Shikoku Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Shikoku which includes heritage elements and a cemetery
Join pilgrims on an 88-temple voyage or climb the highest mountain in Western Japan on this island of history, nature and traditional life.

As Japan’s smallest and least-populated island, Shikoku is not often a priority on the itineraries of visitors to Japan. However, because of its less-developed character, Shikoku has a well-preserved natural landscape and many intact heritage sites. Spend a few days outside highly urbanized Japan to explore Shikoku’s villages, mountains and hilltop temples.

Ancient castles are common features of Shikoku’s landscape. The grandest looms over Matsuyama, the island’s largest city. Matsuyama Castle stands high on a mountain 433 feet (132 meters) above sea level. Reach the 17th-century castle by gondola and look out over the sprawling city.

Temples are scattered across Shikoku as well, holding important places in Shikoku’s traditional life. Annually, 100,000 Buddhist pilgrims make the 88 Temple Pilgrimage. Each pilgrim walks or drives around the island to visit 88 temples related to a legendary monk named Kūkai. Attempt to walk a stretch of the 750-mile (1,200-kilometer) trail or visit just a few temples. See Chikurin-ji Temple outside the city of Kochi, which features a five-story pagoda and a garden believed to have originated in the 14th century.

Trek into Shikoku’s interior to explore mountainous terrain. As the tallest mountain in Western Japan, Mount Ishizuchi rises 6,503 feet (1,982 meters) above sea level. Experienced hikers can climb it in a day.

The island-spotted oceans around Shikoku are worth discovering as well. Head to Imabari on the northern coast to access the Shimanami Sea Route. This 37-mile (60-kilometer) series of 10 bridges passes over six small islands and crosses the Seto Inland Sea to the island of Honshu. For a special treat, take a whale-watching tour from Kochi.

Beyond its robust heritage and traditions, Shikoku features excellent culinary specialties. Visit Tokushima for a bowl of Tokushima ramen or order the katsuo no tataki (seared bonito from local waters) anywhere on the island.

Fly into the international airport at Osaka and drive two hours to reach Shikoku. See a much different Japan from neon-lit Tokyo on this peaceful island.

Where to stay in Shikoku

Default Image

Dogo Hot Spring

4/5(1 area review)

You'll enjoy the restaurants and museums in Dogo Hot Spring. You might want to make time for a stop at Shiki Memorial Museum or Dogo Onsen.

Dogo Hot Spring

Konpira Onsen

You'll enjoy the restaurants and museums in Konpira Onsen. You might want to make time for a stop at Konpira Grand Theatre or Kinryo-no-Sato Sake Museum.

Konpira Onsen
Default Image

Okaido

4/5(4 area reviews)

Okaido might not have many top sights, but Matsuyama Castle Ropeway and Matsuyama Castle are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Okaido
Default Image

Kawara Machi

While there might not be top attractions in Kawara Machi, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Takamatsu Marugamemachi Shopping Street and Takamatsu City Museum of Art.

Kawara Machi
Default Image

Okunoshima Island

You'll enjoy the beaches and restaurants in Okunoshima Island. You might want to make time for a stop at Okunoshima Island Poison Gas Museum or Okunoshima Beach.

Okunoshima Island
Default Image

Kojima

You'll enjoy the mountain views and museums in Kojima. You might want to make time for a stop at Kojima Jeans Street or Washuzan Highland.

Kojima
Dormy Inn Takamatsuchuokoenmae Natural Hot Spring
Dormy Inn Takamatsuchuokoenmae Natural Hot Spring
3 out of 5
1-3 Tenjinmae, Takamatsu, Kagawa
The price is AU$115 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
AU$115
per night
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Takamatsu. Enjoy free WiFi, hot springs on site, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (957 reviews)
"Free snacks from day to night"

Reviewed on 25 Nov. 2023

Dormy Inn Takamatsuchuokoenmae Natural Hot Spring
JR Hotel Clement Takamatsu
JR Hotel Clement Takamatsu
3.5 out of 5
1-1 Hamanocho, Takamatsu, Takamatsu, Kagawa
The price is AU$162 per night from 29 Apr to 30 Apr
AU$162
per night
29 Apr - 30 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Takamatsu. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 restaurants, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,017 reviews)
"Great view and spacious room!"

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 2024

JR Hotel Clement Takamatsu
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Matsuyama
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Matsuyama
3.5 out of 5
Ichibanchou 2-6-5, Matsuyama
The price is AU$116 per night from 16 Apr to 17 Apr
AU$116
per night
16 Apr - 17 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Matsuyama. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,008 reviews)
맘에 드는 호텔
"오카이도 중심부에있어 여행하기가 아주 좋아요 일본 호텔치고는 룸이 아주넓은편이예요.캐리어 두개를 펼쳐 놓아도 공간이 남을정도 입니다.다시 마쓰야마에 방문하면 다시 묵을겁니다."

Reviewed on 6 Mar. 2024

Daiwa Roynet Hotel Matsuyama
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Guesthouse LuLuLu Atago
Guesthouse LuLuLu Atago
3 out of 5
7-50 Atagoyama, Kochi, Kochi
Stay at this 3-star condo in Kochi. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Hirome Market and Anrakuji Temple are located ...
8/10 Very Good! (15 reviews)
"みんなで楽しい時間を過ごせました❗ また、行きたいです。"

Reviewed on 4 Nov. 2023

Guesthouse LuLuLu Atago
Grand Base Takamatsu
Grand Base Takamatsu
3 out of 5
6 9 Uchimachi, Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Takamatsu. Enjoy free WiFi, a flat-screen TV, and a kitchen. Popular attractions Kagawa Museum and Takamatsu Marugamemachi Shopping ...
9/10 Wonderful! (78 reviews)
"Super quiet and so close to the mall thence no worry during rainy days in Japan"

Reviewed on 9 Jun. 2023

Grand Base Takamatsu
marugamenoyadosawai
marugamenoyadosawai
3 out of 5
111-2 Kayamachi, Marugame, Kagawa
Stay at this 3-star vacation home in Marugame. Enjoy free WiFi, free bicycles on site, and fenced yards. Popular attractions Marugame Castle and Marugame Genichiro-Inokuma ...
10/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
"こちらのネット環境が悪くチェックインメールが届かず困っていましたが何度もトライして下さったりととても親身になって対応して頂きました。 部屋は広くて子どもたちもとても喜び楽しく過ごせました。 ありがとうございます。 贅沢を言えば敷地内に駐車場があったらと思いました。"

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2024

marugamenoyadosawai
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Shikoku