Shikoku Island, Japan Travel Guide

Discover Shikoku Island, Japan's serene escape, where ancient temples, lush landscapes, and coastal beauty create an unforgettable journey.

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Shikoku Island

Shikoku Island is a treasure trove of natural beauty and rich history. Nestled in the southwestern part of Japan, it is the smallest of the four main islands but boasts a unique charm. From serene temples to lush green mountains, Shikoku offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling cities of Japan. One of the island's most famous attractions is the Shikoku Pilgrimage, a 1,200-kilometer route that connects 88 temples. This pilgrimage is a spiritual journey that has been undertaken for centuries. Along the way, pilgrims and tourists alike can experience the tranquility of rural Japan and the hospitality of its people. In addition to its religious significance, Shikoku is known for its stunning natural landscapes. The island is home to the Iya Valley, a secluded area filled with dramatic gorges and vine bridges, perfect for adventure seekers. The Naoshima Island, part of Shikoku's Kagawa Prefecture, is an art lover's paradise with its contemporary museums and installations. The island also offers beautiful coastal views and pristine beaches, ideal for relaxation and water activities.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Shikoku Island.

Try local delicacies such as Sanuki Udon in Kagawa and Bonito Tataki in Kochi.
Rent a car for easier access to remote areas and to fully explore the island.
Visit during spring or autumn for the most pleasant weather and to see cherry blossoms or fall foliage.
Carry cash, as many rural areas and smaller establishments might not accept credit cards.

Explore Shikoku Island: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Shikoku Island

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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Matsuyama Castle

Experience the grandeur of Matsuyama Castle, a historic fortress showcasing Japan's rich heritage and stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea.

4.4

金刀比羅宮

Uncover the rich traditions and stunning views at Konpira Shrine, a historic Shinto sanctuary in the heart of Kotohira, Japan.

4.4

Kami City Takashi Yanase Memorial Hall & Anpanman Museum

Explore the enchanting world of Anpanman at the Kami City Takashi Yanase Memorial Hall & Anpanman Museum, a joyful experience for families and fans alike.

4.3

Amegaeri Waterfall

Discover the enchanting beauty of Amegaeri Waterfall in Tosa, a scenic spot that offers breathtaking views and tranquil nature experiences.

4.5

Best landmarks in Shikoku Island

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Otsuka Museum of Art

Discover a world of art at the Otsuka Museum of Art, featuring stunning replicas of masterworks from the Western art tradition in scenic Naruto, Tokushima.

4.5

Ritsurin Garden

Explore the tranquil beauty of Ritsurin Garden, a historical gem in Takamatsu, showcasing Japan's exquisite landscape design and seasonal charm.

4.5

金刀比羅宮

Explore the sacred beauty of Konpira Shrine in Kotohira, a historical Shinto shrine offering breathtaking views and a deep cultural experience.

4.4

Kochi Castle

Explore the stunning Kochi Castle, a historical gem in Japan, showcasing beautiful architecture and rich samurai heritage amidst picturesque gardens.

4.3

Best restaurants in Shikoku Island

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Dining Room Hibari

Discover authentic Japanese flavors at Dining Room Hibari in Otoyo - home to the best katsudon experience!

4.1

うなぎ処福

Discover authentic Japanese cuisine at Unagi Doko Fuku - home to exquisite grilled eel dishes in Nankoku, Kochi.

4.2

Yuzuan Restaurant

Discover the essence of Kochi through authentic Japanese dishes at Yuzuan Restaurant—where every meal tells a story.

3.7

Joyfull Kochi Otsu Shop

Enjoy a diverse menu at Joyfull Kochi Otsu Shop, where family-friendly dining meets affordable prices in the heart of Kochi.

3.5

Best bars in Shikoku Island

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Irish Pub Amontillado

Discover the charm of Irish Pub Amontillado in Kochi, where traditional izakaya meets the warmth of Irish hospitality, offering a unique dining experience.

3.9

Bar Kohno

Discover the vibrant nightlife of Tokushima at Bar Kohno, where excellent drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.

4.5

K’s BAR

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Kochi at K's Bar, where flavorful drinks and a friendly atmosphere await you.

4.2

蔵の和BARフクワウチ

Discover the cozy charm of Kuranowa Bar Fukuwauchi, where local flavors and friendly vibes create the perfect nightlife experience in Kochi.

4.4

Best nightclubs in Shikoku Island

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Love Jamaican

Dive into the vibrant nightlife at Love Jamaican in Kochi, where music, dance, and affordable drinks create unforgettable nights.

4.1

ONZO

Discover ONZO, Kochi's premier night club, where vibrant music, dancing, and unforgettable experiences await every night.

4.6

ｓｈａｒｅ

Discover the electrifying nightlife at share Night Club in Kochi, where vibrant music and an inviting atmosphere await every night.

4.7

クラブ順子

Dive into the vibrant nightlife of Kochi at Club Junko, a lively night club offering music, drinks, and unforgettable experiences.

2.0

Best shops in Shikoku Island

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AEON MALL AYAGAWA

Discover shopping bliss at AEON Mall Ayagawa, where local charm meets modern retail in Kagawa, Japan.

3.9

AEON MALL Kochi

Discover the vibrant shopping experience at AEON MALL Kochi, featuring top brands, delicious dining, and exciting entertainment options.

3.9

youme Town Tokushima

Explore Youme Town Tokushima, a vibrant shopping mall offering a mix of retail, dining, and entertainment in the heart of Aizumi, Tokushima.

3.9

TSUTAYA Nankokuten

Explore the captivating world of magazines and comics at TSUTAYA Nankokuten, a must-visit destination in Nankoku, Kochi for all literature lovers.

3.6

Explore Shikoku Island on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Shikoku Island, mapped for you.

Shikoku Island Essentials

Shikoku Island can be accessed by several means. The most common way is via air, landing at Takamatsu, Matsuyama, Kochi, or Tokushima airports. These airports have connections to major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka. Alternatively, you can take a train from the mainland via the Seto-Ohashi Bridge, which connects Okayama to Takamatsu. Ferries are also available from ports such as Hiroshima, Kobe, and Osaka, offering a scenic route to Shikoku.
Shikoku has an extensive public transportation network. JR Shikoku operates the main train lines, making it easy to travel between cities. Local buses are available in all major cities and towns. For more flexibility, renting a car is a great option, especially for exploring rural areas and scenic routes. Bicycles are also popular and can be rented in many locations for a more immersive experience.
The official currency in Japan is the Japanese Yen (JPY). Credit cards are widely accepted in cities, but it's advisable to carry cash, especially in rural areas and smaller establishments. ATMs are plentiful, but not all accept foreign cards, so look for those in convenience stores like 7-Eleven or at post offices. Cash is often preferred for smaller transactions.
Shikoku is generally very safe for tourists. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime such as pickpocketing is uncommon. However, it's always good to stay vigilant and keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas. There are no specific high-crime neighborhoods targeting tourists in Shikoku, but general caution is always recommended.
In case of an emergency, dial 110 for police assistance and 119 for ambulance and fire services. Most cities in Shikoku have hospitals and clinics where you can receive medical care. It's advisable to have travel insurance that includes medical coverage. Pharmacies (薬局, yakkyoku) are widely available for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.
Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting temples and shrines. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do show respect at religious sites by bowing slightly and not disturbing worshippers. Removing shoes before entering temples is a must. Public Transport: Do queue up and allow passengers to disembark before boarding. Don't talk loudly or use your phone in the train's quiet zones. Greetings: Do greet people with a slight bow. Handshakes are less common but accepted. Eating & Drinking: Do try local foods and enjoy the culinary diversity. Don't eat or drink while walking, as it is considered impolite.
To experience Shikoku like a local, participate in the Shikoku Pilgrimage (Henro), visiting 88 temples across the island. Try local delicacies such as Sanuki Udon in Kagawa, Katsuo no Tataki in Kochi, and Uwajima's Taimeshi. Engage with locals at traditional festivals like the Awa Odori in Tokushima. Don't miss the scenic Iya Valley and the hidden villages. Renting a bicycle for a ride across the Shimanami Kaido is also highly recommended.

When is the best time to visit Shikoku Island?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Shikoku Island

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Shikoku Island. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- Helloこんにちは
  [konnichiwa]
- Goodbyeさようなら
  [sayonara]
- Yesはい
  [hai]
- Noいいえ
  [iie]
- Please/You're welcomeどうぞ
  [douzo]
- 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]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseメニューを見せてください
  [menyuu o misete kudasai]
- I don't eat meat私は肉を食べません
  [watashi wa 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]
- Help!助けて!
  [tasukete!]
- Go away!行ってください!
  [itte kudasai!]
- Call the Police!警察を呼んでください!
  [keisatsu o yonde kudasai!]
- Call a doctor!医者を呼んでください!
  [isha o yonde kudasai!]
- I'm lost道に迷っています
  [michi ni mayotte imasu]
- I'm ill具合が悪いです
  [guai ga warui desu]
- I'd like to buy......を買いたいです
  [... o kaitai desu]
- I'm just looking見ているだけです
  [mite iru dake desu]
- How much is it?いくらですか？
  [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 sagetemoraemasu ka?]
- What time is it?今何時ですか？
  [ima nanji desu ka?]
- It's one o'clock一時です
  [ichiji desu]
- Half past (10)十時半
  [juuji han]
- Morning朝
  [asa]
- Afternoon午後
  [gogo]
- Evening夕方
  [yuugata]
- Yesterday昨日
  [kinou]
- Today今日
  [kyou]
- Tomorrow明日
  [ashita]
- 1一
  [ichi]
- 2二
  [ni]
- 3三
  [san]
- 4四
  [shi]
- 5五
  [go]
- 6六
  [roku]
- 7七
  [shichi]
- 8八
  [hachi]
- 9九
  [kyuu]
- 10十
  [juu]
- Where's a/the...?…はどこですか？
  [... wa doko desu ka?]
- What's the address?住所は何ですか？
  [juusho wa nan desu ka?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?地図で見せてもらえますか？
  [chizu de misetemoraemasu 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 ....)（…）までの切符をください
  [(...) made no kippu o kudasai]

History of Shikoku Island

Shikoku Island, one of the four main islands of Japan, has a rich tapestry of history that intertwines with Japanese mythology. According to legend, the island was created by the gods Izanagi and Izanami. Shikoku, which means 'four provinces,' was historically divided into Awa, Tosa, Sanuki, and Iyo provinces. These regions have each contributed to the island's unique cultural mosaic.
The Shikoku Pilgrimage, known as 'Shikoku Henro,' is a significant spiritual journey that draws thousands of pilgrims annually. This 1,200-kilometer circuit visits 88 temples associated with the Buddhist monk Kūkai, also known as Kōbō Daishi, who was born in Zentsūji, Kagawa Prefecture. The pilgrimage is both a physical and spiritual undertaking, reflecting the deep-rooted religious traditions of the island.
During the Sengoku period (1467-1603), Shikoku was a battleground for various samurai clans. The Chōsokabe clan, under the leadership of Chōsokabe Motochika, emerged as a dominant force by unifying the island. Motochika's rule was marked by significant agricultural reforms and the construction of castles, which left a lasting impact on the region's development.
The Battle of Sekigahara in 1600 was a pivotal event in Japanese history that led to the establishment of the Tokugawa shogunate. Shikoku's daimyo, including those from the Chōsokabe and Kōno clans, were significantly affected by the outcome. The redistribution of lands and power under Tokugawa Ieyasu reshaped the political landscape of Shikoku, leading to a period of relative peace and stability known as the Edo period.
Shikoku is renowned for its traditional arts and crafts, including Awa Odori, one of Japan's largest and most famous dance festivals held in Tokushima. The island is also known for its production of high-quality indigo dye, known as 'Awa Ai,' and traditional paper making in Ehime Prefecture. These cultural practices highlight the island's rich artistic heritage.
In the modern era, Shikoku has undergone significant development while preserving its cultural heritage. The construction of the Seto Ohashi Bridge in 1988, which connects Shikoku to Honshu, marked a new chapter in the island's accessibility and economic growth. Today, Shikoku is celebrated for its blend of modernity and tradition, attracting visitors with its historical sites, natural beauty, and cultural festivals.