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Seto Inland Sea

Visit Shikoku, Japan

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Resting in the waters of the Inland Sea, Shikoku is Japan’s fourth largest island and enjoys a relaxed atmosphere and rural landscape.

Cross to the island by train from Okayama, or board a boat through the archipelago from Hiroshima.

Exploring Shikoku

The island’s main city is Matsuyama, home to one of Japan’s finest castles, perched on a hill top with excellent views and a stunning collection of samurai swords and armor.

In Dogo Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest spa towns, the beautiful public baths date back to 1894, while for many visitors the highlight is the attractive garden of Ritsurin-koen in Takamatsu, where the ponds, teahouses and bridges took more than a century to complete.

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who's been there

Audley Travel specialist Rebecca

Start planning your tailor-made trip to Shikoku by contacting one of our Japan specialists

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Places to visit in Shikoku

Featuring heavily on our experiences of visiting Shikoku, these selected places are destinations that also prove consistently popular with our travelers. Our specialists can help you choose how to include them in your wider trip, based on your preferences.

Suggested Shikoku itinerary

This sample itinerary will give you an idea of what is possible when you travel in Shikoku, and showcases routes we know work particularly well. Treat this as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.

Map of Shikoku

Places & hotels on the map

    Places in and around Shikoku

    Photos of Shikoku

    • Iya Valley, Japan
      Iya Valley, Japan
    • Awa Odori Dancers, Tokushima
      Awa Odori Dancers, Tokushima
    • Kazurabashi Vine Bridge, Iya Valley, Shikoku
      Kazurabashi Vine Bridge, Iya Valley, Shikoku
    • Tanada Rice Terraces, Kamikatsu, Tokushima
      Tanada Rice Terraces, Kamikatsu, Tokushima
    • Iya Valley
      Iya Valley
    • Iya Valley Vine Bridges, Tokushima
      Iya Valley Vine Bridges, Tokushima
    • Iya Valley Vine Bridges, Tokushima
      Iya Valley Vine Bridges, Tokushima
    • Iya Valley Vine Bridges, Tokushima
      Iya Valley Vine Bridges, Tokushima

    Accommodation choices for Shikoku

    We’ve selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Shikoku. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.

    • Room 505 : Western style with outstanding views

      Iya Valley Onsen hotel

      First Class

      The Iya Valley Onsen hotel has only 21 rooms all in the Japanese style. It is one of the best in the area and offers excellent hot spring bathing coupled with good hearty food.

    • Benesse House Hotel and Museum

      Benesse House (Park Building)

      First Class

      This unique property is a synthesis of hotel and museum, surrounded by fanastic works of contemporary art in a beautiful and remote setting.

    • Tokubetsu room, Tsubaki Kan

      The Dogo Tsubaki Kan

      First Class

      The Dogo Tsubaki Kan Spa resort is one of the oldest and most celebrated of Japan's many hot spring areas. Here you will be able to experience and enjoy kaiseki dining, traditional breakfasts and the hotels various hot spring baths.

    • Clement Hotel, Tokushima

      Clement Hotel Tokushima

      Medium

      The Clement Hotel features spacious rooms, excellent service and its sky bar on the top floor offers some excellent views of Tokushima and Mount Bizen.