
2. 毎年多くの巡礼者がこの寺を訪れる。 Many pilgrims visit this temple every year.
3. アニメの聖地巡礼が若者の間で流行っている。 Anime pilgrimages to real-world locations are popular among young people.

Usage Guide

Context: religion, travel, anime culture, tourism

Tone: respectful

Origin & History

Compound of 巡 (jun, go around/patrol) + 礼 (rei, worship/bow). Literally 'going around to worship,' describing the circuit of visiting multiple sacred sites in succession.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal