Complete Information For Visiting Shikoku, Japan

Get able to uncover the Iya Valley, attempt your hand at conventional crafts, and enterprise to superior locations like Naoshima Island, hammering your individual Japanese knife, and residing in an genuine farmhouse as a part of our complete Shikoku information that covers all the greatest issues it’s best to do while you go.

Regardless of being the smallest of Japan’s 4 predominant islands, it’s filled with superior out of doors adventures, quaint cities, and a wealthy cultural heritage that you could possibly lose your self in for weeks on finish.

We first traveled to Shikoku, on a 12-day street journey and we have now to say that this was one of the stunning and enjoyable instances we’ve had discovering a model new area of Japan. There was a way of this was a particular place as a result of we hardly ever encountered different overseas vacationers which is close to not possible on the Golden Route today.

Final Information For Visiting Shikoku

Prepare to find a few of Japan’s off-the-beaten-track points of interest and most secretive nature spots on the island of Shikoku.

Let’s dive proper in and discover out what makes Shikoku so distinctive!

The place Is The Shikoku Area

Shikoku is Japan at a slower, extra soulful tempo—suppose coastal drives, misty mountains, and temple cities the place time feels deliberately unhurried.

As a traveler, it’s the form of place that rewards curiosity with quiet wow moments, from the legendary 88-temple pilgrimage to hidden onsens and native meals scenes that also really feel splendidly undiscovered.

1. Hokkaido presents wide-open wilderness and winter sports activities.
2. Tohoku is known for its onsen cities like Ginzan and Nyuto.
3. Chubu holds the Japanese Alps and Nagoya.
4. Kanto is residence to Tokyo and Yokohama.
5. Kansai is known for Kyoto, Osaka and Nara.
6. Chugoku consists of Hiroshima and Okayama.
7. Shikoku (this information) is thought for its island pilgrimages.
8. Kyushu blends volcanic landscapes with scorching springs.

The area’s title shi (4) and koku (area) alludes to its 4 prefectures:

1. Ehime
2. Kagawa
3. Kochi
4. Tokushima

That can assist you plan your itinerary, we’ve separated our high issues to do in Shikoku, damaged down by every of the 4 prefectures. We additionally make suggestions for actions it’s best to take into account reserving forward of time and packing suggestions.

Why Shikoku Is Value Visiting

Shikoku hasn’t made it onto the vacationer path like different areas of Japan, which was what first drew us to it. We needed to discover someplace new the place few vacationers had been, and we acquired what we bargained for!

We had a chance to visit Shikoku for 12 days however even that journey confirmed us that we had simply scratched the floor.

Excited about our journey, the rationale why I and plenty of others love Shikoku is due to the next:

1. It’s off-the-beaten-track which implies that you’re not coping with the sorts of crowds you see in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka today. Belief us, it’s good to have the ability to get pleasure from Japan while not having to hurry to locations early within the morning or be caught shoulder-to-shoulder with others.
2. The two predominant methods to discover the island are by strolling the Shikoku Pilgrimage or by driving a rental automotive and each are a pleasure to do and in addition very totally different. From a driving perspective that we had expertise with, it was comparatively straightforward to do and extremely scenic. After all, there have been some difficult moments too with the snake-like roads of the valleys.
3. Shikoku is solely distinctive in so some ways. You might in all probability say this about every region we’ve covered however I’ve actually by no means felt so joyfully shocked with the whole lot we did and noticed. Off the highest of my head I’m eager about the knife-making, the artwork on Naoshima Island, legendary yokai, scarecrow village, farm keep alternatives, and a lot extra.
4. The’s a rawness to the character right here and it is perhaps as a result of the panorama is so totally different from in every single place else we’ve been. From the gorges, valleys, mountains, and shoreline, the whole lot again to how genuine this a part of Japan is.

Notable Motels In Shikoku

After 12 days in Shikoku, we put collectively an inventory of the most effective accommodations on the island. From onsen accommodations tucked away within the mountains to trendy metropolis accommodations, right here they’re:

• My Lodge: This rustic and quaint lodge on Naoshima comes with sea views and a distinctly eco really feel to it. It’s the proper place to discover Japan’s artwork island from.
• Daiwa Roynet Hotel: this lodge in Tokushima is correct by the station, so it’s excellent if you happen to’re arriving to Shikoku by practice from Honshu. It’s trendy and spacious, plus there’s a helpful 7-Eleven downstairs. 
• Kouya Farmstay: A once-in-a-lifetime and genuine expertise staying in a standard farm home the place you’ll be capable to spend time with its house owners, discover ways to make udon, get up to extremely Iya Valley views, and native meals.
• Hotel Iyaonsen: This cute lodge within the countryside was one in all our private favorites, primarily as a result of there’s an onsen within the lodge. Set amidst the Iya Valley, it’s surrounded by lush greenery and straddles the Iya River.
• Hotel Sunriver Shimanto: This business-style lodge is on a plaza in Shimanto. We picked it as a result of it’s in a helpful location, close to a lot of outlets and eating places.
• Comfort Hotel Kochi: Should you’re searching for one thing trendy with a little bit of character, this lodge is a unbelievable midrange possibility. There’s additionally an important breakfast included. It’s price noting that they don’t have an enormous car parking zone, and it might replenish. 

Prime Issues To See In Shikoku

Every of Shikoku’s 4 prefectures has one thing distinctive to supply, so if you happen to can go to at the very least one attraction in every, you’ll get a very good sense of what the island is like. From cable vehicles over deep gorges to historic castles, you’re in for an actual journey!

Ehime Prefecture

Ehime doesn’t make it onto many vacationers’ itineraries, however there are some cool cultural heritage websites which can be price making the time to see. For instance, Matsuyama Fort is likely one of the few authentic castles left in Japan, and the city of Uchiko is stuffed with historical past.

It additionally wouldn’t be proper to go to Shikoku with out stopping for a soak at Dogo Onsen, one in all Japan’s oldest scorching springs! 

Cycle the Shimanami Kaido route

The entire 70-kilometer biking route spans throughout six of Japan’s islands, and is likely one of the coolest methods to see Japan. Should you’re not an avid athlete, you’ll be glad to listen to that you could simply cycle the Shikoku stretch of the route.

It’s a particular portion of the path because it ends proper right here in Ehime prefecture, within the metropolis of Imabari. One of many highlights of the Shimanami Kaido route is the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, an extended triple suspension bridge that connects mainland Honshu to Shikoku. 

The bridge is a whopping 4,015 meters lengthy, which isn’t any small feat! As you pedal over the bridge you’ll be spoiled with views over the Seto Inland Sea and vistas of the small islands which can be sprinkled alongside the strait. 

Go to Matsuyama Fort

What makes Matsuyama Castle so particular is that it’s one in all solely twelve Japanese castles that survived the post-feudal period. You’ll discover the fort on the high of a steep hill within the heart of Matsuyama. It’s a climb to get to the highest, however it’s price it for the views over town and the Seto Inland Sea. 

Don’t fear in case your legs aren’t up for the climb, there’s a chairlift that takes you to the highest of Mount Katsuyama.

Constructed between 1602 and 1628, the fort is wealthy in cultural heritage and filled with years of historical past.

It’s additionally price visiting the Ninomaru Garden while you’re there which is on the foot of the fort hill. There’s an space with a lot of citrus bushes and flower beds, in addition to a piece with little ponds and water options.

Within the backyard you’ll additionally discover the ruins of an previous nicely that had been found throughout an excavation and have been left uncovered for guests to see.

Should you’re fortunate sufficient to go to in the course of the Sakura season (from late March to early April) then be sure you put aside a while to stroll across the fort grounds, which will probably be alive with the pink petals of 200 cherry blossom bushes.  

Loosen up at Dogo Onsen

What may very well be higher than soaking in a Japanese scorching spring after an extended day of sightseeing? Particularly once we’re speaking about one of many oldest and most well-known scorching springs within the nation. 

The public bathhouse dates again to 1894. The unique wood construction remains to be standing, and the within is a maze of stairways, passages, and rooms bustling with bathers. It in the identical type as the encircling neighbourhood, which is dotted with quaint historic ryokans. 

That is understandably very well-known so book your tickets ahead so that you don’t miss out. It’s a in style bathhouse, which is even frequented by the Imperial household!

Step into the previous in Uchiko

Uchiko isn’t too removed from Matsuyama, although the charming rural setting seems like a unique world solely. The city was once well-known for its wax and paper manufacturing, which is finished utilizing conventional strategies which were practiced for generations. 

Right here you possibly can study extra concerning the age-old wax trade and the Kamihaga Residence, which is the former central residence of wax producers. 

You possibly can nonetheless get a way for a way the city was in instances passed by with a stroll across the Yokaichi Outdated City, the place the most well-preserved homes are. It has hardly modified within the final 100 years. 

One other web site price visiting is the Uchiko-za Theater, an old school kabuki theatre with epic options like lure doorways, hidden entrances, and a rotating stage. 

Kagawa Prefecture

We had been shocked by how a lot there may be to do in Kagawa, particularly as a result of we hadn’t heard a lot about it earlier than planning our 12 day road trip through Shikoku.

One of many highlights was seeing Yayoi Kusama’s iconic pumpkin sculpture on Naoshima island, and being suspended within the air over the Kankakei Gorge on the Kankakei Ropeway. Kagawa presents an important stability of nature and tradition that left us wanting extra!

Go to Naoshima, Japan’s well-known Artwork Island

The Kagawa prefecture stretches past mainland Shikoku to a couple little islands simply offshore. Probably the most well-known is Naoshima, nicknamed Japan’s artwork island. This little island within the Seto Inland Sea packs an spectacular variety of artwork museums and is dotted with quirky artwork installations and weird structure. 

One museum price testing is the Chichu Art Museum, loads of which is definitely underground however is cleverly designed to permit mild in all through the day. You also needs to head to the well-known Benesse Art Site and the Art House Project. 

Our favorite artwork set up on Naoshima is Yayoi Kusama’s iconic pumpkin sculpture displayed at Benesse Artwork Website. Her work is fascinating, and seeing the brilliant yellow polka dot pumpkin up shut was an unforgettable second. 

Stroll by way of Ritsuri Backyard

Japan is a haven of cute gardens, and Ritsurin Koen isn’t any exception. Nestled amongst the streets of Takamatsu Metropolis, it dates way back to the Edo Interval. 

What we love about Japanese gardens is that they transcend raised beds full of flowers and replicate a complete panorama. As you stroll round Ritsuri Garden you’ll wander up and down rolling hills, previous big ponds, and thru stretches of forest. 

The backyard is split in two, one half is a Japanese-style backyard and the opposite is a Western-style backyard. It was attention-grabbing to see the totally different kinds so shut collectively, particularly with the epic views of Mt. Shiun within the background.

Soak within the views on the Takaya Shrine

Located on the high of Mt Inazumiyama, Takaya Shrine is known for its large torii gate. It’s been nicknamed the ‘torii within the sky’, and as quickly as you arrive you’ll see why. The torii gate is positioned on the fringe of a pointy drop, with views over Kanonjin and the Seto Inland Sea within the distance.

It actually seems prefer it’s floating in skinny air, and it’s an important spot to snap some journey pictures! The quaint wood shrine can also be price testing, though the torii gate is the star of the present.

Due to how difficult public transport could be, we’d typically recommend driving to Takaya Shrine. However, if you happen to aren’t driving otherwise you’re visiting on the weekend, then you definately’ll have to catch the bus from Kotohiki Park to the highest automotive park. From there, it’s a brief however steep 3-minute climb to the shrine. 

Spend a day strolling by way of Sanuki Manno Park

Sanuki Manno Park is Shikoku’s largest state-run park. It’s large enough to fill a morning or afternoon, particularly if you happen to convey a picnic alongside. We had been there in the summertime when a lot of shiny flowers, like sunflowers and hydrangeas, had been in bloom. 

We have now to confess we had been slightly unhappy to not see it within the fall, when all of the leaves on the kochia bushes flip deep hues of crimson and burnt orange. 

Not a fan of strolling? Then hire a motorbike and cycle by way of the park as a substitute! One cool factor concerning the park is that it’s surrounded by mountain views, so you’re feeling such as you’re utterly out of town.

Experience the Kankakei Ropeway

Within the coronary heart of Shodoshima Island you’ll discover the superior Kankakei Gorge. Operating the size of it’s the Kankakei Ropeway, a dizzying experience that traverses the deep drop and is lined by jagged rocks and forest in all instructions.

We opted to experience the ropeway as a result of we had been a bit pressed for time, but when we went once more, we’d additionally hike one of many trails that weave by way of the gorge. There’s the western path, which is about 2 kilometers lengthy and takes round 45 minutes to hike, and the japanese path, which is 3 kilometers lengthy. 

Go to Kotohira’s Shrine

We arrived in Kotohira on the ninth day of our 12-day Shikoku road trip. We’d heard there was an historic shrine on the high of one of many hills straddling town, so we headed there first. 

There’s just one technique to attain it. You’ll should climb the 785 steps that result in the shrine’s predominant corridor. Fortunately, the steps aren’t very steep. Alongside the way in which the trail is flanked with udon eating places, teahouses, and memento outlets. 

You formally step into the shrine grounds from step 365. It’s round there that you just’ll discover the stables that home the particular shinme white horses.

On the high of the steps you’ll discover Kotohira Shrine’s predominant corridor. It’s the pinnacle of quite a few Kompira shrines which can be unfold over Japan and devoted to the secure return of sailors. 

Kochi Prefecture

Every of Shikoku’s prefectures is price a go to, however Kochi was excessive up on our listing after our 12-day Shikoku road trip. You get a little bit of the whole lot in Kochi, from meals markets to beautiful valleys with pristine rivers working by way of them.

Replenish at Hirome Market

Japanese meals is fairly excessive up on our listing of high cuisines, so at any time when we go to, we attempt to squeeze in as many markets as humanly doable. The market has a huge meals corridor, which is filled with choices.

One thing we suggest that you just attempt is the katsuo no tataki, or fire-seared bonito.  It is a specialty of the area. Not solely can you will have it on the market but additionally in most eating places within the prefecture.

The market is simply a brief stroll from Kochi Fort, so you possibly can mix the 2 in a morning or afternoon. 

Make your very personal kitchen knife within the Kochi mountains

Probably the most memorable issues we did on our 12-Day Shikoku road trip was make our personal kitchen knives. It wasn’t part of our authentic itinerary, however when the opportunity to make a knife with a master blacksmith popped up on Viator we knew it wasn’t an expertise we might cross up. 

The workshop is run by Nobuya-san who makes use of historic forging methods courting again 1,500 years. He takes creates distinctive items, taking inspiration from the encircling countryside and panorama. 

Alongside his apprentice Jesse they took us by way of the step-by-step course of. It wasn’t straightforward work molding a uncooked piece of Blue Paper metal right into a kitchen knife, however we left with one-off items that we get to make use of at residence.

FUN FACT: Jesse along with his spouse Maigo are additionally YouTubers. Head over to their channel, maigomika, to see how they’ve constructed their life in Shimanto.

Out of the whole lot we lined in our YouTube video of our trip, it’s this knife-making class that has grabbed essentially the most consideration. Jesse caught up with me lately and instructed me at the very least half of the those who come by way of now reference our video!

Take a look at Kochi Fort

Kochi Fort must be excessive in your Shikoku must-sees. It’s the solely fort in Japan whose predominant hold and tower are authentic, courting again to the seventeenth century. 

You enter the fort by way of the spectacular Otemon Gate, after which comply with the protecting outer stone partitions to the principle hold (honmaru). From there, you possibly can comply with the path as much as the immense five-story tower (tenshu). 

Should you’re a fort fanatic and also you’re ticking off Japan’s 100 Well-known Castles, you will get your stamp on the Kochi Fort tower counter.

Go to Chikurinji Temple, one of many Shikoku 88 Temples

Chikurinji is temple quantity 31 on the Shikoku 88 Temples pilgrimage. Surrounded by Japanese maple bushes and greenery, the temple feels tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Kochi metropolis. 

Relationship again to the eighth century, essentially the most spectacular a part of the temple advanced is the 5-story burgundy pagoda. From the pagoda there are gorgeous views over the encircling mountains, so be certain your digital camera is on the prepared!

Should you’re a fan of historical past and faith, then you definately also needs to try the scrolls and Buddhist statues within the treasure corridor. 

Go canyoning within the Nakatsu Gorge

Within the coronary heart of Shikoku you’ll discover the jaw-dropping Nakatsu Gorge. It undoubtedly made it into our high three on our 12-Day Shikoku road trip. An epic river runs by way of the moss-covered valley, and from the minute we noticed the crystal clear water, we knew that we needed to go canyoning! 

We placed on our wetsuits and jumped straight in. We determined to ebook with Niyodo Adventure, and we’re glad we did. Leaping off the epic boulders into the freezing chilly water beneath was a shock to the system – we put our limits to the take a look at and it was price it.

Go to the epic Katsurahama Seashore

Admittedly, that is extra of a summer season exercise, so that you may resolve to skip it if you happen to’re in Shikoku within the winter. Even so, Katsurahama Beach is so beautiful that we couldn’t skip it. It’s straightforward to get to in addition to it’s simply half-hour away from Kochi metropolis. 

The seaside is crescent-shaped and lined with bushes and rocks that stretch out into the ocean. It’s tempting to go in for a dip the minute you get there, however sadly, the currents are actually robust, so swimming is out of the query. Nonetheless, it’s a beautiful spot for a day stroll. 

You also needs to go to the statue of Sakamoto Ryoma while you’re there, he’s thought-about one of many architects of recent Japan, so he’s a reasonably outstanding determine. 

Tokushima Prefecture

Tokushima Prefecture is related to mainland Honshu by the Onaruto Bridge, which makes it straightforward to increase your Japan go to and embrace Shikoku as an add-on street journey! It’s well-known for its gorgeous Iya Valley, conventional Awa Odori dance competition, and epic Naruto Whirlpools. 

You’ll doubtless spend a big chunk of your time on Shikoku Island within the Tokushima prefecture, as there’s masses to do, so be sure you issue that in while you’re planning your itinerary. 

Experience the Bizan Ropeway to the highest of Mt. Bizan

Catching the ropeway to the summit of Mt Bizan is a Tokushima traditional that you just shouldn’t skip! The views are charming, particularly as you possibly can see the Yoshino River snaking by way of it from that peak. 

On a transparent day, you possibly can even see Awaji Island and the Kii Peninsula within the distance. When you’re finished soaking within the vistas, try the Burmese pagoda just a few steps away. It was in-built honour of the troopers misplaced in World Struggle 2. 

Simply past the viewing platform there’s a cute park full of cherry blossom bushes. In spring you possibly can see the park in all its glory as a wave of pink petals fills the panorama. 

Catch an Awa Odori present

Tokushima is known for the Awa Odori dance competition, which takes place yearly in mid-August. The competition lasts three days and options dancers in colourful yukata and happi jackets. They parade town streets, dancing to the rhythm of conventional devices. 

However don’t fear if you happen to can’t make it to the precise competition, you will get a style of the ambiance at a efficiency on the Awa Odori Kaikan. Our private spotlight was the interactive a part of the present, the place the viewers will get to face up and study among the dance steps. We had been hopeless, however it was good enjoyable!

One of many quirkiest issues concerning the present was the queuing course of. You possibly can arrive, depart a bag on the ground within the queue, after which get lost and discover the store downstairs. It’s undoubtedly an uncommon means of doing it, however not having to attend in line was nice.

Take a look at which reveals can be found on the Awa Odori Kaikan homepage. 

Enterprise to the Naruto Whirlpools

Because the water strikes between the Seto Inland Sea and the Pacific Ocean with the shifting tides, the epic Naruto Whirlpools are fashioned. The plenty of transferring water dance in giant spirals, which may attain as much as 20 meters in diameter and are fairly distinctive to the Naruto Strait. 

A part of the rationale the whirlpools kind is that the strait is just one.3 km (0.81 miles) huge, which is slender while you think about how a lot water is pushed by way of the strait. One of the simplest ways to stand up shut with the whirlpools is to hop on a sightseeing boat cruise. There are two tour operators, Surprise Naruto and Aqua Eddy. 

The whirlpools are very depending on the tides, so it’s price testing the whirlpool schedules to be sure you don’t hop on a ship on the improper time and miss them utterly. 

Go to the Otsuka Museum of Artwork

Should you’re a tradition fan, you’ll be blown away by the Otsuka Museum of Art. We weren’t certain what to anticipate once we went, and it took us unexpectedly. The museum is huge, and there are such a lot of totally different exhibitions and buildings to discover. 

The museum has a reasonably distinctive idea, basically replicas of Western masterpieces are displayed on huge ceramic boards that enhance the partitions of the museum. There are greater than 1000 replicas, from over 190 museums throughout 25 totally different international locations – how cool is that?

There will probably be items you acknowledge by huge names like Michelangelo, Monet, and Picasso. The good exhibition area of all of them is the Sistine Chapel. It felt like we’d stepped right into a sacred web site, not a museum room. 

Stroll alongside the Uzo-no-Michi Walkway

Should you’ve determined to go on a cruise to see the Naruto Whirlpools you may not want so as to add this to your itinerary, however it’s a cool various. The Uzo-no-Michi Walkway is a pedestrian extension of the 876-meter-long Onaruto Bridge, which connects Shikoku to Honshu. 

The walkway is 450 meters lengthy, and alongside the way in which there are glass home windows on the ground so you possibly can peer down on the Naruto Whirlpools beneath.  Ensure you nonetheless bear in mind to time your go to with the tide! 

Feast at a neighborhood izakaya

Strive some native classics just like the mouth-watering yakitori platter, which is a different plate of grilled seafood, and lotus root, which has a crisp texture and barely candy style.

Different dishes it’s best to attempt earlier than you permit are Tokushima ramen, which is topped with a uncooked egg (it’s tastier than it sounds), and Sobamai zosui, which is a type of savory buckwheat porridge topped with veggies and seafood. They’re regional delights that you just gained’t discover in Shikoku’s different prefectures. 

On our 12-Day Shikoku road trip we stopped to eat at Domannaka, a neighborhood izakaya in Tokushima. We ate the yakitori platter, seared bonito, and lotus root. Every little thing is made with locally-sourced elements.

Tackle the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage

Hoping to do one thing utterly out of the odd and depart Shikoku with a once-in-a-lifetime journey underneath your belt? Then try the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage. The path is a whopping 1,200 kilometers lengthy and joins up 88 Buddhist temples alongside the way in which. 

Strolling the entire path takes greater than a month, so that you’d should issue a stable lengthy journey to do it. You’ll comply with within the footsteps of the Buddhist priest Kukai, who’s believed to have educated and hung out in any respect 88 temples within the ninth century. 

We didn’t have time (or the fitting tools) to hike the path once we had been in Shikoku, however we did drive a stretch of the path that’s within the Tokushima prefecture. We stopped at just a few sacred websites like Shosanji Temple and Jizoji Temple. 

In actual fact, 23 of the 88 temples are within the Tokushima prefecture, so you could possibly at all times minimize down on kilometers and simply do this stretch of the path. 

Stroll over the vine bridges in Iya Valley

The gorgeous emerald Iya Valley is a part of the bigger Tsurugisan Quasi-Nationwide Park. The valley has a mixture of nature and quaint rural cities, so whether or not you’re an out of doors fanatic or a tradition geek – you’ll adore it!

What drew us right here had been the legendary Double Vine Bridges. There have been as soon as 13 within the area, however solely 3 are nonetheless standing. Fabricated from planks of wooden held collectively by twisted vine, the gaps alongside the bridges are big. Get able to faucet into your adventurous facet and take a look at your vertigo on the Oku-Iya Double Vine Bridges. 

It seems that the bridges are related to the Heike Clan that took refuge within the valley. They constructed the bridges as a technique to journey by way of the valley, however the intelligent factor is that they had been additionally straightforward to chop down if the clan was invaded.  

Whilst you’re in Iya Valley, you 100% have to be sure you keep 1-2 nights in a standard farm keep. We had the chance to remain at Kouya Farmstay the place had conventional slow-cooked meals cooked over their iori flooring fireplace, discovered make udon, and loved epic views of the valley.

Take a look at the charming Nagoro ‘Scarecrow’ Village within the Iya Valley

You’re unlikely to return throughout anyplace just like the Nagoro Scarecrow Village once more. The city’s residents are outnumbered by the life-sized scarecrows 10 to 1! As you stroll across the village you’ll spot scarecrows in every single place, like sitting on the bus cease and outdoors outlets. 

The craze was began by Tsukimi Ayano, a neighborhood who constructed a scarecrow that seemed like her father and positioned it on their household farm. From there, the custom grew in an exquisite technique to hold the village’s spirit alive. 

Strive your hand at a standard craft

Shikoku is known for indigo-dying, often called aizome. The trade thrived for hundreds of years, and it was particularly outstanding within the Udatsu Townscape. We had been curious what all of the fuss was about, so we hit the Yamauchi Studio and made our personal hand-dyed baggage! 

It was superior studying crafting strategies which were round for generations, and the tie-dye souvenirs we got here out with are nonetheless one in all our favorite journey relics. 

Actions To E book In Advance

Excursions are an effective way to squeeze a lot of points of interest right into a single day and can prevent the difficulty of getting to determine the logistics. Listed here are among the coolest excursions within the space that it’s best to undoubtedly try. 

• Day tour to Shikoku from Osaka – Should you’re on mainland Honshu and also you wish to go to Shikoku however you don’t have a lot time to increase your itinerary, then this one-day tour from Osaka is an efficient technique to see among the highlights on a whistle-stop tour. The perfect time of yr to ebook this tour is in the course of the Awa Odori Pageant, so you possibly can go and catch among the conventional dance reveals. 
• Make your own knife with a master blacksmith using traditional methods. We stopped at a knife making workshop close to the Shimanto River within the Kochi mountains. The proprietor, Nobuya-san, makes use of methods that date again 1,500 years. We spent the afternoon hammering, sanding, and grinding down metal till we had a standard Japanese knife to remove with us. 
• Join this cool Kochi Castle and Hirome Market tour – This half-day tour is the proper technique to discover Kochi. Most often, you in all probability don’t want a neighborhood information while you’re exploring a brand new metropolis, however having somebody there to information you to the greatest market stalls at Hirome Market and to fill you in on the historical past of Kochi Fort is a giant win. 
• Tap into your adventurous side on this Shimanto river rafting tour – Get picked up in Shimanto and head out on a half-day river rafting journey. Get your nature and adrenaline repair in a single!
• Squeeze the highlights into this epic Takamatsu half-day tour – We’ve already talked about the cute Ritsurin Backyard, however there are many different issues to see in Takamatsu that we haven’t put into this information, such because the Sanuki Mingeikan museum and metropolis fort.  
• Delve into your artsy side on this Naoshima private day tour – Japan’s artwork island is filled with hidden sculptures and unlikely museums that you just’d by no means discover by yourself. Having a tour information will certainly be useful!

Go Deeper In Shikoku

• Learn our epic 12-Day Shikoku itinerary. This big information will probably be your Shikoku bible, the place you possibly can comply with in our footsteps and browse all about our favourite locations on Shikoku. We’ve additionally crammed the article with high suggestions for every attraction and designed it as a day-by-day schedule so you possibly can depart the planning to us and skip forward to the enjoyable half!
• Discover out the whole lot it is advisable know concerning the Sakura season forward of your journey in our Ultimate Guide To Cherry Blossoms In Japan! From recommendations on predict when the cherry bushes will blossom to the symbolic significance of those beautiful bushes, there’s masses in there to get you impressed. Every metropolis in Japan has a barely totally different Sakura season due to how location-sensitive the blossom season is, so be sure you get it excellent with this helpful information. 
• Foodies will love our 9 Tasty Snacks in Japan That Make Great Souvenirs article. As a result of nothing is labeled in English in Japan, determining what’s what is almost not possible, so this helpful information of snacks you should purchase and produce again residence will make it easier to get your bearings.
• Wish to attempt ordering like a neighborhood in your subsequent journey to Japan? Then try our superior Rosetta Stone Japanese information, the place we uncover whether or not the Rosetta Stone App is any good for studying Japanese. Spoiler alert – it’s! 
• Whether or not you’re a beginner backpacker or an previous timer, our The Art Of Trip Planning information is a must-read. It’s particularly helpful while you’re planning a visit to Shikoku, as there isn’t that a lot info obtainable on-line.
• Don’t go to Japan earlier than you’ve checked out our 18 Of The Best Apps For Japan Travel information. It’s filled with helpful apps that can make it easier to overcome language limitations and prevent from getting misplaced. There was once 12 apps on the information, however we’ve lately prolonged it, so don’t miss out on our newest updates.

Normal Journey Ideas For Shikoku

We all know how difficult it may be to take a journey dream and switch it into an precise itinerary. There are limitless sensible particulars to contemplate, and there at all times appears to be one thing you haven’t considered. 

Don’t let the logistics lavatory you down, and save your self time doing analysis by studying our basic journey suggestions beneath. 

When is the most effective time to go to Shikoku:

It’s onerous to say precisely when the fitting time of yr to go to Shikoku is, largely as a result of it depends upon what you’re touring for and the way you’re feeling about huge crowds. There are additionally some huge competition dates it’s best to remember.

You may need already guessed, however the Sakura season is a busy time of yr in Shikoku. From late March to early April the island’s metropolis parks fill with vacationers and locals who’ve come to benefit from the custom of hanami, watching the fleeting great thing about the cherry blossom. The draw back is that accommodations get booked up means prematurely, and costs go up.

One other in style time of yr to return is in the course of the fall season, from October to November. The leaves begin to flip, and a mattress of orange, yellow, and crimson leaves litter the bottom. It’s an additional particular time to go to the Kakakei Gorge! 

With regards to huge festivals, Shikoku celebrates Golden Week on the finish of April and the start of Could. After that, there’s additionally the Obon Vacation in mid-August. We love Japanese festivals and don’t thoughts having to place up with the crowds, however there’s a huge spike in lodge and flight costs round these dates, so it’s not the most effective if you happen to’re touring on a price range.

Should you’re hoping to maintain your journey to a minimal price, then you definately’d be higher coming to Shikoku within the off-peak seasons between November and March or from Could to July. 

What you shouldn’t miss in Shikoku: 

Shikoku has a great deal of nice points of interest for all types of vacationers, so we’re going to interrupt down our favorites into classes that can assist you get your bearings. For historical past and tradition buffs, we suggest hitting cool websites like Matsuyama Castle, the Takaya Shrine, and catching a dance on the Awa Odori Kaikan. 

Quite spend your time along with your mountaineering boots on strolling up a hill? Then head to the Kankakei Gorge, Nakatsu Gorge, and the Oku-Iya Double Vine Bridges within the Iya Valley. These had been a few of our private favorites as a result of we love getting outdoor. You’ll have to hire a automotive, except you’re up for forking out masses of cash to pay for personal excursions.

There are additionally a great deal of cool artwork websites in Shikoku and lovely metropolis parks. Put aside a while to go to Naoshima, Japan’s artwork island, stroll across the Sanuki Manno Park, and go to the gorgeous Ritsurin Garden. 

One factor that each traveler ought to add to their Shikoku itinerary is a day soaking within the historic scorching springs at Dogo Onsen. 

Prime suggestions for touring in Shikoku:

• Hire a automotive and journey Shikoku street journey type – There are different areas of Japan the place you possibly can depend on public transport and use trains to journey between totally different prefectures, however for Shikoku, we actually suggest renting a car. That mentioned, you’ll should be additional cautious while you’re driving within the Iya Valley and Nakatsu Gorge space as a result of the roads are flexible and slender, and loads of the tracks are one-way.
• Obtain a translation app forward of time – As a result of Shikoku is the least traveled space of Japan not lots of the locals converse English. Prepare to spend so much of time typing issues into Google Translate.  
• Keep in mind to cowl up your tattoos at Japanese onsens – The principles on tattoos in Japan are very totally different what you’ll be used to, they usually’re fairly strict. Most onsens gained’t allow you to in if in case you have giant, seen tattoos on present. However fortunately for you, there’s a easy resolution. The Suhada Seal is a sticky, skin-colored patch that you could stick straight over your tattoos to cowl them up. Should you’re going to go to just a few totally different onsen cities and bathhouses, be sure you convey some spares! It’d suck to expire and should miss out. 
• Get an IC journey card – Driving in cities could be a drag, so get this helpful transport card that can be utilized in all of Shikoku’s cities. It should prevent from having to purchase a great deal of totally different tickets. You should use it on buses, trains, and subways. The perfect half? You should use it on Japan’s different islands too!

The way to get round Shikoku:

We don’t usually suggest hiring a automotive if it may be averted, however for Shikoku, it’s undoubtedly one of the simplest ways to get round. Because the area is much less in style than different elements of Japan, there are fewer transport routes. You’d additionally wrestle to get to extra distant locations just like the Iya Valley. 

That mentioned, having an IC Card will certainly be useful while you’re within the area’s greater cities. And there are alternatives just like the JR trains and buses if you happen to can’t drive or don’t wish to spend extra cash on renting a automotive, it should simply restrict the place you possibly can go.

For planning your route or getting from A to B on foot, you should utilize Google Maps, it has dependable transport schedules and up-to-date info on visitors. 

One quirky transport spotlight that we couldn’t pass over is the Botchan train in Matsuyama metropolis. The originals had been from 1888, however they had been lately changed with diesel replicas in 2001 (unhappy, however they’re nonetheless actually cool!). The trains are impressed by Soseki Natsume’s novel Botchan, so that they’re an superior historic sight.

Widespread journey errors:

• Ensure you have money on you always – We’ve gotten fairly used to utilizing our bank cards in every single place we go, however Japan remains to be a really cash-heavy nation. Having greater than you suppose you’ll want is at all times a good suggestion. 
• Don’t neglect to pack some heat layers – Shikoku’s climate could be fairly unpredictable. It goes from being sunny and heat one minute, then the wind picks up and the temperature shortly drops. Ensure you’ve acquired a mid-layer and a few mild waterproofs. 
• Consider having to pay street tolls while you’re budgeting – It’s by no means enjoyable getting an surprising cost on the finish of a visit, particularly as Japan is already pretty costly. We paid ¥9,690 in tolls on our 12-Day Shikoku itinerary.
• Don’t neglect that they drive on the left facet of the street in Japan – That shouldn’t maintain you again from renting a automotive, you get used to it fairly shortly. However it’s price contemplating if you happen to’re a nervous driver. 

What To Pack For Shikoku

This helpful packing information has the whole lot you want for a visit to Shikoku. What are you ready for? Get packing!

• Comfortable shoes: Your step depend will shortly add up on this journey, particularly while you’re visiting all of the nuclear bomb memorial websites in Hiroshima.  Save your toes from blisters and pack your comfiest trainers and even some light-weight mountaineering boots. 
• Should you’re visiting in the summertime, you may wish to take into account bringing some mountaineering sandals so that you don’t get too scorching. We love Tevas and Keens most of all. 
• Deliver a lightweight waterproof jacket: We suggest bringing a compact jacket that you could roll and pack into your daypack (we love the Shimoda Urban Explore series), particularly if you happen to’re visiting within the autumn, as October is the rainiest month of the yr in Japan.
• All the time hold a mid-layer in your day bag, the temperature fluctuates so much in Shikoku.
• Deliver hand sanitizer: It’s common for there to be no cleaning soap in public and restaurant bogs in Japan.
• Don’t neglect your camera so you possibly can seize all of the superior locations you journey to! You may additionally wish to take into consideration packing different equipment like selfie sticks and digital camera hood lenses.
• Keep in mind to pack a journey adapter: You’ll want a two-pronged Type A for Japan, so examine your plugs to see if it is advisable get an adapter forward of your journey. To be sure you’re lined around the globe, we suggest the Mogics Super Bagel. As a heads up, if you happen to’re from North America, observe that your shops will work in Japan.
• Order some tattoo cover-up patches forward of your journey. You may not be allowed into Japanese onsens in case your tattoos are on present. Suhada Seal’s are fairly good.
• Deliver alongside a fast-drying microfiber towel: There’s nothing worse than having a soaking moist towel getting smelly in your bag, and they’re excellent for a visit to the Dogo Onsen. 
• Get some Japanese Yen prepared earlier than your journey: It’s at all times a good suggestion to pack some money within the native foreign money earlier than your journey, in case you want money to pay in your transport from the airport or you end up in a sticky scenario. 
• Our greatest tip is to easily use the Wise card. It is because most bank cards cost a overseas change payment of two.5% on high of a poor fee to start with. With Smart, you pre-load it with JPY by changing forward of time. This fashion you are able to do the change at a beneficial time and also you get near market charges. It’s the one card we use once we go to Japan now.
• How a lot cash do you want? In our 12-Day Shikoku Itinerary we estimated it prices about $208 per particular person per day to journey in Shikoku.
• Test if you happen to want a Visa forward of your journey! Most international locations don’t want a Visa for a brief vacation in Japan, however be sure you examine the distinctive necessities in your nation so that you don’t run into any surprising issues. You will discover out extra on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan website and fill this out to get your QR codes forward of time.

An Unforgettable Journey To Shikoku Area

After spending nearly two weeks touring Shikoku, we will’t consider that it’s Japan’s least explored area.

There’s a lot to see and do on the island, and because of it being off most vacationers’ radars, you possibly can get pleasure from the most effective of Japan with out the crowds. Should you’ve ever been to Kyoto throughout high-season, you recognize what we’re speaking about.

Ensure you put aside a while to see the island’s coolest cultural sights, like Kochi Fort and Naoshima Island.

We’d suggest renting a car for this journey so you possibly can attain extra distant locations just like the Iya Valley however you’ll additionally have to take the ferries to journey across the islands of the Seto Inland Sea resembling Naoshima and Shodoshima.

Incessantly Requested Questions