Shikoku Guide: Pilgrimage, Art Islands, and Hot Springs
By Tour in Japan editors · Updated
Japan's smallest main island packs enormous variety — from the 88 Temple Pilgrimage to contemporary art islands.
Japan's smallest main island packs enormous variety — from the 88 Temple Pilgrimage to contemporary art islands.
Why Shikoku?
- Fewer tourists — much less crowded than Honshu
- Pilgrimage trail — 1,200 km walking route
- Art islands — Naoshima, Teshima, Inujima
- Hot springs — Dogo Onsen (Japan's oldest)
- Nature — Iya Valley, Shimami Kaido cycling
The Four Prefectures
Tokushima
Known for: Awa Odori, Iya Valley, Naruto whirlpools
| Highlight | Details |
|---|---|
| Awa Odori | August — Japan's largest dance festival |
| Iya Valley | Vine bridges, deep gorges |
| Naruto Whirlpools | Dramatic tidal whirlpools |
| Mount Tsurugi | Sacred mountain, hiking |
Kagawa
Known for: Art islands, udon noodles, Ritsurin Garden
| Highlight | Details |
|---|---|
| Naoshima | Contemporary art island (Benesse House, Chichu Museum) |
| Teshima | Art museum, rice terraces |
| Ritsurin Garden | One of Japan's finest gardens |
| Sanuki Udon | Famous chewy noodles |
Ehime
Known for: Matsuyama, Dogo Onsen, citrus
| Highlight | Details |
|---|---|
| Matsuyama | Castle, Dogo Onsen (Spirited Away inspiration) |
| Dogo Onsen | Japan's oldest hot spring |
| Ishite-ji | Temple #51 on pilgrimage |
| Citrus | Yuzu, mikan (mandarin oranges) |
Kochi
Known for: Kochi Castle, Sakamoto Ryoma, festivals
| Highlight | Details |
|---|---|
| Kochi Castle | One of few original castles |
| Yosakoi Festival | August — dance festival |
| Katsurahama Beach | Statue of Sakamoto Ryoma |
| Hirome Market | Local food market |
88 Temple Pilgrimage (Ohenro)
The Shikoku Pilgrimage is a 1,200 km route around the island, visiting 88 Buddhist temples.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Distance | 1,200 km |
| Duration | 30–60 days (full), 7–14 days (highlights) |
| Start | Temple #1 (Ryozen-ji) |
| End | Temple #88 (Omuro-dera) |
| Difficulty | Moderate (some mountain sections) |
Tips for Pilgrims
- Wear white pilgrim clothes (available at Temple #1)
- Buy a pilgrimage book (nōkyōchō) for stamps at each temple
- Walk the mountain passes for the full experience
- Use buses/cars for highlights (no shame in it)
Getting There
| From | To | Transport | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Osaka | Tokushima | Ferry | 2 hours |
| Osaka | Takamatsu | Shinkansen + train | 2.5 hours |
| Hiroshima | Matsuyama | Ferry | 2.5 hours |
| Osaka | Matsuyama | Shinkansen + train | 3 hours |
Tips
- Rent a car — essential for rural areas
- Budget 7–14 days — for a proper visit
- Try udon — Kagawa is udon country
- Visit art islands — Naoshima is a must
- Experience Dogo Onsen — Japan's oldest hot spring
- Walk some of the pilgrimage — even a few temples
- Visit during Awa Odori — August, unforgettable
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