Shikoku Travel Guides

Shikoku is an area consisting of Tokushima, Kagawa, Ehime, and Kochi prefectures, and is characterized by the fact that the islands are surrounded by the sea on all sides, with countless islands floating in the Seto Inland Sea.

The Sanuki Mountains and the Shikoku Mountains run through the center of Shikoku, and the climate differs greatly between the northern and southern parts of the country. Kagawa and Ehime prefectures in the north have a Seto Inland Sea style climate, with summer monsoons blocked by the Shikoku Mountains and winter monsoons blocked by the Chugoku Mountains, resulting in a stable climate throughout the year with little precipitation.

Tokushima and Kochi prefectures, located to the south, have a Pacific Ocean-side climate, characterized by a large climatic gap depending on the season: hot and humid with frequent rainfall in summer and dry with little rainfall in winter.

The Shikoku area is particularly well known throughout Japan for the "Ohenro" pilgrimage to the 88 sacred sites opened by Kobo Daishi, and is still known as an area where many people go on pilgrimage trips. In the tourism area, events such as the Awa Odori Dance and Yosakoi Festival, as well as gourmet foods such as mandarin oranges and other citrus fruits, and seafood from the excellent fishing grounds of the Seto Inland Sea, are popular.

Major tourist attractions include the Oku-Iya Niju Kazura Bridge in Tokushima Prefecture, Angel Road in Kagawa Prefecture, Matsuyama Castle in Ehime Prefecture, and Cape Muroto in Kochi Prefecture.

The Oku-Iya Double Tortoise Bridge in Tokushima Prefecture spans the Coarse Valley River in Miyoshi City. The Oku-Iya Kazura Bridge is characterized by its traditional suspension bridge, which was built using Sarunashi and other vines, using techniques handed down from generation to generation. There is also a human-powered ropeway nearby, making it a popular spot for many tourists.

Kagawa Prefecture's Angel Road is a sandy beach path leading from Bentenjima to Nakayojima, Koyojima, and Oyoshima that appears twice a day only at low tide. It is said that if you cross the road holding hands with your loved one, your wish will come true, making the road a popular tourist spot for many couples.

Matsuyama Castle in Ehime Prefecture was built in 1602 by Yoshiaki Kato, a son of Hideyoshi Toyotomi and a military commander from the Azuchi-Momoyama to Edo periods. Matsuyama Castle has 21 important cultural properties, among which the main keep is the last complete castle structure of the Edo period and is known as a castle of high historical value, as it is the only one of the 12 existing keeps with the hollyhock crest on its roof tiles.

Today, Matsuyama Castle is equipped with a ropeway and other facilities, and is one of the most popular sightseeing spots in Ehime Prefecture.

Cape Muroto in Kochi Prefecture is designated as the Muroto Anan Kaigan National Park and a national scenic beauty spot. The Cape Muroto Lighthouse, one of the 50 best lighthouses in Japan, is located on the cape and boasts the longest reach of light in Japan, about 49 km. Since Cape Muroto is not a busy tourist spot, it is a good spot for those who want to enjoy the natural scenery.

Prefecture

Recommended spots for Shikoku

Pick up sightseeing spots and specialties!

Otsuka Museum of Art

The Otsuka Museum of Art is an art museum that reproduces masterpieces from around the world on ceramic boards.The museum boasts the largest permanent exhibition space in Japan, with 1,074 items on display, including life-size ceramic panels of more than 190 masterpieces from 25 countries around the world. Among them, Picasso's "Guernica" and the wall paintings of the Sistine Chapel are particula...»

Dogo Onsen

One of the oldest hot springs in Japan

Dogo Onsen is said to be one of the oldest hot springs in Japan, with a history as long as 3,000 years. Known as "Iyo-no-yu" and "Kyudatsu-no-yu," it appears as a famous hot spring in the Chronicles of Japan (720), Manyoshu (circa 780), and The Tale of Genji (circa 1008 by Murasaki Shikibu), among others. It is known throughout Japan as the setting of Soseki Natsume's novel "Bo-chan" (1905), and...»

Ritsurin Park

A Japanese garden that is well worth a visit

Located at the eastern foot of Mt. Shikun, this garden has a nearly 400-year history and has been designated as a national special scenic beauty spot.It is the largest Japanese garden in Japan, covering an area of approximately 75 hectares, and has six ponds and 13 artificial hills against the backdrop of Mt. The garden is rich in plants and trees, especially black pine, and is dotted with cherry...»

Chibu-ga-hama Beach

A hot topic on SNS as a superb photo spot!

Chibumogahama Beach is a 1 km long beach that attracts many bathers in summer. It is a hot topic on SNS as a place to take pictures like those of Lake Uyuni, where the surface of the water looks like a mirror. It has been selected as one of the 88 scenic spots in Shikoku (No. 70) as "the magic hour of Chichi Hamagahama sunset before sunset. PhotographyBeautiful photos can be taken during the "m...»

UFO Line

A spectacular drive to the sky

Ishizuchi, the highest mountain in western Japan, this 27-km route winds along a ridge between 1,300 and 1,700 meters above sea level. On a clear day, you can see not only the Ishizuchi mountain range but also Tosa Bay in a series of dynamic views. The route also offers a variety of views unique to the mountainous area, such as azaleas and rhododendrons in spring, fresh greenery in summer, and m...»

Kochi Castle

Kochi Castle was completed by Kazutoyo Yamauchi, who became the feudal lord of Tosa. The entire castle site is designated as a national historic site and is a prefectural historical park. The castle was built in 1601....»

Naoshima Island

An island where modern art blends into the old townscape

Naoshima is known as an island of art in the Seto Inland Sea. The island is not only home to museums that exhibit artists' works, such as Benesse House, the Chichu Art Museum, and the Lee Ufan Museum, but also to a project to preserve and revitalize uninhabited old houses and turn them into permanent exhibition spaces for contemporary art installations, blending the island's traditional landscape...»

Nakatsu Valley

Powerful valley and fantastic water flow

Located on the Nakatsu River, a tributary of the Niyodo River, Nakatsu Valley is a beautiful valley with fresh green and autumn leaves. There is a 2.3 km-long promenade along the blue "Niyodo blue" river, which weaves through large rocks and crosses the river many times on stone bridges. After about a 20-minute walk, visitors will be close to the beauty of the valley and its odd sights, such as ...»

Matsuyama Castle

Impregnable, a masterpiece of castle architecture

The famous castle stands on the summit of Katsuyama Mountain, almost in the center of Matsuyama.It stands on the summit of Katsuyama, 153 meters above sea level, and can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. Together with Himeji Castle and Wakayama Castle, it is one of Japan's three great interconnecting flat mountain castles. Construction of the castle began in 1602 by Yoshiaki Kato, one of...»

Kankakei Gorge

Gorgeous beauty created over 2 million years

The gorge stretches 7 kilometers from east to west and 4 kilometers from north to south between Hoshigajo and Uminohara Plateau.The beauty of this valley, one of the most beautiful in Japan, has been designated as a national scenic beauty, and has been selected as one of the three most beautiful valleys in Japan, one of the three most bizarre sights in Japan, one of the 100 most scenic views in Ja...»

Yasui Valley

The valley is known for its clear, blue river called "Niyodo Blue" and the most beautiful autumn foliage in the prefecture. It offers good views of the upper reaches of the Yasui River, the Chihirokyo Gorge, and the Horaizan Observatory. Plenty of places to seeHiryu Falls, named for its two-tiered waterfall with a drop of 30 meters, which looks like a dragon twisting its body and flying away.Sho...»

Dogo Onsen Honkan

Japan's highest ranked one-day hot spring facility

Built in 1894, the three-story building is a symbol of Dogo Onsen. It boasts a stately appearance in the midst of modern hotels and shopping streets. In 1994, it became the first public bathhouse to be designated a National Important Cultural Property.In 2009, it received the highest rating of three stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japon. In the ranking of public bathhouses, it is listed as the ...»

Shimanto River

The Shimanto River is the largest river in Shikoku with a total length of 196 km. There are sightseeing boats along the Shimanto River. Ayu (sweetfish), mullet, black sea bream, sea bass, and other fish can be caught frequently....»

Marugame Castle

The four-story stone wall is 60 meters high.The castle was built on the 66-meter-high Kameyama Mountain and surrounded by a moat (inner moat). It is one of the 12 existing castle towers. The four layers of stonewalls piled up from the inner moat where swans play to the top of the mountain are said to be the tallest in Japan, exceeding 60 meters in total.It is called the "fan slope" and is beautif...»

Kotohiragu Shrine

Ancient shrine popularly called "Kompira-san" in Sanuki

The shrine is located on Mt. Zotou and was called Konpira Daigongen before the separation of Shinto and Buddhism in the early Meiji period.It is the head shrine of the approximately 600 Konpira, Kotohira, or Kompira shrines in Japan. The approach to the shrine is 785 stone steps to the main shrine and 1,368 steps to the inner shrine.The large precincts are dotted with historic shrines and halls, ...»

Katsurahama Beach

Katsurahama is a sandy beach located at the tip of Urato Peninsula in Kochi City, between Ryuoh Cape and Ryuto Cape. It is one of the most scenic spots in Kochi Prefecture, and is sung in the Yosakoi-bushi folk song, "Katsurahama Beach is famous for its moon. The five-colored sands and green pine trees surrounding the beach are beautiful.The Tosa Dogfighting Center, Katsurahama Aquarium, Sakamot...»

Seto-ohashi Bridge

World-class Scale

The Seto-ohashi Bridge spans the Seto Inland Sea and connects Honshu and Shikoku. Six bridges and four viaducts connect Sakaide City, Kagawa Prefecture, and Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture. With a total length of 9,368 meters, it is the world's longest bridge that combines rail and road. At the foot of the bridge on the Sakaide side is the Seto-ohashi Memorial Park, which houses the Seto-ohas...»

Mt. Ishizuchi

The highest power spot in western Japan

Ishizuchi is the highest peak in western Japan. As a mountain of faith, many people have climbed it to reach the summit since ancient times. It takes about 3 hours from the end of the Ishizuchi Climbing Ropeway. Altitude: 1,982m...»

Takamatsu Castle

Takamatsu Castle was built in 1590 in the port town, and was the first and largest castle built as a sea castle in the early modern period. Also known as Tamamo Castle. The castle tower does not exist, but the Kitanomaru Tsukimi-yagura, Kitanomaru Mizute-gomon, Kitanomaru Watari-yagura, and the former East Maru Gon-yagura (Ushitora-yagura) still exist and are designated as important cultural prop...»

Kashiwa Island

Connected to land by a bridge, this resource-rich island attracts divers from all over Japan. There are also ocean cruise boats and glass boats for those who want to enjoy the sea to the fullest. Odou Beach and Monkey Park are also nearby....»

Ozu Castle

The castle was first built here in 1331 by Toyofusa Utsunomiya of the Iyo-Utsunomiya clan, who entered the country as a guardian at the end of the Kamakura period (1192-1333). It was called Jizogatake Castle because it was built at the confluence of the Elk and Kume Rivers.  Although the castle tower was regrettably demolished in 1888, four turrets survived the demolition and are designated as N...»

Imabari Castle

A castle on the sea where visitors can enter the moat by boat

This castle was built in 1604 by Takatora Todo, a master castle builder.It is a coastal plain castle with seawater drawn into the three-layered moat, a rarity in Japan, and was a castle that made the most of the sea, as Imabari was a strategic point for marine transportation, with boats able to enter the moat directly from the sea. It is one of the three great water castles in Japan, along with T...»

Sightseeing and travel guide for Shikoku

Shikoku is a charming and picturesque region in Japan, comprising four prefectures: Ehime, Kagawa, Kochi, and Tokushima. Here are some recommendations for sightseeing, dining, lodging, hot springs, activities, and souvenirs in Shikoku:

Sightseeing:
1. Naruto Whirlpools: Witness the impressive Naruto Whirlpools in Tokushima, formed by the tidal currents of the Naruto Strait, and take a boat tour to get up close to this natural phenomenon.
2. Matsuyama Castle: Visit Matsuyama Castle in Ehime, one of Japan's twelve original castles, and enjoy panoramic views of the city from its observation deck.
3. Ritsurin Garden: Explore the exquisite Ritsurin Garden in Takamatsu, a designated national treasure of Japan known for its stunning landscapes, ponds, and teahouses.
4. Kochi Castle: Discover Kochi Castle, an iconic symbol of Kochi City, and learn about its history and significance as you explore the castle grounds.
5. Oboke and Koboke Gorges: Take a scenic boat ride through the Oboke and Koboke Gorges in Tokushima, known for their dramatic cliffs and emerald-green waters.

Dining:
1. Sanuki Udon: Indulge in the renowned Sanuki Udon in Kagawa, featuring thick, chewy noodles served in a variety of delicious broths and toppings.
2. Kochi cuisine: Try local specialties in Kochi, such as katsuo no tataki (lightly seared bonito), sawachi ryori (a traditional multi-course meal), and fresh seafood.
3. Iyo Beef: Savor the exquisite Iyo Beef, a high-quality local beef from Ehime, known for its marbling and tenderness.

Lodging:
1. Ryokans in Dogo Onsen: Experience traditional Japanese hospitality by staying in a ryokan in Dogo Onsen, one of Japan's oldest hot spring resorts, located in Matsuyama.
2. Business hotels in Takamatsu: Choose from a variety of business hotels in Takamatsu, offering comfortable accommodations and convenient access to local attractions.
3. Minshuku in Kochi: Consider staying in a cozy minshuku (traditional Japanese guesthouse) in Kochi, where you can enjoy a homestay experience and warm hospitality.

Hot Springs:
1. Dogo Onsen: Immerse yourself in the historic Dogo Onsen, a famous hot spring with a history dating back over 1,000 years, and relax in its soothing waters.
2. Iya Onsen: Visit Iya Onsen in Tokushima, nestled in a remote valley, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and beautiful natural surroundings.

Activities:
1. Shikoku Pilgrimage: Embark on a spiritual journey by walking a section of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, a 1,200-kilometer route visiting 88 Buddhist temples.
2. Shodoshima Olive Park: Explore Shodoshima Island, known for its olive groves and Mediterranean-like landscapes, and visit the Olive Park to learn about olive cultivation and enjoy scenic views.
3. Naruto Bridge Skywalk: Experience the thrilling Naruto Bridge Skywalk, a glass-bottomed observation deck offering panoramic views of the Naruto Whirlpools.
4. Yosakoi Festival: If you visit during the summer, try to catch the Yosakoi Festival in Kochi, a vibrant and energetic dance festival featuring teams from across Japan.

Souvenirs:
1. Uchiwa fans: Purchase decorative uchiwa fans, a traditional Japanese handheld fan, often beautifully crafted and decorated with intricate designs.
2. Kagawa-san udon:

Take home a bag of Kagawa-san udon noodles, a popular local brand, and recreate the Sanuki udon experience at home.
3. Kochi yuzu products: Look for yuzu-related products from Kochi, including yuzu marmalade, yuzu tea, or yuzu-flavored snacks.
4. Awa-indigo dyed items: Explore Tokushima's Awa-indigo dyeing tradition and bring back indigo-dyed textiles, clothing, or accessories as unique souvenirs.

Enjoy your exploration of Shikoku, Japan, and have a wonderful trip!

Shikoku Gourmet and Souvenir Guide

Certainly! Shikoku, the smallest of Japan's four main islands, offers a variety of specialties, local foods, popular restaurants, and souvenirs. Here's a glimpse of what you can expect:

Specialties and Local Foods:
1. Sanuki Udon: Shikoku, particularly Kagawa Prefecture, is famous for its Sanuki Udon. These thick wheat noodles are typically served in a soy-based broth with various toppings. Look for local udon shops and try this regional delicacy.

2. Sudachi: Sudachi is a small citrus fruit native to Shikoku. It is known for its tangy flavor and is often used as a condiment or garnish in various dishes. Look for sudachi-flavored products like sauces, dressings, or candies as unique souvenirs.

3. Iya Soba: Iya Soba is a type of buckwheat noodle dish found in the Iya Valley of Tokushima Prefecture. The noodles are typically served cold with a soy-based dipping sauce. Enjoy this refreshing and flavorful local specialty.

Popular Restaurants for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner:
1. Yamadaya: Located in Takamatsu, Yamadaya is a highly rated restaurant known for its delicious Sanuki Udon. Experience the authentic flavor of this local specialty served in a cozy atmosphere.

2. Ochiai: Ochiai is a renowned restaurant in Kochi City, specializing in Katsuo no Tataki (seared bonito). Enjoy the smoky and flavorful bonito fish prepared with a unique grilling technique.

Souvenirs:
1. Awa Indigo Products: Tokushima Prefecture is famous for its Awa Indigo dyeing. Look for indigo-dyed textiles, clothing, accessories, or handcrafted items as souvenirs.

2. Yuzu Products: Yuzu, a citrus fruit with a fragrant aroma, is grown in various parts of Shikoku. Look for yuzu-flavored products like jams, sauces, or bath products as souvenirs.

3. Handmade Crafts: Shikoku is known for its traditional arts and crafts. Look for pottery, ceramics, woodwork, or woven goods made by local artisans as unique souvenirs.

4. Uchiwa (Japanese Fans): Uchiwa, traditional Japanese fans, are often associated with Shikoku's summer festivals. Look for hand-painted uchiwa featuring vibrant designs as decorative souvenirs.

Remember to explore local markets, specialty shops, and boutiques in different cities and towns across Shikoku to discover more regional products and souvenirs that capture the essence of the area. Enjoy your trip and the rich culinary and cultural experiences in Shikoku!

Seasonal festivals and events in Shikoku

Shikoku, the smallest of Japan's four main islands, is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and unique festivals. Here are some festivals and events that take place in Shikoku during each season:

Spring:
1. Awa Odori (Tokushima Prefecture): Held in August, Awa Odori is one of Japan's most famous traditional dance festivals. However, the dance practice sessions (Ren) start in spring. Thousands of dancers clad in colorful costumes parade through the streets of Tokushima City, accompanied by traditional music and taiko drums. Visitors can join in the festivities and even participate in dance performances.

2. Hanami (Cherry Blossom Viewing): In spring, various locations across Shikoku, such as Marugame Castle Park (Kagawa Prefecture) and Matsuyama Castle (Ehime Prefecture), offer stunning cherry blossoms for hanami. These parks become popular spots for locals and tourists to picnic and enjoy the ephemeral beauty of cherry blossoms.

Summer:
1. Yosakoi Festival (Kochi Prefecture): Held in August, the Yosakoi Festival is a vibrant and energetic event featuring teams of dancers who perform to traditional and contemporary music. Participants wear colorful costumes and dance through the streets of Kochi City. The festival creates a lively and festive atmosphere.

2. Uwajima Ushi-oni Festival (Ehime Prefecture): Taking place in July, this festival features a unique parade of Ushi-oni, mythical bull-like creatures, through the streets of Uwajima City. The Ushi-oni are large, elaborately decorated floats operated by teams of people. The festival celebrates the local folklore and traditions.

Fall:
1. Otsuka International Peace Music Festival (Kagawa Prefecture): Held in October, this music festival brings together musicians from around the world to promote peace and cultural exchange. The event includes concerts, workshops, and performances by both local and international artists.

2. Naruto Whirlpool Festival (Tokushima Prefecture): Held in spring and fall, this festival celebrates the famous whirlpools of the Naruto Strait. Visitors can enjoy boat tours to witness the dynamic whirlpools created by the tidal currents. The festival also features fireworks displays and other cultural events.

Winter:
1. Shimanto River Ukai (Kochi Prefecture): Taking place from June to October, Shimanto River Ukai is a traditional cormorant fishing event where trained fishermen use cormorant birds to catch ayu (sweetfish). Visitors can witness this ancient fishing technique while enjoying the tranquil atmosphere of the Shimanto River.

2. Shikoku Karst Winter Illumination (Ehime Prefecture): From December to February, the Shikoku Karst Plateau is adorned with beautiful illuminations. The vast grassy landscape, covered in snow, provides a unique backdrop for the colorful lights, creating a magical winter spectacle.

Special Features:
1. Shikoku Pilgrimage: Shikoku is famous for the Shikoku Pilgrimage, a 1,200-kilometer route that takes pilgrims to 88 temples associated with the Buddhist monk Kukai (also known as Kobo Daishi). Many pilgrims embark on this spiritual journey, visiting the temples and experiencing the cultural and natural wonders along the way.

2. Shimanami Kaido: The Shimanami Kaido is a scenic cycling route that connects Shikoku with mainland Japan. The route crosses several islands and offers breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea and its iconic bridges. Cycling enthusiasts and nature lovers can enjoy this picturesque and well-maintained cycling path.

3. Dogo Onsen: Located in Matsuyama (Ehime Prefecture), Dogo Onsen is one of Japan's oldest hot springs and is steeped in history and tradition. The main bathhouse, Dogo Onsen Honkan, is a designated Important Cultural Property and has been a popular destination for relaxation and healing for centuries.

4. Iya Valley: Located in Tokushima and Kochi prefectures, Iya Valley is a remote and picturesque region known for its deep gorges, lush forests, and traditional thatched-roof houses. The area offers opportunities for hiking, hot springs, and experiencing rural Japan's serene beauty.

Exploring the festivals, cultural heritage, and natural wonders of Shikoku will provide you with a memorable sightseeing experience. Enjoy your trip!

Temperature and weather conditions in Shikoku

Shikoku is the smallest of Japan's four main islands and is known for its beautiful landscapes, rich history, and cultural attractions. Here's an overview of the climate and temperature in Shikoku during each season:

1. Spring (March to May):
Spring in Shikoku is generally mild and pleasant. The temperatures gradually rise from around 9°C (48°F) in March to approximately 20°C (68°F) in May. Cherry blossoms (sakura) typically bloom in late March to early April, creating stunning displays of pink and white flowers across the island. Spring is a great time to visit Shikoku for its pleasant weather and beautiful scenery.

2. Rainy Season (June to early July):
During the rainy season, known as "tsuyu," Shikoku receives a significant amount of rainfall. The temperatures range from 20°C (68°F) to 25°C (77°F), and the humidity levels can be high. It is advisable to carry an umbrella or raincoat during this period as the rainfall can be frequent and heavy.

3. Summer (July to September):
Summer in Shikoku is hot and humid. The average temperatures range between 26°C (79°F) and 32°C (90°F), with high levels of humidity. July and August are the hottest months, with occasional heatwaves. It is recommended to stay hydrated, use sunscreen, and wear lightweight and breathable clothing. Shikoku's coastal areas offer beaches and opportunities for water-based activities during the summer months.

4. Fall (October to November):
Autumn in Shikoku is generally pleasant with mild temperatures. The temperatures gradually cool down from around 20°C (68°F) in October to approximately 14°C (57°F) in November. The autumn foliage (koyo) season typically begins in late October, and you can enjoy vibrant displays of red, orange, and yellow leaves throughout the island. It's a popular time for sightseeing and hiking in Shikoku's mountains and parks.

5. Winter (December to February):
Winter in Shikoku is generally mild, although some areas may experience colder temperatures in the mountains. The average temperatures range from 9°C (48°F) to 15°C (59°F). While snowfall is not common in most parts of Shikoku, higher elevations may receive some snow. It is advisable to dress in layers and have a jacket handy, especially for cooler evenings.

Special features of Shikoku:
Shikoku is famous for its pilgrimage route known as the Shikoku Pilgrimage (Shikoku Henro), which covers 88 temples associated with the Buddhist monk Kukai (also known as Kobo Daishi). This pilgrimage attracts both religious devotees and tourists interested in exploring the cultural and historical aspects of the region.

Shikoku is also known for its beautiful natural landscapes, including the scenic Seto Inland Sea, the rugged mountains of the Iya Valley, and the Naruto whirlpools in the Naruto Strait. The island offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and hot spring baths.

Shikoku is also renowned for its delicious local cuisine, including Sanuki udon noodles, fresh seafood, and citrus fruits like mikan and sudachi.

Enjoy your sightseeing journey in the captivating island of Shikoku!

Category

Area