Things to do in Shikoku - Shikoku is one of the most rewarding yet least visited regions of Japan, with a wealth of exciting destinations ranging from the art islands of Setouchi to the river valleys of Iya and the Pacific Coast. The moment has come to make a shift. You’ll find the following data on this page:

As the fourth largest island of Japan, Shikoku is easily accessible from the largest island, Honshu, although it is often disregarded by foreign tourists. Shikoku, literally “four provinces,” consists of the prefectures of Kagawa, Tokushima, Kochi, and Ehime; the island’s largest city is Matsuyama, in Ehime Prefecture; and the cities of Takamatsu and Tokushima serve as the primary entry and exit points via massive bridges connecting Shikoku to Honshu. Visitors from other parts of Japan and even further afield in Asia can fly into Matsuyama, Takamatsu, Tokushima, or the city of Kochi, all of which have airports.

Shikoku is an area that is separate from Japan’s main island, Honshu, by the Seto Inland Sea. It is a place where time seems to move a little slower. From hopping between the art islands of Setouchi to exploring the hidden river valleys of Iya or the surf beaches of Kochi’s Pacific coast, Shikoku might not quite fit your idea of what Japan is like, but that’s what makes it so worth visiting. But there’s only one place to start talking about what to do in Shikoku.

The 88 temple “Shikoku Henro” pilgrimage should be at the top of any list of things to do in Shikoku. The 88 temples in the circuit are spread out over all of the prefectures on the island. Depending on how you do it, the course is between 1200 and 1400 kilometers long and can take up to 60 days to walk.

Even though most people who read this won’t be spending two months walking around the island, the Shikoku Henro is one of Japan’s most important spiritual journeys and is often mentioned online, in books, and in temples. This means that you’ll hear about it a lot while planning your trip and while you’re on Shikoku.

The Seto Inland Sea separates the island of Shikoku from Japan’s largest island, Honshu. The area, which is also called “Setouchi,” is known for its clusters of islands and islets, calm bays, and water that have made it an important trade route for centuries. Today, the Setonaikai National Park, which is Japan’s largest national park, covers a lot of the area and is home to many of the places listed below.

Setonaikai is made up of 900,000 hectares of land in 11 prefectures, including Kagawa and Ehime in Shikoku. It has a lot of different kinds of wildlife and a strong maritime history, which can be seen through ecotours, self-guided exploration, and cultural projects started in recent years to bring more tourists to the area, starting with the art islands of Naoshima and Teshima.

It is possible to reach Shikoku by train or vehicle from the city of Takamatsu, one of the island’s two major gateways (the other being Tokushima; see below for further information). From Honshu, via Okayama Station as a hub, limited express trains such as the “Marine Liner” and “Seto Sunrise” travel directly to Takamatsu via the Great Seto Bridge.

Takamatsu has been an important port for centuries because of its proximity to Honshu, the main island of Japan. The Matsudaira dynasty, who dominated the city for a long time, accumulated vast wealth thanks to the city’s strategic location.

Ritsurin Koen, 2.5km from Takamatsu Station, is one of Japan’s most beautiful traditional gardens. The early Edo Period (1603-1868) garden has ponds and water features, manicured trees and grass, highlighted stones, and winding walks. Set against Mount Shiun, the garden creates an environment of retreat and escape from the modern world with a teahouse and rest houses.

The garden costs JPY410 daily. It’s open from as early as 05:30 in April until as late as 19:30 in September, from 06:00 or 06:30 in October, November, and March, and from 07:00 to 17:30 in December and February. Takamatsu Station is 5 minutes from Ritsurinkoen Station.

The fact that Okubo-ji is believed to be the final of the 88 temples that comprise the “Shikoku Henro” means that it will be of interest to a great number of tourists. As Okubo-ji is the final temple on what is considered to be the standard circuit.

There is a good chance that you will encounter pilgrims, also known as ‘o-henro-jin,’ who are finishing their journey at Okubo-ji with many walking staffs and straw sandals, which are then left at the temple as a traditional act of thanksgiving.

If you do, you will have the opportunity to speak with these individuals. The temple may be reached at any time of the day or night and is situated approximately one hour’s drive to the south-east of Takamatsu. There is no charge for entry.

Naoshima is a beautiful island in the Seto Inland Sea famed for its Mediterranean atmosphere and great arts scene. It’s the primary site and flagship of the Setouchi Triennale, known for Kusama Yayoi’s coastal dotted pumpkin installation. Art House Project, Benesse House, Chichu Museum, and many others attract tens of thousands of tourists annually.

Popular in summer, hotels and guesthouses will sell out if you want to stay on the island. Takamatsu ferries take 50 minutes / JPY520 or 30 minutes / JPY1220 to reach the island. Naoshima is accessible from Okayama, Honshu. Take the JR Uno Line from Okayama Station to Uno Station (45-60 minutes/JPY590), then the ferry to Naoshima (20 minutes/JPY300).

Every three years, the Setouchi Triennale is held on a dozen Seto Inland Sea islands and in Takamatsu. The festival brings together Japanese and foreign artists to revitalize the region’s artistic scene. Setouchi is one of numerous international arts festivals launched in recent decades, including the original and ongoing Echigo-Tsumari Art Field in Niigata to revitalize rural areas suffering from population and economic decline.

The festival’s popularity is due to the participation of famous Japanese and foreign artists, who encourage people to explore tranquil corners of Japan. Much of the art and events take place outdoors, interwoven into the natural landscapes, and magnificent museums and galleries have been created on Naoshima, Teshima, Shodoshima and other islands.

NIPPONIA HOTEL Ozu Castle Town is located in zu in the Ehime prefecture, close to Garyu Sanso Villa (300 meters away) and Ozu Castle (1,000 meters away). Ozu Inariyama Park is around 7.6 kilometers away, while Hie Shrine is about 8.8 kilometers, and Uchiko Town Museum is about 14 kilometers from the resort.

The Ozuryosochinshu Hachiman Shrine is within three kilometers of the allergy-free accommodation. The hotel serves an Asian breakfast to its guests. The NIPPONIA HOTEL Ozu Castle Town is located within 14 kilometers of both the Machiya Resource Center and the Omura Residence. Matsuyama Airport is 48 kilometers from the lodging.

The FAV Hotel TAKAMATSU offers comfortable lodging in Takamatsu, close to both the Kitahamaebisu Shrine and the Takamatsu Heike Monogatari Historical Museum (both 2.3 kilometers away). A terrace is available to guests at this resort, and there are rooms specifically designed for families.

Wireless Internet access is free of charge, and private parking can be obtained for a fee. Every room at this hotel is air conditioned and features a work desk, tea/coffee making facilities, a microwave, a refrigerator, a safe, a flat-screen television, and a private bathroom with a bidet. Bedding and bath towels are provided in each room at FAV Hotel TAKAMATSU. It is located 2.4 kilometers from both Liminal Air-core Takamatsu and Sunport Fountain.

Onyado Shikishima-kan is 40 kilometers from Liminal Air-core Takamatsu, 40 kilometers from Sunport Fountain, and 41 kilometers from Kitahamaebisu Shrine. This resort has a restaurant, 24-hour front desk, communal lounge, and free WiFi. Oni no Yakata and Moai Statue are 45 kilometers away.

All rooms have air conditioning, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, fridges, kettles, showers, hairdryers, and wardrobes. All rooms have safes. Breakfast is à la carte or Asian. Onyado Shikishima-health kan’s section features a hot spring bath and sauna. Takamatsu Heike Monogatari Historical Museum is 42 kilometers from the lodging. Onyado Shikishima-kan is 27km from Takamatsu Airport.

The Royal Park Hotel Takamatsu is a 5-minute drive from JR Takamatsu Train Station. There’s massages and bikes. Royal Park Hotel Takamatsu’s air-conditioned rooms have fridges and electric kettles with roasted green tea. Pay TV and hot baths are available. Provided toiletries Hotel is 15 minutes from Tamamo Park.

Takamatsu Airport is a 30-minute drive from Ritsurin Park. 24-hour front desk luggage storage. The Internet is free. Club Lounge is available to guests. The lounge serves tea and snacks from 15:00 to 18:00, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and snacks from 18:00 to 20:00, and a bar from 20:00 to 22:00.

need in Japan, from traditionally preserved temples with natural surroundings, to modern and fascinating buildings. You can always get yourself traveling and wandering around this region. You will enjoy every new thing with the best experiences ever in Japan.

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