Japan Shikoku Travel Guide, Tailor-made Japan Tour Packages
Shikoku
Shikoku is the smallest and least populous of the four main islands of Japan, but it packs a big natural and cultural punch.
It boasts picturesque coastline on the glittering Seto Inland Sea, legendary udon noodles, movie-inspiring onsen, juicy fruits, the first step on the 88 Temple Pilgrimage and a summer stage for Japan to dance.
The name Shikoku literally means "four countries", True to its name, Shikoku is divided into four prefectures.The current name refers to the four former provinces that made up the island: Awa, Tosa, Sanuki, and Iyo.
Destinations | Major cities
Takamatsu
Takamatsu is a city located in central Kagawa Prefecture on the island of Shikoku, and is the capital city of the prefectural government. It is a port city located on the Seto Inland Sea, and is the closest port to Honshu from Shikoku Island. For this reason it flourished under the Daimyo as a castle town in the fiefdom of Takamatsu, during the Edo Period. A convenient base for exploring the region, this urban center boasts many attractions of its own.
Tokushima
Tokushima is located on Shikoku Island, the capital city of Tokushima Prefecture. It is most famous for the Awa Odori Festival, a dance festival held in August, which brings hordes of tourists during the Obon holiday period. This city offers beautiful nature and outdoor thrills all year round, like white water rafting, surfing, exploring local sake brewery, or trekking.
Matsuyama
Matsuyama is the largest city on Shikoku and the capital of Ehime Prefecture, a welcome respite from Japan's frenetic cities offering no shortage of activities to keep you occupied. At the heart of the city stands Matsuyamajo, a beautiful, original castle. Soak up the rich literary tradition of this placid castle town.
Kochi
Kochi City is Shikoku's gem on the Pacific Ocean, is the capital of Kochi Prefecture on the southern coast of Shikoku. The city is small and friendly, with a casual atmosphere and a dose of southern flair. With mouth-watering dish, plenty nature, numerous caves, and lots of chances to get crafty, here is a great addtion to any travel itinerary.
Naoshima
Naoshima is an island in the Seto Inland Sea that is known for its modern art museums, architecture and sculptures. Thanks in large part to an art-loving Japanese businessman’s vision - it has gradually become one of the world’s most unique destinations for art lovers and travelers seeking one-of-a-kind experiences, nevertheless, it was a remote and sleepy island until the early 1990s.
Naruto
Naruto is the northeastern most city on Shikoku Island, famous for its incredible often huge whirlpools that a natural phenomenon where the tide swirls violently on the surface, up to 20 meters across. These can be seen in the Strait of Naruto underneath the Onaruto Bridge connecting Tokushima to Awaji Island. It is also the starting point of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, which leads around the island to visit 88 temples across Shikoku associated with the famous Buddhist monk, Kobo Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism.