Shikoku Island Guide
Shikoku is the smallest of the Japanese four main islands, full of amazing activities and natural sceneries
Being not so famous, this is the perfect place to make original experiences you’ll remember forever: enjoy festivals, join dances and deepen yourself into pure nature.
In the following map we’ll bring you through the 4 prefectures of the island along with the main cities.
Best things to do in Shikoku
Shikoku Henro
四国遍路
Probably the most famous activity in Shikoku is this pilgrimage through 88 Buddhist temples across every corner of the island. While visiting one of these temples, it is very common to meet pilgrims in white dressing.
Every temple is numbered, with the first temple in Tokushima prefecture and the last one in Kagawa. Depending on the pilgrim, it takes between 30 and 60 days to complete the approximately 1,200 km.
Visit the pilgrimage english website to know more. Also follow this complete Shikoku Henro map to enjoy the 88 temples route.
Ritsurin-kōen
栗林公園
This is the most impressive scenic garden of Shikoku, located in Takamatsu and considered by many to be among the three most beautiful gardens in Japan. The visit takes from 1 to 2 hours.
Different small hills which offer breathtaking views of the garden, full of Japanese black pine trees carefully pruned by gardeners.
At the exit, there's a shop where you can buy typical souvenirs and foods of the Sanuki region, the old name of Kagawa prefecture.
Check it on Google Maps or visit the english website to know more.
Awa Odori (dance)
阿波踊り
If you are planning to go in Japan during Obon period (13~15 August), Tokushima is the place to be.
Awa Odori is a dance style born centuries ago in Tokushima, and spread out across all the country. Every region has now it's own version.
During mid august, Tokushima's Awa Odori is the largest dance festival in Japan, with large crowds of tourists taking part on dances on the streets.
Visit the Japanese website to know more.
Dogo Onsen
道後温泉
Dogo onsen is the most famous hot spring of Shikoku, located in Matsuyama city.
The area is full of ryokans, but the most famous attraction is the Dogo Onsen Honkan, the main public bath house dated 1894. In the evening, with all the lights fired up, the building is even more beautiful.
Check it on Google Maps or visit the english website to know more.
Iya Valley
祖谷渓
Deep inside Tokushima mountains, impressive vine bridges connects green valleys. Wild nature is what you should expect from this peaceful valley, a restorative and adventorous day trip in Japan.
Three of the many old vine bridges are still maintained, being the main attraction of the area. Rafting and hiking are only some of the outdoor activities you can do in the area.
Check it on Google Maps or visit the english website to know more.
Sanuki Udon
讃岐うどん
Thick rectangular noodles, ranked as one of the top 3 udon of Japan, along with Inaniwa and Mizusawa ones. This dish can be enjoyed both in winter, with hot broth, and summer on cold soup.
The name comes from the ancient name of Kagawa prefecture, once called Sanuki region. Takamatsu city is full of local restaurants that cook this type of udon in every season.
Shimanami Kaido (bike tour)
しまなみ海道
Between Onomichi and Imabari, on north of Shikoku, there are 5 small island connected by Nishiseto Expressway. Flanking the highway, there is a 70 Km bike street accessible to everyone.
On both terminals there are rental bicycle shops. You can pick up a bike from Imabari, enjoy the ride across the Seto inland sea and drop it at Onomichi terminal. The rental costs are about 10$ each day for basics and 15$ for electrical assisted bicycles.
If you're not used to cycle 70 km in one day, plan to stay for a night at one of the many bike inns on the inland islands.
Visit the english website to know more.
Shimanto River
四万十川
One of the last crystal clear rivers in Japan, perfect for water activities like Kayak or Stand Up Paddle.Fishing is also allowed, because the pure waters are full of river fishes.
Many visitors come by the river to catch dinner for their barbecues. Springing from the heart of Kochi mountains, it keeps flowing for 196 Km before jumping into Pacific Ocean at Shimanto city.
Visit the english website to know more.
Shikoku itinerary
Here’s our original 5 days itinerary to visit the island in summer:
9 August – Visit Matsuyama-jō Castle and Dōgo onsen hot springs, then move to Kōchi city enjoying Yosakoi dances and Kōchi Nōryō Hanabi Taikai fireworks show;
10 August – 1-day trip to Shimanto city to try summer activities in the river;
11 August – Visit the Iya valley while heading to Tokushima city;
12 August – Take part on Awa Odori dances in Tokushima during the Obon festivities;
13 August – Move to Takamatsu city to visit Ritsurin-kōen Garden, eat the typical udon and enjoy Sanuki Takamatsu Matsuri with 1 hour fireworks display at the port.
Soon you’ll be able to read our detailed blog post of this itinerary, with train connections, event schedules and descriptions of the main points of interest.
Shikoku transportations guide
Trains
All the major cities are located along the coasts of the island. Even though there are no bullet trains, the JR Shikoku railway manage to connect all of them.
The greatest part of train lines are included within the Japan Rail Pass. But there are exceptions like the section between Kubokawa and Sukumo, known as Tosa-Kuroshio railway. So, if you are planning to visit Shimanto city, for this section you’ll need to pay an extra fee.
To know more, here’s the Japan railway map from the Japan Rail Pass official website and our JR Pass and trains blog post.
Airports
Ports
Being an island, sometime the fastest way to move from your city is by ferry. Shikoku main ports are:
- Takahama Station, that connects Matsuyama city with Hiroshima and many islands in the Seto Inland Sea;
- Takamatsu Port, to reach Shōdoshima and other smaller islands;
- Yawatahama Port, useful to visit Beppu in the Kyūshū island.