Shikoku · Travel guide · Updated 2026

Shikoku: Japan’s Serene Island Gem

Discover Shikoku, Japan’s serene island gem, renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, spiritual pilgrimages, and delectable cuisine.

Shikoku, the smallest of Japan’s four main islands, offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern attractions. Known for its stunning landscapes, Shikoku is a paradise for nature lovers. From the emerald waters of the Shimanto River to the rugged cliffs of the Oboke Gorge, there is no shortage of breathtaking sights. Shikoku is also famous for its 88-temple pilgrimage, a spiritual journey that attracts visitors from around the world. This pilgrimage, known as Henro, takes you through lush forests, serene countryside, and charming villages, providing a glimpse into the island’s rich cultural past. The island’s cities, such as Matsuyama and Takamatsu, offer a mix of traditional and contemporary attractions. Matsuyama is home to the beautiful Dogo Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest hot springs, and the impressive Matsuyama Castle. In Takamatsu, you can explore the Ritsurin Garden, a masterpiece of Japanese landscape design. Shikoku's culinary scene is another highlight. Indulge in local delicacies such as Sanuki udon, a type of thick noodle, and fresh seafood from the Seto Inland Sea. The island’s warm hospitality and slower pace of life make it a perfect destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

Utazu

Shikoku Aquarium

Discover Shikoku, Japan’s serene island gem, renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, spiritual pilgrimages, and delectable cuisine.

Tosashimizu

Cape Ashizuri

Discover Shikoku, Japan’s serene island gem, renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, spiritual pilgrimages, and delectable cuisine.

Imabari

Yoshiumi Rose Park

Discover Shikoku, Japan’s serene island gem, renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, spiritual pilgrimages, and delectable cuisine.

Kumakogen

Shikoku Karst

Discover Shikoku, Japan’s serene island gem, renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, spiritual pilgrimages, and delectable cuisine.

Miyoshi

Umpenji Temple

Discover Shikoku, Japan’s serene island gem, renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, spiritual pilgrimages, and delectable cuisine.

Miyoshi

Roadside Station Oboke (Lapis Oboke)

Discover Shikoku, Japan’s serene island gem, renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, spiritual pilgrimages, and delectable cuisine.

Konan

Shikoku Automobile Museum

Discover Shikoku, Japan’s serene island gem, renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, spiritual pilgrimages, and delectable cuisine.

Saijo

Railway History Park in SAIJO

Discover Shikoku, Japan’s serene island gem, renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, spiritual pilgrimages, and delectable cuisine.

Niihama

Akagane Museum

Discover Shikoku, Japan’s serene island gem, renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, spiritual pilgrimages, and delectable cuisine.

When is the best time to go to Shikoku?

Weather at a glance

Use the monthly temperature and precipitation trends to compare typical conditions across the year before planning countryside walks, town visits, and heritage days.

Temperature

°C

Precipitation

mm
Warmest monthsJul–Aug
Longest daylightMay–Jul
Driest periodDec–Jan

Explore places in Shikoku

    See all →

    Iconic landmarks you can't miss

    Classic Shikoku sights that mirror the landmark pins above, with a little more context before users explore further.

    Unmissable attractions to see

    These cards mirror the attraction list in the map, while adding enough context to help users prioritise.

    Shikoku Aquarium

    Discover Shikoku's underwater world at this state-of-the-art aquarium featuring diverse marine life and stunning exhibits, a must-see for all ages.

    Shikoku Aquarium

    Roadside Station Oboke (Lapis Oboke)

    Discover local flavors, Yokai folklore, and gem collections at this scenic rest stop with breathtaking views of Oboke Gorge in Tokushima.

    Roadside Station Oboke (Lapis Oboke)

    Cape Ashizuri

    Discover panoramic ocean views, a historic lighthouse, and subtropical flora at Shikoku's southernmost point, steeped in history and natural beauty.

    Cape Ashizuri

    Shikoku Karst

    Discover Shikoku Karst: Japan's hidden gem with stunning limestone scenery, panoramic views, and tranquil nature escapes in Ehime and Kochi.

    Shikoku Karst

    Yoshiumi Rose Park

    Discover a world of roses at Yoshiumi Rose Park, a vibrant garden with hundreds of varieties and stunning sea views in Imabari, Japan.

    Yoshiumi Rose Park

    Umpenji Temple

    Ascend to Shikoku's highest pilgrimage temple for stunning views, serene nature, and spiritual enrichment on the historic 88-temple circuit.

    Umpenji Temple

    Akagane Museum

    Explore Niihama's copper mining history and cultural heritage at the Akagane Museum, a modern facility with art, exhibits, and local traditions.

    Akagane Museum

    Shikoku Automobile Museum

    Explore a stunning collection of vintage cars & motorcycles at the Shikoku Automobile Museum in Konan, Kochi. A must-see for auto enthusiasts!

    Shikoku Automobile Museum

    Railway History Park in SAIJO

    Explore Shikoku's railway heritage at this family-friendly museum, featuring historic trains and exhibits in Saijo, Ehime Prefecture.

    Railway History Park in SAIJO

    Essential places to dine

    The dining ideas below match the food pins above, making the map and editorial recommendations work together.

    Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

    Each shopping card aligns with a mapped browsing area, from major retail streets to market-led detours.

    Essential bars & hidden hideouts

    The evening cards below match the bars layer in the map, so browsing and orientation stay connected.

    Free Images : landscape, horizon, cloud, sky, sunrise, sunset, hiking,  dawn, atmosphere, mountain range, dusk, daytime, evening, calm, mountain  climbing, japan, highland, ridge, summit, cool image, plateau, fell, cool  photo, afterglow, mt
    Destination guide

    More about Japan

    Discover the harmony of tradition and modernity in Japan, where ancient temples and cutting-edge technology coexist in perfect balance.

    Tell me more about Japan
    Mobile App
    Get the app

    Your all‑in‑one travel companion app

    Explore expert travel guides, compare and book tours, experiences, hotels, and more—all from the palm of your hand. Download now for seamless trip planning wherever your wanderlust takes you.

    Explore Shikoku in Photos

    A quick visual route through countryside views, towns, gardens, and regional day-trip atmosphere.

    File:150504 Ritsurin Park Takamatsu Kagawa pref Japan02s3.jpg - Wikimedia  Commons
    File:Matsuyama castle(Iyo)6.JPG - Wikipedia
    File:Iya Valley seen from the Iya Valley Observatory 001.jpg - Wikipedia
    File:Naruto Whirlpools taken 4-21-2008.jpg - Wikipedia
    File:Kochi Castle08s3872.jpg - Wikipedia
    File:MotoyamaJi,Kagawa-01.jpg - Wikipedia
    File:Koinobori, Oboke Gorge, Tokushima Prefecture, Shikoku, Japan.jpg -  Wikimedia Commons
    File:Kotohira-gu01s.jpg - Wikipedia
    File:Dogo Onsen Hot Spring, Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture, Japan -  panoramio.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
    File:Ashizurimisaki.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

    Select Currency

    Choose the currency you want prices to display in.