In traditional terms, there may be ten benefits to observing the Saigoku Pilgrimage:

1) One will not be reborn in hell or as a hungry ghost or animal.
2) One will truly reflect (on Amida) at death.
3) The pilgrim's household will have friendly relations with the Buddha.
4) The Sanskrit letters of the six Kannon will be set in one's forehead.
5) One's well being will be perfect.
6) One's descendants will flourish.
7) At the end of one's life a memorial service will be given by a priest.
8) One will be born in Fudaraksu (Kannon's paradise).
9) One will definitely be reborn in the Pure land.
10) All one's wishes will be fulfilled.

In more personal terms, I see the pilgrimage as an opportunity to connect with Buddhist heritage. In this case, the heritage stretches back more than a thousand years in some places. The pilgrimage functions as a heuristic, enabling me to weave my way through the cultural legacy of Japanese Buddhism.

In addition, travel propels us into a liminal space in which we are opened up to new experiences , which may inspire meaningful and lasting change. The pilgrimage is understood as a process of spiritual death and rebirth, enabling me - the pilgrim - to be renewed.

I am also particularly interested in the material expression of spiritual values. Through articulating my commitment to Buddha's values - and in this case Kannon - I make my spiritual life more real. This commitment will be evidenced in my (hopefully) completed pilgrim's book. I will have a physical record of the committed journey that I will have made.