Mark's Charitable Journey Across Japan
Mark Peterson, a headmaster at an Australian school, embarked on an extraordinary fundraising endeavor earlier this year when he embarked on the Shikoku Temple O-Henro pilgrimage, a 1,200-kilometer journey across Japan's smallest major island. Peterson completed the pilgrimage in less than a month, walking over 1,500 kilometers and visiting 40 temples, surpassing his original goal.
The veteran long-distance walker encountered obstacles along the way, including a typhoon that forced him to adapt his route and additional trekking due to unpassable mountain paths. Peterson figured he might not return to the region, so he made a point to visit as many temples as possible, including some not traditionally included in the pilgrimage.
"The beauty of Shikoku overall struck me," Peterson said. "I knew the mountains would be incredible, but the rivers and creeks going down into the ocean areas were unbelievably beautiful."
While some accommodations proved challenging to find during his journey, others were overwhelmingly supportive. Peterson received O-settai, a local practice of providing pilgrims with food, drinks, and hospitality, from the people of Shikoku. This ranged from home-cooked meals to discounted lodging, demonstrating the region's deep-rooted connection to the pilgrimage.
However, Peterson faced a setback around the halfway mark when he developed plantar fasciitis, a painful inflammation of the foot's tissue. Despite the discomfort, he persevered and completed the journey. His school continued to fundraise, with students combining to walk 770 kilometers in solidarity with Peterson.
While walking, Peterson had ample time to reflect on his reasons for undertaking the journey, especially in light of his personal connection to Parkinson's disease. "I've had an awareness of Parkinson's since I saw how it affected my grandfather when I was growing up, and now I have two teenage boys," he said. "I'm fundraising in the hope that more research will lead to better treatments before the next generation is at risk."
In addition to pondering the causes he supported, Peterson used the solitude of his pilgrimage to contemplate existential questions and map out future projects. He also welcomed the opportunities to engage with locals, exchanging stories and gaining insights along the way.
After completing his journey, Peterson reunited with his family in Tokyo before returning to Shikoku to visit some of the places he'd trekked through. He has raised AUD 6,000 so far and plans to continue fundraising.
Peterson has also shared his experiences and pictures through Visit Kochi, a tourist information page about the main city on Shikoku. Interested individuals can support his fundraising efforts by visiting his Pitch in for Parkinson's page.
"Mark Peterson's adventure-travel journey took an unexpected turn when he embarked on the Shikoku Temple O-Henro pilgrimage, not just a physical trip but also a lifestyle change filled with travel and introspection."
"In the midst of his fundraising endeavor, Peterson found solace in the breathtaking landscapes of Shikoku, which inspired him to document his adventure-travel experiences and share them with others through Visit Kochi."
