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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 armour.
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 on 01993 838 210
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 travellers. 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 55 miles away
- Hiroshima 77 miles away
- Miyajima Island 80 miles away
- Matsue 121 miles away
- Mount Koya 122 miles away
- Beppu 124 miles away
- Tottori 127 miles away
- Yufuin 130 miles away
- Osaka 130 miles away
- Nara 144 miles away
- Kurokawa 147 miles away
- Kinosaki Onsen 148 miles away
- Kyushu 154 miles away
- Kyoto 154 miles away
- Aso 157 miles away
- Kumamoto 177 miles away
- Fukuoka 182 miles away
- Kirishima National Park 202 miles away
- Nagasaki 224 miles away
- Kagoshima 230 miles away
- Shirakawago 258 miles away
- Kanazawa 262 miles away
- Tsumago 263 miles away
- Takayama 267 miles away
- Kamikochi 292 miles away
- Tateyama 293 miles away
- Yakushima 298 miles away
Photos of Shikoku
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![Iya Valley, Japan]( "Iya Valley, Japan")
Iya Valley, Japan -
![Iya Valley Vine Bridges, Tokushima]( "Iya Valley Vine Bridges, Tokushima")
Iya Valley Vine Bridges, Tokushima -
![Art at Benesse House on Naoshima Island]( "Art at Benesse House on Naoshima Island")
Art at Benesse House on Naoshima Island -
![Kazurabashi Vine Bridge, Iya Valley, Shikoku]( "Kazurabashi Vine Bridge, Iya Valley, Shikoku")
Kazurabashi Vine Bridge, Iya Valley, Shikoku -
![Awa Odori Dancers, Tokushima]( "Awa Odori Dancers, Tokushima")
Awa Odori Dancers, Tokushima -
![Naoshima Island Countryside]( "Naoshima Island Countryside")
Naoshima Island Countryside -
![Iya Valley]( "Iya Valley")
Iya Valley -
![Tanada Rice Terraces, Kamikatsu, Tokushima]( "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.