1.
pilgrimage, visiting sacred sites
A journey to visit a series of temples, shrines, or other sacred places, often following an established route.
四国巡礼に出る。
To set out on the Shikoku pilgrimage.
八十八か所の巡礼を達成した。
I completed the pilgrimage to all eighty-eight temples.
巡礼者が白装束で歩いていた。
Pilgrims were walking in white robes.
2.
pilgrimage (anime/media), visiting real-life locations from fictional works
In modern usage, visiting real-world locations that appeared in anime, manga, films, or other media. Also called 聖地巡礼.
アニメの聖地巡礼をする。
To make a pilgrimage to anime locations.
あの映画のファンが聖地巡礼に訪れている。
Fans of that movie are visiting the filming locations on pilgrimage.
聖地巡礼が地方の観光に貢献するケースが増えている。
Cases where anime pilgrimages contribute to local tourism are increasing.
CULTURAL CONTEXT:
The most famous Japanese pilgrimage is the 四国八十八か所巡り (Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage), a roughly 1,200 km route visiting 88 Buddhist temples associated with 弘法大師 (Kōbō Daishi).
MODERN USAGE:
聖地巡礼 ("sacred site pilgrimage") has become a major cultural phenomenon where fans visit real locations that appeared in anime, manga, or films. This has become a significant driver of regional tourism.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 巡礼に出る (to set out on a pilgrimage)
- 巡礼者 (pilgrim)
- 聖地巡礼 (sacred site pilgrimage / anime location pilgrimage)