Do You Know Shikoku? Discover Japan’s Hidden Charms

Looking for a quieter side of Japan beyond Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka?

This Shikoku travel guide introduces one of Japan’s most rewarding regions for travelers interested in nature, traditional culture, local food, hot springs, cycling, islands, and historic pilgrimage routes.

Shikoku is the smallest of Japan’s four main islands and is divided into four prefectures: Tokushima, Kagawa, Ehime, and Kochi.

Each prefecture has a very different character. You can see dramatic whirlpools in Tokushima, explore art islands and eat Sanuki udon in Kagawa, relax at Dogo Onsen in Ehime, or travel through rivers and Pacific coastal scenery in Kochi.

Shikoku is not usually the first destination international travelers add to a Japan itinerary, but that is part of its appeal.

If you want fewer crowds, beautiful landscapes, regional food, and a slower style of travel, Shikoku is well worth considering.

If this is your first trip to Japan, you may also want to read our guide to 20 essential things to know before visiting Japan.

What Visitors Often Don’t Expect: Shikoku is easier to enjoy when you do not try to rush around the whole island. Travel between rural areas can take time, so choosing one or two regions often creates a better trip than checking off every prefecture.

Quick Answer: Is Shikoku Worth Visiting?

Yes, especially if you have already visited Japan’s major cities or want to include more nature and regional culture in your trip.

Shikoku is particularly good for travelers interested in:

• Scenic countryside and mountains
• Traditional Japanese culture
• Hot springs
• Local food
• Art islands
• Cycling
• Historic castles
• The Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage
• Outdoor activities

For a first visit, four to five days gives you enough time to experience several highlights without spending your entire trip moving between prefectures.

Shikoku at a Glance: Which Prefecture Should You Visit?

Prefecture	Best For	Main Highlights
Tokushima	Nature, festivals & pilgrimage	Naruto Whirlpools, Iya Valley, Awa Odori
Kagawa	Art, islands & food	Naoshima, Ritsurin Garden, Sanuki udon
Ehime	Onsen, cycling & castles	Dogo Onsen, Matsuyama Castle, Shimanami Kaido
Kochi	Rivers, coast & local food	Shimanto River, Kochi Castle, katsuo no tataki

First-time recommendation: If you only have a few days, choose two prefectures rather than trying to see all four.

Kagawa and Ehime work especially well together, while Tokushima and Kochi are excellent choices for travelers who want more nature and outdoor scenery.

How Many Days Do You Need in Shikoku?

Shikoku looks compact on a map, but travel between rural areas can take longer than expected.

The best itinerary depends on how much time you have.

3 Days in Shikoku

Choose one or two areas.

For example:

Takamatsu → Naoshima → Matsuyama

or:

Tokushima → Naruto → Iya Valley

5 Days in Shikoku

Five days is a good amount of time for a first visit.

A balanced route might be:

Takamatsu → Naoshima → Matsuyama → Shimanami Kaido

Another option is:

Tokushima → Iya Valley → Kochi → Shimanto

7 Days in Shikoku

With around one week, you can combine several prefectures without rushing as much.

For example:

Tokushima → Takamatsu → Matsuyama → Kochi

However, even with seven days, trying to visit every famous attraction in all four prefectures can make the trip feel rushed.

How to Get to Shikoku

Shikoku can be reached by train, plane, highway bus, ferry, or car depending on where you are coming from.

From Tokyo

For many travelers, flying is the fastest way to reach Shikoku from Tokyo.

Major airports include:

• Tokushima Awaodori Airport
• Takamatsu Airport
• Matsuyama Airport
• Kochi Ryoma Airport

You can also take the Shinkansen to Okayama and transfer to a train across the Seto Ohashi Bridge toward Takamatsu.

If you are unfamiliar with bullet train tickets, read our guide to buying Shinkansen tickets in Japan.

From Osaka or Kyoto

Highway buses are convenient for Tokushima, while travelers heading toward Kagawa or western Shikoku can travel via Okayama and the Seto Ohashi Bridge.

Domestic flights may also be practical depending on your destination and schedule.

From Hiroshima

Ehime is particularly convenient from Hiroshima because high-speed ferries connect Hiroshima with Matsuyama.

You can also travel overland through Okayama.

For an overview of the region and current access information, see the official JNTO Shikoku guide.

Getting Around Shikoku

Transportation is one of the most important things to understand before visiting Shikoku.

Major cities are connected by trains and buses, but many scenic attractions are located away from railway stations.

Train

JR trains connect major destinations such as Takamatsu, Matsuyama, Kochi, and Tokushima.

However, services are less frequent than in Tokyo or Osaka, so check schedules in advance.

Bus

Local and highway buses are important for reaching rural destinations and connecting areas without convenient rail service.

Some scenic areas may have only a small number of buses each day.

Rental Car

A rental car can make Shikoku much easier to explore, especially if you want to visit:

• Iya Valley
• Shimanto River
• Remote temples
• Mountain areas
• Coastal viewpoints

If you plan to drive, check parking, road conditions, and travel times before leaving.

Ferry

Ferries are essential for many Seto Inland Sea destinations, including Naoshima and Shodoshima.

Schedules vary by route, so always check departure times before planning an island day trip.

A navigation app is extremely useful throughout Shikoku. See our guide to the best Japan travel apps for first-time visitors.

Tokushima – Best for Nature, Festivals and the Pilgrimage

Tokushima is located on the eastern side of Shikoku and is one of the easiest gateways to the island from the Kansai region.

It is best known for the Naruto Whirlpools, Awa Odori, mountain scenery, and the beginning of the Shikoku pilgrimage.

Naruto Whirlpools

The Naruto Whirlpools form in the Naruto Strait between Tokushima and Awaji Island.

They are caused by strong tidal currents and are best viewed around favorable tidal conditions.

You can see them from sightseeing boats or from viewing facilities around the Onaruto Bridge area.

Because the whirlpools depend on the tide, check the daily schedule before visiting.

Iya Valley

Iya Valley is one of Shikoku’s most impressive mountain areas.

It is known for steep forested valleys, rivers, small mountain communities, hot springs, and traditional vine bridges.

The area is much easier to explore by rental car than by public transportation.

If you want to experience rural Japan far from large cities, Iya Valley is one of the best places in Shikoku.

Awa Odori

Awa Odori is Tokushima’s famous traditional dance festival.

The main festival takes place in August and brings dancers and visitors into central Tokushima City.

If you visit outside the festival period, you can still learn about Awa Odori culture at facilities in the city.

Ryozenji and the Shikoku Pilgrimage

Ryozenji in Tokushima is traditionally regarded as Temple No. 1 of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage.

You do not need to walk all 88 temples to experience the pilgrimage.

Many travelers visit only a section of the route or several temples during a shorter trip.

For more information about Tokushima, visit the official JNTO Tokushima guide.

Kagawa – Best for Art Islands and Udon

Kagawa is Japan’s smallest prefecture by area, but it has an impressive concentration of cultural attractions, islands, gardens, and local food.

Its capital, Takamatsu, is one of the most convenient bases for exploring the Seto Inland Sea.

Ritsurin Garden

Ritsurin Garden in Takamatsu is one of Kagawa’s most famous attractions.

The large traditional garden features ponds, bridges, landscaped hills, and views of nearby Mount Shiun.

It is easy to reach from central Takamatsu, making it a good first stop in the prefecture.

Naoshima

Naoshima is internationally known for contemporary art.

The island features art museums, outdoor installations, architecture, and projects integrated into local communities.

Naoshima can be reached by ferry from Takamatsu or from Uno in Okayama Prefecture.

If art is a major reason for your trip to Japan, Naoshima can easily fill an entire day.

Shodoshima

Shodoshima is a larger island in the Seto Inland Sea known for olives, coastal scenery, traditional food production, and attractions such as Angel Road.

Angel Road is a sandbar that appears around low tide, so check tidal conditions before visiting.

The island is large enough that a rental car or local bus planning can be useful.

Sanuki Udon

Kagawa is famous throughout Japan for Sanuki udon.

Many udon shops specialize in simple bowls of thick noodles served hot or cold with different toppings.

Some shops are casual self-service restaurants where you choose your noodles and add tempura or side dishes yourself.

Trying several udon restaurants can easily become one of the highlights of a Kagawa trip.

For more information, see the official JNTO Kagawa guide.

Ehime – Best for Onsen, Castles and Cycling

Ehime occupies northwestern Shikoku and combines historic cities, hot springs, mountains, islands, and cycling routes.

Matsuyama is the main sightseeing base.

Matsuyama Castle

Matsuyama Castle stands on Mount Katsuyama above central Matsuyama.

It is one of Japan’s castles with a surviving original keep.

You can walk uphill or use the ropeway or chairlift for part of the journey.

The castle grounds offer wide views over Matsuyama and the surrounding region.

Dogo Onsen

Dogo Onsen is one of Japan’s oldest and most famous hot-spring areas.

The historic bathhouse district is easily accessible from central Matsuyama by tram.

Even if you do not stay overnight at a ryokan, you can walk through the area, enjoy a bath, and explore local shops and cafes.

Shimanami Kaido

The Shimanami Kaido connects Imabari in Ehime with Onomichi in Hiroshima Prefecture through a chain of islands in the Seto Inland Sea.

It is particularly famous as a cycling route.

You do not need to cycle the entire route.

Shorter sections can still offer impressive bridge views, island scenery, and coastal landscapes.

For official destination information, see the JNTO Ehime guide.

Kochi – Best for Rivers, Coast and Local Food

Kochi faces the Pacific Ocean and is one of the best areas in Shikoku for travelers who enjoy outdoor scenery.

The prefecture combines mountains, rivers, coastline, historic sites, markets, and distinctive local food.

Kochi Castle

Kochi Castle is one of Japan’s few castles with an original surviving keep.

It is located close to central Kochi and can be combined easily with the city’s markets and shopping areas.

Hirome Market

Hirome Market is a popular place to experience Kochi’s casual food culture.

The market contains many food stalls and small shops with shared seating areas.

It is a good place to try local dishes and compare several specialties in one visit.

Shimanto River

The Shimanto River is the longest river in Shikoku and one of Kochi’s most famous natural attractions.

The region is known for clear water, rural scenery, cycling, canoeing, and distinctive low-water bridges known as chinkabashi.

The Shimanto area is relatively remote, so a rental car can make exploring much easier.

Katsurahama

Katsurahama is a scenic beach outside central Kochi City.

The area is also closely associated with Sakamoto Ryoma, an important historical figure from Kochi.

Katsuo no Tataki

Kochi’s signature food is katsuo no tataki.

Bonito is seared quickly over high heat, often using straw, while the inside remains mostly raw.

It is commonly served with condiments such as garlic, green onion, ginger, or citrus.

For more information about the prefecture, visit the official JNTO Kochi guide.

The Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage

The Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage is one of the region’s most distinctive cultural experiences.

The route connects 88 Buddhist temples across Tokushima, Kochi, Ehime, and Kagawa and is associated with Kukai, also known as Kobo Daishi.

Completing the entire pilgrimage on foot is a major journey and can take several weeks.

However, travelers do not need to complete all 88 temples.

You can:

• Visit one or two temples
• Walk a short pilgrimage section
• Travel between temples by public transportation
• Use a bicycle
• Drive between selected temples

This makes the pilgrimage accessible even if your Shikoku trip is only a few days long.

If you want to learn more, see the official JNTO Shikoku pilgrimage itinerary.

Best Food to Try in Shikoku

One of the best reasons to travel through Shikoku is the regional food.

Prefecture	Food to Try
Tokushima	Tokushima ramen
Kagawa	Sanuki udon
Ehime	Taimeshi
Kochi	Katsuo no tataki

Tokushima Ramen

Tokushima ramen often features a rich soy-based broth with pork and is sometimes served with a raw egg.

Sanuki Udon

Kagawa’s thick, chewy udon noodles are one of Shikoku’s most famous foods.

Taimeshi

Ehime is known for dishes featuring sea bream, including several regional styles of taimeshi.

Katsuo no Tataki

Kochi’s flame-seared bonito is one of the region’s essential foods and is widely available throughout the prefecture.

Best Time to Visit Shikoku

Shikoku can be visited throughout the year, but each season offers a different experience.

Spring

Spring brings cherry blossoms, comfortable temperatures, and good conditions for sightseeing and cycling.

Summer

Summer can be hot and humid, but it is festival season.

Tokushima’s Awa Odori is one of the region’s biggest summer events.

Autumn

Autumn is excellent for mountain scenery, hiking, cycling, and colorful foliage in places such as Iya Valley.

Winter

Winter can be a quieter time to travel, especially around cities and hot-spring areas.

Mountain regions can be cold, and weather may affect rural roads or outdoor activities.

Sample 5-Day Shikoku Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Here is one simple route for travelers who want a mix of cities, food, culture, and scenery.

Day 1: Takamatsu

• Arrive in Takamatsu
• Visit Ritsurin Garden
• Try Sanuki udon
• Explore central Takamatsu

Day 2: Naoshima

• Take a morning ferry to Naoshima
• Visit art museums and outdoor installations
• Return to Takamatsu

Day 3: Matsuyama

• Travel to Matsuyama
• Visit Matsuyama Castle
• Explore Dogo Onsen
• Stay in Matsuyama

Day 4: Shimanami Kaido

• Travel toward Imabari
• Cycle part of the Shimanami Kaido
• Enjoy Seto Inland Sea scenery

Day 5: Continue Your Japan Trip

Depending on your itinerary, continue toward Hiroshima, return toward Okayama, or travel deeper into Shikoku.

If you are planning the rest of your Japan trip, see our guide to the best cities to visit in Japan for first-time travelers.

Shikoku Travel Guide FAQ

Is Shikoku Good for First-Time Visitors to Japan?

Yes, but it is usually best as an addition to a longer first trip rather than your only destination.

If you have already planned Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka and want to experience a quieter regional side of Japan, Shikoku is an excellent choice.

How Many Days Should I Spend in Shikoku?

Four to five days is a good starting point.

With only two or three days, focus on one or two prefectures. With a full week, you can explore several regions more comfortably.

Do I Need a Rental Car in Shikoku?

Not always.

Major cities such as Takamatsu, Matsuyama, Kochi, and Tokushima can be visited by public transportation.

However, a rental car is extremely useful for rural destinations such as Iya Valley and the Shimanto River area.

Which Part of Shikoku Is Best for First-Time Visitors?

Kagawa and Ehime are relatively easy choices because Takamatsu and Matsuyama both have strong sightseeing infrastructure and major attractions.

Tokushima and Kochi are particularly good for travelers interested in nature and outdoor experiences.

Is Naoshima Part of Shikoku?

Naoshima is located in the Seto Inland Sea and belongs administratively to Kagawa Prefecture.

It is commonly visited by ferry from Takamatsu or Uno.

Can You Visit All Four Shikoku Prefectures in One Trip?

Yes, but give yourself enough time.

A week or more is much more comfortable than trying to cross all four prefectures in only a few days.

What Is Shikoku Most Famous For?

Shikoku is especially famous for the 88 Temple Pilgrimage, Sanuki udon, Dogo Onsen, the Shimanami Kaido, Naruto Whirlpools, Awa Odori, Seto Inland Sea islands, and its mountain and river scenery.

Final Tips for Visiting Shikoku

Shikoku is one of the best regions in Japan for travelers who want to move beyond the country’s most famous urban destinations.

The biggest mistake is trying to see too much.

Instead of rushing through all four prefectures, choose the experiences that interest you most.

• Tokushima for festivals, whirlpools, mountains, and pilgrimage culture
• Kagawa for art islands, gardens, and udon
• Ehime for hot springs, castles, and cycling
• Kochi for rivers, coastlines, history, and local food

Check transportation schedules before traveling to rural areas, leave extra time between destinations, and consider renting a car when public transportation would make your itinerary too complicated.

Shikoku may require a little more planning than Tokyo or Kyoto, but that extra effort can reward you with some of Japan’s most memorable landscapes and regional experiences.