Shikoku

Travel Guide
Photo provided by JNTO
Photo provided by JNTO
Photo provided by JNTO
Photo provided by JNTO
Photo provided by JNTO
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

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Dogo Hot Spring

Well liked for its restaurants and museums, Dogo Hot Spring is worth a visit. Check out the variety of things to see and do like Shiki Memorial Museum and Isaniwa Shrine, and jump on the metro at Dogo Onsen Tram Stop to get around the city.

Dogo Hot Spring
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Okaido

Okaido might not have many top sights, but Saka no Ue no Kumo Museum and Bansuiso are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Okaido

Konpira Onsen

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

Konpira Onsen
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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
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Hamano Chō

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Hamano Chō and surrounding area, you can visit Takamatsu Castle and Takamatsu City Museum of Art.

Hamano Chō
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Ritsurin Chō

Though Ritsurin Chō may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Ritsurin Garden and Takamatsu Marugamemachi Shopping Street.

Ritsurin Chō
Candeo Hotels Matsuyama Okaido
Candeo Hotels Matsuyama Okaido
3 out of 5
2 Chome-5-12 Okaido, Matsuyama, Ehime-ken
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$88 per night from 8 Dec to 9 Dec
S$88
includes taxes & fees
8 Dec - 9 Dec
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Matsuyama. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and onsite spa services. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
여행
"스카이 샤워장이 생각보다 작지만 대욕장, 천장이 뚫린 노천탕, 사우나로 잘 이루어져 있다. 다만, 청소를 아주머니께서 하시는데… … 처음 겪는 문화라.. 아주머니 개의치 않고 본인 업무에 충실하게 일하신다. 웰컴 물 이 없어서, 미리 물이나 마실 것을 준비해서 가면 좋다"

Reviewed on 23 Oct,2024

Candeo Hotels Matsuyama Okaido
Dormy Inn Takamatsuchuokoenmae Natural Hot Spring
Dormy Inn Takamatsuchuokoenmae Natural Hot Spring
3 out of 5
1-3 Tenjinmae, Takamatsu, Kagawa
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Takamatsu. Enjoy free WiFi, hot springs on site, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"Great hotel and great location. I enjoyed the hot springs and the shoppes across the street."

Reviewed on 9 Nov,2024

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 S$127 per night from 1 Dec to 2 Dec
S$127
includes taxes & fees
1 Dec - 2 Dec
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Takamatsu. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
"Location, Location! Steps away from the JR Train Station. Short walk away from the ferry to Naoshima. Takamatsu Castle and shopping close by."

Reviewed on 19 Nov,2024

JR Hotel Clement Takamatsu
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.
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, slippers, and climate control. Popular attractions Kagawa Museum and Takamatsu Marugamemachi Shopping ...
9/10 Wonderful! (94 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
4 out of 5
111-2 Kayamachi, Marugame, Kagawa
Stay at this 4-star vacation home in Marugame. Enjoy free WiFi, free bicycles on site, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Marugame Castle and Marugame ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
"とてもいい宿でした。親戚のおばあさんの家に滞在させてもらっているような安心感がありました。ありがとうございました。"

Reviewed on 23 Jun,2024

marugamenoyadosawai
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, parking (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Kochi Castle and Hirome Market are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (30 reviews)
"ベッド、お風呂、トイレが清潔で、過ごしやすかった。ダイニング付近の照明がなかったので、お部屋が少し暗かった。 次回もぜひ、利用したい。"

Reviewed on 21 Nov,2024

Guesthouse LuLuLu Atago
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.

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