Visit Shikoku, Japan
Jump to:
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.
who's been there
Start planning your tailor-made trip to Shikoku by calling one of our Japan specialists at 617-223-4705
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.
Japan's hidden island: Temples & festivals in Shikoku
Travel to Shikoku, Japan's smallest and least-visited island. Combine vibrant city life with rural, off the beaten track wilderness and adventure. This trip is ideal for a second time visit to Japan or for those wanting to escape the urban sprawl of the mainland. Starting in the east, Shikoku is accessed by road over the world's longest suspension bridge and you take in the towns of Takamatsu and Tokushima before visiting the quiet Iya Valley and finishing in the hot spring town of Matsuyama. This is a short but concentrated introduction to the Island.
Map of Shikoku
Places & hotels on the map
Places in and around Shikoku
- Iya Valley Shikoku
- Matsuyama Shikoku
- Naoshima Shikoku
- Takamatsu Shikoku
- Tokushima Shikoku
- Kurashiki 89 kilometers away
- Hiroshima 123 kilometers away
- Miyajima Island 128 kilometers away
- Matsue 195 kilometers away
- Mount Koya 196 kilometers away
- Beppu 199 kilometers away
- Tottori 203 kilometers away
- Yufuin 209 kilometers away
- Osaka 209 kilometers away
- Nara 231 kilometers away
- Kurokawa 236 kilometers away
- Kinosaki Onsen 238 kilometers away
- Kyushu 247 kilometers away
- Kyoto 247 kilometers away
- Aso 252 kilometers away
- Kumamoto 285 kilometers away
- Fukuoka 292 kilometers away
- Kirishima National Park 324 kilometers away
- Nagasaki 360 kilometers away
- Kagoshima 370 kilometers away
- Shirakawago 414 kilometers away
- Kanazawa 421 kilometers away
- Tsumago 422 kilometers away
- Takayama 429 kilometers away
- Kamikochi 470 kilometers away
- Tateyama 471 kilometers away
- Yakushima 479 kilometers away
Photos of Shikoku
-
![Iya Valley, Japan]()
Iya Valley, Japan -
![Iya Valley Vine Bridges, Tokushima]()
Iya Valley Vine Bridges, Tokushima -
![Naoshima, Naoshima]()
Naoshima, Naoshima -
![Kazurabashi Vine Bridge, Iya Valley, Shikoku]()
Kazurabashi Vine Bridge, Iya Valley, Shikoku -
![Awa Odori Dancers, Tokushima]()
Awa Odori Dancers, Tokushima -
![Naoshima, Naoshima]()
Naoshima, Naoshima -
![Iya Valley]()
Iya Valley -
![Tanada Rice Terraces, Kamikatsu, Tokushima]()
Tanada Rice Terraces, Kamikatsu, 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.
Iya Valley Onsen hotel
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 (Park Building)
This unique property is a synthesis of hotel and museum, surrounded by fanastic works of contemporary art in a beautiful and remote setting.
The Dogo Tsubaki Kan
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
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.