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Shikoku
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Explore Shikoku’s temples, mountain valleys, castle towns, hot springs, udon kitchens and Pacific and Inland Sea coastlines across four distinctive prefectures.

Shikoku is Japan’s smallest of the four main islands, yet its landscapes and cultural traditions vary considerably across a compact but often mountainous territory. The island’s four prefectures—Tokushima, Kagawa, Ehime and Kochi—are separated by the rugged Shikoku Mountains and connected to Honshu by bridges, ferries and air routes. Set between the Seto Inland Sea and the Pacific, Shikoku combines historic port towns, forested gorges, river valleys, castle cities, hot-spring resorts and a long-established religious pilgrimage.
Read more about Shikoku
The Shikoku Henro, a circuit of 88 temples associated with the Buddhist monk Kukai, or Kobo Daishi, is the island’s defining cultural journey. The full route extends for roughly 1,200 kilometres and passes through rural communities, coastal roads, bamboo-lined paths and urban neighbourhoods. Visitors need not complete the pilgrimage to appreciate it: short walks between temples, visits to major temple complexes and the sight of white-clad henro pilgrims carrying staffs and conical hats offer an accessible introduction to its history. Temple 1, Ryozenji, lies in Tokushima Prefecture, while sacred Mount Koya, often linked with the pilgrimage, is outside Shikoku in neighbouring Wakayama Prefecture.
Tokushima is known for the Awa Odori dance festival, the tidal whirlpools of the Naruto Strait and the remote valleys of Iya, where steep slopes, vine bridges and traditional thatched houses create a markedly rural landscape. Kagawa, facing the Inland Sea, is associated with Sanuki udon, refined gardens and the shrine pilgrimage to Kotohira-gu. Ehime centres on Matsuyama, whose castle and Dogo Onsen anchor one of Japan’s most historic urban areas, while the prefecture’s western coast and the Seto Inland Sea provide quieter maritime scenery. Kochi, facing the Pacific, has a more open coastal character, a notably strong local food culture and access to the deep valleys and clear rivers of the interior.
Shikoku’s attractions are often experiential rather than monumental. Travellers can ride local trains through mountain country, cycle across the Shimanami Kaido route linking Ehime with islands and Honshu, explore castle towns, bathe in historic hot springs, or follow stretches of the pilgrimage on foot. Seasonal scenery is important: spring brings flowering landscapes, summer supports river and coastal activities, autumn colours the mountain roads, and winter offers clearer views but shorter daylight hours. The island rewards a slower itinerary, with several bases rather than an attempt to cover every prefecture from one town.

When is the best time to visit Shikoku?

Best: April–May, October · 19–24°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January1059
February1186
March15118
April (best)19114
May (best)24147
June28235
July31228
August31170
September29258
October (best)23124
November1684
December1253

Getting to and around Shikoku

How to get there

Shikoku has four airports: Tokushima Awaodori, Takamatsu, Matsuyama and Kochi Ryoma, with domestic connections to major Japanese cities and some international services varying by season and airline. Rail access from Honshu is most direct through Okayama, from where trains cross the Great Seto Bridge to Takamatsu and other destinations. Tokushima is also reached from the Kansai area by road and bus, while ferries connect several Shikoku ports with cities and islands around the Seto Inland Sea and Kyushu. Check current routes before travelling, as air and ferry services can change.

Transportation

Railways connect the principal cities and many coastal towns, but the mountainous interior has fewer services and often requires buses, taxis or a hire car. Trains are useful around Takamatsu, Matsuyama, Kochi and Tokushima, while local buses serve temple districts, hot springs and valley communities with varying frequency. A car is particularly practical for Iya, southern Kochi, western Ehime and scattered pilgrimage temples, although narrow roads require care. The Shimanami Kaido offers a well-known long-distance cycling route between Imabari in Ehime and Onomichi in Hiroshima Prefecture, outside Shikoku.

Top city travel guides in Shikoku

The cities of Shikoku, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Shikoku

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Shikoku

Shikoku’s attractions range from major urban heritage to remote landscapes reached by winding roads. Matsuyama Castle, Kochi Castle and the castle remains and gardens around Takamatsu provide contrasting views of feudal city planning, while Dogo Onsen offers a celebrated hot-spring setting in Matsuyama. The 88-temple pilgrimage introduces visitors to Buddhist architecture, wooded approaches and rural communities across all four prefectures; Ryozenji, Zentsuji, Hotsumisaki-ji and Okuboji are among its notable temple destinations. In Tokushima, the Naruto Strait is known for powerful tidal currents and the Iya valleys for steep mountain scenery, vine bridges and traditional settlements. Kagawa’s gardens and Inland Sea outlooks contrast with southern Kochi’s Pacific coast, river valleys and open-air markets. The Shimanami Kaido attracts cyclists with bridges and island views, while museums, craft centres, agricultural landscapes and seasonal festivals add cultural depth beyond the principal sightseeing sites.

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Best landmarks in Shikoku

Shikoku’s most recognisable landmarks reflect its religious, feudal and geographical character. Matsuyama Castle rises above Matsuyama on Mount Katsuyama and is one of Japan’s best-preserved surviving castle structures, while Kochi Castle is especially notable because much of its historic complex remains in place. Kotohira-gu, reached by a long stone staircase on Mount Zozu in Kagawa, is one of the island’s most prominent Shinto pilgrimage sites. Zentsuji, associated with Kobo Daishi’s birthplace, has particular importance within the Shikoku Henro. In Tokushima, the Naruto Strait and its tidal whirlpools form a powerful natural landmark, best viewed from established observation points or boats in suitable conditions. The Iya Valley’s vine bridges and precipitous slopes express the remoteness of Shikoku’s interior, while the Great Seto Bridge and the bridges of the Shimanami Kaido represent the island’s modern connection with Honshu. Dogo Onsen’s historic main building is another distinctive landmark, linking Matsuyama’s hot-spring tradition with modern Japanese literary history.

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Explore Shikoku on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Shikoku

Shikoku’s food culture is strongly regional. Kagawa is famous for Sanuki udon, whose springy noodles are served in styles ranging from simple broth to chilled noodles with dipping sauce; small udon shops are particularly characteristic of the prefecture. Kochi is associated with katsuo no tataki, lightly seared bonito traditionally finished over flame, as well as dishes using yuzu, the aromatic citrus grown in the prefecture’s valleys. Tokushima has its own ramen style, commonly made with a rich pork-and-soy broth and served with pork and egg, while Ehime is a major citrus-growing area and offers mikan and other citrus products alongside seafood from the Inland Sea. Izakaya, family restaurants, cafés, market stalls, hotel dining rooms and traditional inns provide different ways to eat locally. Regional sake and craft drinks are available, though local specialities can vary considerably between towns.

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Best bars in Shikoku

Evening life in Shikoku is concentrated in the four prefectural capitals and larger towns rather than spread across a single island-wide nightlife district. Matsuyama has the broadest mix of izakaya, bars, cafés and entertainment around the city centre, with Dogo providing a quieter hot-spring evening atmosphere. Takamatsu has restaurants, small bars and live-music venues near its central shopping arcades, while Kochi is known for sociable dining, drinking establishments and the food stalls of Hirome Market, which generally operates as a daytime and evening venue rather than a nightclub. Tokushima’s nightlife and seasonal identity are closely linked to Awa Odori, especially during the August festival, although arrangements vary from year to year. In rural Shikoku, evenings are more likely to centre on a traditional inn, local restaurant or pub; visitors should not expect late-night transport or a large club scene outside the main cities.

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Best nightclubs in Shikoku

Evening life in Shikoku is concentrated in the four prefectural capitals and larger towns rather than spread across a single island-wide nightlife district. Matsuyama has the broadest mix of izakaya, bars, cafés and entertainment around the city centre, with Dogo providing a quieter hot-spring evening atmosphere. Takamatsu has restaurants, small bars and live-music venues near its central shopping arcades, while Kochi is known for sociable dining, drinking establishments and the food stalls of Hirome Market, which generally operates as a daytime and evening venue rather than a nightclub. Tokushima’s nightlife and seasonal identity are closely linked to Awa Odori, especially during the August festival, although arrangements vary from year to year. In rural Shikoku, evenings are more likely to centre on a traditional inn, local restaurant or pub; visitors should not expect late-night transport or a large club scene outside the main cities.

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Best shops in Shikoku

Shopping in Shikoku is strongest in the prefectural capitals, market towns and traditional shopping arcades rather than in large luxury districts. Takamatsu’s covered arcades provide a substantial urban retail area, while Matsuyama and Kochi combine department stores, independent shops, cafés and regional food retailers. Visitors can look for Kagawa’s fine Sanuki udon products, Tokushima’s indigo textiles and dyed goods, Kochi’s yuzu products, bonito-based foods and traditional crafts, and Ehime’s wide range of mikan and other citrus preserves, sweets and drinks. Inland Sea ports and tourist areas often sell ceramics, wooden objects, food specialities and pilgrimage-related items. Temple stamps, white pilgrimage clothing and other henro goods are meaningful purchases when acquired respectfully, but they should be treated as religious items rather than ordinary souvenirs. Farmers’ markets and roadside produce stands are useful for seasonal fruit, vegetables and locally made foods, particularly when travelling through rural districts.

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Shikoku essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the Japanese yen, written as JPY or ¥. International cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in hotels, department stores, larger restaurants and urban transport systems, but smaller rural inns, family-run restaurants, temple areas and local buses may still require cash. Seven Bank and Japan Post Bank ATMs are commonly useful for international cards, although availability and fees vary. Carry some yen when travelling into mountain districts or along long pilgrimage stages, and keep a transport IC card topped up where it is accepted.
Safety
Shikoku is generally straightforward for visitors, but its terrain creates practical hazards. Mountain roads can be narrow, wet or affected by landslides and seasonal weather, while summer heat and humidity can make pilgrimage walks strenuous. Follow local warnings around rivers, gorges and the coast, and take care near Naruto’s strong tidal currents. Cyclists should use lights and observe traffic rules, and drivers should remember that traffic travels on the left. Japan is earthquake-prone, so familiarise yourself with hotel evacuation information and official alerts.
Emergency Situations
The national Japanese emergency numbers apply throughout Shikoku: call 110 for police and 119 for fire or ambulance services. The Japan Coast Guard can be reached on 118 for maritime emergencies. English-language assistance may be available but cannot be assumed in every rural location, so keep accommodation details and a written destination address available. For mountain walks, pilgrimage stages and cycling trips, share plans, check the forecast and carry a charged phone; in an emergency, contact local authorities rather than attempting an unsafe self-rescue.
Do's and Don'ts
Remove shoes where requested in temples, traditional inns and some restaurants, and behave quietly in worship spaces. If following the pilgrimage, do not photograph people, ceremonies or temple interiors without permission, and avoid treating religious customs as mere costume. Keep to marked paths, take rubbish with you in rural areas and do not block narrow roads or temple entrances. Japanese public transport etiquette—quiet conversation, orderly queues and considerate use of priority seating—applies in Shikoku as elsewhere in Japan. Tipping is not normally expected.
Local Tips
Build itineraries around one or two bases in each prefecture and check the final bus connection before visiting a rural temple, gorge or hot spring. In Kagawa, eating udon can be a quick daytime activity, while in Kochi the Sunday market and local food culture are best experienced with time to browse. Matsuyama works well for combining a castle, Dogo Onsen and nearby rail excursions. The best views in Iya, the Shimanami Kaido and coastal areas depend heavily on weather, so retain some flexibility rather than fixing every outdoor activity in advance.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
Helloこんにちは[Konnichiwa]
Goodbyeさようなら[Sayōnara]
Yesはい[Hai]
Noいいえ[Iie]
Please/You're welcomeお願いします[Onegaishimasu]
Thank youありがとう[Arigatou]
Excuse me/Sorryすみません[Sumimasen]
How are you?お元気ですか？[Ogenki desu ka?]
Fine. And you?元気です。あなたは？[Genki desu. Anata wa?]
Do you speak English?英語を話せますか？[Eigo o hanasemasu ka?]
I don't understandわかりません[Wakarimasen]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseメニューを見せてください[Menyū o misete kudasai]
I don't eat meat肉を食べません[Niku o tabemasen]
Cheers!乾杯！[Kanpai!]
I would like to pay, pleaseお会計をお願いします[Okaikei o onegaishimasu]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!助けて！[Tasukete!]
Go away!どいて！[Doite!]
Call the Police!警察を呼んで！[Keisatsu o yonde!]
Call a doctor!医者を呼んで！[Isha o yonde!]
I'm lost迷いました[Mayoimashita]
I'm ill具合が悪いです[Guai ga warui desu]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...これを買いたいです[Kore o kaitai desu]
I'm just looking見ているだけです[Mite iru dake desu]
How much is it?これはいくらですか？[Kore wa ikura desu ka?]
That's too expensiveそれは高すぎます[Sore wa takasugimasu]
Can you lower the price?値段を下げてもらえますか？[Nedan o sagete moraemasu ka?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?今何時ですか？[Ima nanji desu ka?]
It's one o'clock1時です[Ichi-ji desu]
Half past (10)10時半です[Jū-ji han desu]
Morning朝[Asa]
Afternoon午後[Gogo]
Evening夕方[Yūgata]
Yesterday昨日[Kinō]
Today今日[Kyō]
Tomorrow明日[Ashita]
11[Ichi]
22[Ni]
33[San]
44[Yon]
55[Go]
66[Roku]
77[Nana]
88[Hachi]
99[Kyū]
1010[Jū]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?どこに...がありますか？[Doko ni ... ga arimasu ka?]
What's the address?住所は何ですか？[Jūsho wa nan desu ka?]
Can you show me (on the map)?地図で見せてくれますか？[Chizu de misete kuremasu ka?]
When's the next (bus)?次のバスはいつですか？[Tsugi no basu wa itsu desu ka?]
A ticket (to ....)（...までの）切符[(... made no) kippu]

History of Shikoku

Jomon and Yayoi Settlement

Archaeological sites across Shikoku record human activity from the Jomon period, when communities combined hunting, gathering and fishing, through the Yayoi period, when wet-rice agriculture and new technologies spread across the Japanese archipelago. The island’s rivers, coastal plains and sheltered Inland Sea shores supported settlement, while its interior mountains remained comparatively difficult to cross. Finds from sites in Tokushima, Kagawa, Ehime and Kochi contribute to the wider understanding of how agricultural communities, exchange networks and social hierarchies developed in ancient Japan.

Ancient Provinces and Early Buddhism

In the Nara and Heian periods, Shikoku was divided into provinces including Awa, Sanuki, Iyo and Tosa, names that remain visible in historical and cultural references. Government institutions, Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines became established across the island, while maritime links connected its ports with the rest of western Japan. The monk Kukai, later known as Kobo Daishi, was born in Sanuki Province and became central to Shingon Buddhism. His association with Shikoku underpins the island’s most enduring pilgrimage tradition.

The Shikoku Henro

The pilgrimage to 88 temples developed over centuries from journeys associated with Kukai and the Shingon Buddhist tradition. Its route passes through all four prefectures, traditionally beginning at Ryozenji in Tokushima and concluding at Okuboji in Kagawa. Pilgrims, known as henro, historically travelled on foot, although modern participants may walk selected sections or use public transport and vehicles. The route helped connect remote communities and remains a living religious practice as well as a major cultural journey for visitors.

Medieval Lords and Castle Towns

During the medieval and early modern periods, competing warrior families controlled Shikoku’s provinces, and the island became involved in wider struggles for power among regional lords. The campaigns of Chosokabe Motochika in the sixteenth century briefly brought much of Shikoku under one authority before Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s invasion in 1585. Under the Tokugawa shogunate, domains such as Tosa, Iyo, Awa and Takamatsu developed their own administrations. Castles, planned streets and merchant districts in places including Kochi, Matsuyama and Takamatsu reflect this era.

Maritime Trade and Salt Production

Shikoku’s position between the Inland Sea and the Pacific made shipping, fishing and coastal commerce important for centuries. Ports connected the island with Osaka, the Inland Sea islands and Kyushu, while salt production flourished particularly along suitable shores of Kagawa and neighbouring Inland Sea districts. Inland waterways and sea routes often offered easier movement than the mountain roads. This maritime heritage remains visible in port settlements, former merchant areas, island-facing landscapes and the continued importance of seafood and citrus cultivation in coastal economies.

Meiji Modernisation and Industry

The Meiji Restoration transformed Shikoku’s political and economic structures as the old domains became prefectures and new national institutions were introduced. Railways, improved roads, modern schools and industrial enterprises gradually reduced the island’s isolation, although mountain districts remained remote. Paper-making, agriculture, mining, shipping and food production developed in different areas, with industries shaped by local resources and access to the sea. Urban centres such as Matsuyama, Takamatsu, Tokushima and Kochi expanded as administrative and commercial hubs.

Bridges, Tourism and Contemporary Shikoku

The completion of large bridges linking Shikoku with Honshu changed the island’s relationship with mainland Japan. The Great Seto Bridge, opened in 1988, connected Kagawa with Okayama; the Akashi Kaikyo and Ohnaruto route improved access to Tokushima; and the Nishiseto Expressway, commonly known as the Shimanami Kaido, created a road and cycle connection between Ehime and Hiroshima via Inland Sea islands. These links encouraged tourism, commuting and logistics while leaving much of the interior distinctly rural. Contemporary Shikoku balances modern access with pilgrimage, agriculture, crafts and regional food traditions.

Shikoku in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Shikoku

Discover Shikoku with Evendo: A 100% free app-based travel guide offering comprehensive info on attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more.

  • Comprehensive guide on Shikoku's attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities.
  • Rich information including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details.
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences.
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More about the Evendo app

Explore the wonders of Shikoku, Japan with Evendo. Our free app provides detailed guides on attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more, ensuring you make the most of your trip.

  • Historical and cultural insights about Shikoku.
  • Essential travel information and local advice.
  • User-friendly navigation and 'Near me' feature for spontaneous exploration.
  • Curated local tips for an authentic travel experience.
  • Global coverage of over 7,000 destinations.
  • Completely free with no in-app purchases or hidden costs.

Imagine embarking on a journey to the enchanting island of Shikoku, Japan, with a personal guide in your pocket. Evendo is your all-in-one travel companion, offering detailed information on the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities in Shikoku. From the serene beauty of Ritsurin Garden in Takamatsu to the spiritual pilgrimage of the 88 Temples, our app covers it all.

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Our app features rich, detailed information on each location, including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details. Whether you're exploring the bustling streets of Matsuyama or the historical sites of Tokushima, Evendo ensures you won't miss a thing. Plus, our 'Near me' feature helps you find nearby attractions no matter where you are, making spontaneous adventures a breeze.

Evendo isn't just about Shikoku. With coverage of over 7,000 destinations worldwide, this app is your global travel companion. And the best part? It's 100% free with no in-app purchases or hidden costs. Download Evendo today and unlock the world, starting with the captivating island of Shikoku.

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