Discover Shikoku

Shikoku, Japan's fourth-largest island (after Honshu, Hokkaido and Kyushu), sits just below its more famous mainland neighbour Hiroshima. And yet it is the largest island least visited by foreign tourists.

Which makes it an ideal destination if you want to easily get 'off the beaten path' and encounter fewer tourists, but without being in the wilderness.

Discover Shikoku - Travel Guide

by Rob Dyer

Introducing Shikoku

Shikoku sits just off the southwestern coast of Honshu, and above Kyushu. It nestles in between the calm Seto Inland Sea on its northern side, with the Pacific Ocean buffeting its southern coastline. It's largely an agricultural island and its warm climate is well suited to growing a variety of citrus fruits.

The island is 18,900 sq km (7,300 sq miles), with a population of around 4.1 million, accounting for little more than 3% of the total population of Japan. It comprises the four prefectures: Ehime, Kagawa, Kochi and Tokushima. Kagawa is Japan's smallest prefecture, and is famous for its udon noodles.

Shikoku can easily be included in a 3-leg itinerary taking in neighbouring Hiroshima and Okayama. Both are on the mainland of Honshu - just a short hop across the Seto Inland Sea.

Shikoku location map

Climate

The climate is similar to southwest Honshu - humid and subtropical. The winters are mild. It has a lot of mountains but no volcanoes. The warm climate of Shikoku is well suited to the cultivation of citrus fruits, which are synonymous with the regions they are grown in.

Shikoku: the island and the region

The Japanese generally see (and refer to) Shikoku as a region and not just a single island.

That's because although there is an island named Shikoku, Kagawa Prefecture in the north, for example, includes several small islands in the Seto Inland Sea. The most well-known of which is Naoshima, famous for its contemporary art scene.  

The Japanese are drawn to Shikoku by its reputation for culture and nature, and the group of islands appeared in The New York Times’ "52 Places to Go in 2019" list.

VIDEO: Art Trip From Takamatsu

Highlights of Shikoku

Naoshima (Kagawa)

Naoshima is a small island in the Seto Inland Sea just off the north coast of Takamatsu.

Probably Naoshima Island's most famous artist connection is the one with contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama. Her iconic giant red and yellow pumpkin sculptures on the coastline are a major draw for art-lovers around the world.

If sculpture is your thing then be sure to check out the Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum. The entire grounds were designed as an 'environmental sculpture'.

Architecture fans will want to see the two art museums designed by Tadao Ando (the Chichu Art Museum and Lee Ufan Museum). 

Naoshima was selected as one of the world’s top 7 “must visits” in Condé Nast Traveler magazine.

Ritsurin Garden, Takamatsu (Kagawa)

By any standards Ritsurin Garden in the city of Takamatsu, in Kagawa Prefecture in the north of Shikoku, is one of the finest gardens in the whole of Japan.

It makes use of the 'borrowed landscape' technique with Mt. Shuin lending its slopes to the impressive views of this large landscaped park.

It's not as well-known as other Japanese gardens, making it possible to experience it with far smaller crowds. The sprawling garden has six ponds, and thirteen landscaped hills among its 750,000 square meters.

The Kikugetsutei teahouse (accessible for a small fee) overlooks the main pond and is the perfect setting to experience the Japanese Tea Ceremony. Boat rides on the pond are also bookable. Don't forget to visit their Koi ponds while here. 

The garden is a short walk from the two nearest train stations: JR Ritsurin-Koen-Kitaguchi Station (JR Kotoku line) and Kotoden Ritsurin Koen Station (Kotoden Kotohira Line). 

Limited Period Tea Ceremonies at Ritsurin, Shikoku in October 2024

Wabunka has an exclusive tea ceremony experience at Ritsurin Garden available only in October 2024.

 • October 15th to 22nd: A New Take on a Traditional Tea Party at Kagawa’s World-Famous Ritsurin Garden

This is a rare opportunity to visit one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens while enjoying an immersive cultural experience.

A New Take on a Traditional Tea Party at Kagawa’s World-Famous Ritsurin Garden, 15th - 22nd October

Overview

This unique event at Ritsurin Garden blends tradition with modern creativity. Experience the tea ceremony with local wasanbon confectionery, themed cocktails by a master mixologist, and architectural installations.

Explore the garden's ever-changing vistas while engaging in group activities that showcase its beauty, history, and cultural richness.

Key Features

• Partake in an adventure of joyous discovery and interaction including tea ceremony, tea-themed activities, cocktails, traditional sweets, architecture and landscape design.
• Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony in five tea spaces created for this event.
• Enjoy an unusual opportunity to explore and spend time in the sprawling and gorgeous Risturin Garden, nationally and internationally recognised for its beauty.
• Get to know Kagawa’s living culture and history through an experience you can only have here, created by masters working at the tops of their fields.

*This experience will be held for a limited time only: October 15th-22nd

Awa Odori Dance Festival (Tokushima)

Every August Japan's summer festival goers descend on Tokushima Prefecture, on Shikoku's eastern side, for the annual carnival that is the Awa Odori.

It's the largest folk dance festival in Japan, attracting over 1.3 million visitors every year. Awa is the old name for Tokushima Prefecture, and odori means dance.

Dating back over 400 years, this vibrant matsuri sees groups of choreographed dancers and musicians parade through the streets. Performers wear a colourful array of obon dance costumes, chanting and singing as they make there way through the city.

It's that big a deal that even Tokushima's airport is officially called Tokushima Awa Odori Airport.

Cycling in Shikoku

Shikoku has an extensive and well implemented cycle route that circles the entire island. Known as the Shikoku Circuit Route, the 1,000km loop largely hugs the Shikoku coastline with stunning views over the Seto Island Sea, the Pacific Ocean, and the Uwa Sea.

It also connects to the epic Shimanami Kaido cycling route that runs 70km along dedicated cycle paths from Onomichi City, in Hiroshima Prefecture on the mainland, through six islands to Imabari City in Ehime Prefecture on Shikoku.

The Cycling Island Shikoku website has a recommended 11-day itinerary for the full circuit, as well as as couple of half circuit options. 

SEE ALSO: 12 Must-Try Outdoor Activities in Japan

88 Temples of The Shikoku Pilgrimage 

Established over 1,200 years ago, the 88 Temple Pilgrimage, is one of the oldest pilgrimages in the world. It's the perfect way of getting off the beaten path in Japan.

The 88 Buddhist temples included span all four of Shikoku's prefectures. Only the most devout cover all of the temples (and only a few of those still walk the route), but you can dip your toes in by visiting Ryozenji in Naruto City, the first temple at the start of the epic 1,200km trail.

It's easy to dip in and out of the full route. Use the official Shikoku Henro website to help research what to do and see and use their interactive planner to build your own bespoke route.

The temples are associated with the Buddhist monk Kōbō Daishi who founded Shingon Buddhism in 794 in Koyasan, Wakayama.

Matsuyama City (Ehime)

Matsuyama is the capital city of Ehime Prefecture on the island of Shikoku in Japan and also Shikoku's largest city. Considered by many to be the island's most attractive city, it feels more like a large town. It has a rich literary and onsen culture.

Dogo Onsen, one of Japan's most famous hot springs, boasts a 3,000-year royalty-studded history and can still be bathed in today. In modern times, it provided inspiration for Studio Ghibli's Oscar-winning Spirited Away, which features an onsen that looks remarkably similar.

Why not expand your cultural experience at Dogo Onsen and take in three traditional Japanese cultural activities while you are here?

The arcades around the onsen are ideal for a refreshing glass of the island's famous (and delicious) freshly squeezed mikan citrus fruit juice, or for sampling the local craft Dogo Beer .

Matsuyama Castle is one of only a handful of Japan's original (not substantially re-built) castles. It's located high above the city and offers panoramic views over the city below. Cherry trees line the approach to the castle, making it a memorable place to view sakura in springtime.

If you want to hit the highlights of the city, and would appreciate a guided tour, then this one from Voyagin is good value.

Shimanto River (Kochi)

Still sometimes referred to as 'the last clear stream of Japan', on account of it not having any dams and its remote location away from any big cities, the Shimanto River, in Kochi Prefecture, is Shikoku's longest river.

The river is popular with tourists who come here to admire its natural beauty, fish its waters, cross it using one of its bridges, take pleasure cruises and to canoe along its  free-flowing waters.

Naruto Whirlpools (Tokushima)

The current in the Naruto straight, a channel between Naruto in Tokushima and Awaji Island in Hyogo, is the fastest in Japan.

Twice a day, the tides move huge amounts of water, at speed, through the channel creating large tidal whirlpools that are themselves a tourist attraction. 

In the spring, the speed of the water can create whirpools up to 20 m (66 ft) in diameter. This impressive natural phenomena can be viewed from sightseeing boats operating in the straight. It's also possible to see the Naruto whirlpools as part of a wider private excursion that takes in the shore of Tokushima and Naruto.

The whirlpools inspired the name for the character Naruto Uzumaki from the famous manga and anime Naruto,

Insider Tip: Stay In Kotohira To Explore Kompirasan (Kotohira Shrine)

Shikoku's largest shrine complex, the Kotohira Shrine, also known as Kompirasan, sits atop 1,368 steps, high above the small town of Kotohira in Kagawa Prefecture.

The sacred Shrine is one many Japanese hope to see in their lifetimes. However, the vast majority of them, and passing foreign visitors, will only see Kotohira Shrine as a day trip.

Few will stop to explore the town of Kotohira itself. Fewer still will think to stop here overnight (or even for a few days). But I recommend doing so.

It's easy to get to Kotohira from Takamatsu by train. The JR Line from Takamatsu Station takes you to Kotohira Station.

However, my tip is to use the JR line to arrive in Kotohira, but for the return journey a few days later, use the smaller, regional Kotohira Railway (Kotoden), whose distinctive yellow retro-style trains run between Kotoden Kotohira Station (where the line terminates) and Takamatsu Chikko Station.

A Japan Rail Pass covers both lines, or alternatively a dedicated JR Shikoku Pass also covers both lines, several others, and includes the Shodoshima Ferry and Shodoshima Olive Bus. There are 3 / 4 / 5 and 7-Day versions, starting at 9,000 JPY.

Getting Here

Shikoku is readily accessible from nearby Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima on the mainland and Beppu, in Kyushu's Oita Prefecture.

Public transport in Shikoku itself can take a little bit of pre-planning to get the most out of it. Driving might be an easier and more flexible option.

By Rail

Although not part of Japan's Shinkansen high-speed rail network, there are frequent connections from Okayama on Honshu to Takamatsu, the island's second largest city, as well as other destinations within the island.

By Air

All four prefectural capitals Takamatsu, Matsuyama, Kochi and Tokushima have small regional airports. All of these have flights to Tokyo and other major Japanese cities including Osaka, Nagoya, Sapporo, and Fukuoka.

See my airports list below for links to the English versions of all the airport websites.

By Car

If you're driving, Shikoku is connected to Honshu by three bridges: Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Expressway, in the east, Seto-Chūō Expressway (Central Shikoku) and Nishiseto Expressway in the west. But beware of toll charges. You can learn more about toll charges in Japan in this post.

By Bus

If coming from Kansai or eastern parts of Japan, buses via Awaji Island are the quickest way to Shikoku.

By Sea

There are several ferries serving Shikoku which can be taken from major cities like Kobe and Hiroshima.

Shikoku Destinations (Featured Posts)

Selected posts about destinations in Shikoku and nearby islands:

6 Great Spots to See Spectacular Autumn Leaves in Japan

12 Must-Try Outdoor Activities in Japan

Exploring The Island of Shodoshima And Kankakei Gorge

Exploring The World’s Longest Suspension Bridge – Akashi Kaikyo

Japanese Craft Beer: A Beginner’s Guide

Shikoku YouTube Video Playlist

You can view our YouTube video playlist dedicated to Shikoku HERE.

Shikoku Travel Planning Services

Have some questions about exploring Shikoku? Want help planning a Shikoku itinerary? We offer a couple of services that you might like to take a look at.

Our Travel Planning Calls are ideal if you have a few unanswered questions about a trip you are planning, or would like feedback and suggestions on an itinerary you are building.  Learn More HERE.

If you'd rather hand over all the hard work for planning an entire trip to us then our Travel Planning Service is tailor-made for you.
Learn More HERE.

Further quick guides and checklists are available in our Store.

If you found this guide helpful, please share this photo:

Official Tourism Websites

Tourism SHIKOKU

Setouchi Reflection Trip - The Official Travel Guide of Setouchi Region

Prefectural Tourism Websites

Visit Ehime

Visit Kagawa

Visit Kochi

Discover Tokushima

Airports

Kōchi Airport (KCZ)
Matsuyama Airport (MYJ) - Google Translated from Japanese
Takamatsu Airport (TAK)
Tokushima Awaodori Airport (TKS)

The Best Time To Visit Japan

The Best Time To Visit Japan - All You Need To Know

Have A Question? / Leave A Comment