Arguably Japan’s most beautiful island, Shikoku is sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and Seto Inland Sea with Mt. Ishizuchi and Mt. Tsurugi rising in the centre. The three rivers of Shimanto, Niyodo and Yoshino meander through the island, which combined with the mountains and lush forestry, creates a spectacular and unique landscape. 

Why not hike Mount Ishizuchi, the highest peak in Western Japan, cycle the 88 Temples Pilgrimage, gaze upon the Naruto whirlpools, or raft the wild Yoshino River?

A 1,200 year old journey spanning across 88 sacred temples, all four prefectures and 750 miles, the famous pilgrimage will replenish health, enrich social interaction and involve you in Japan’s deep rooted culture. A huge part of Shikoku’s cultural identity, the journey takes you through blissful nature, zen gardens and fantastic Buddhist shrines and temples.

The mountains of Shikoku have acted as natural barriers for centuries, evolving individual cultures to develop mere miles away from each other. From traditional crafts such as indigo dyeing to its thatched traditional houses known as Chiiori, there is an abundance of activities to do and sights to see that will immerse you in this astonishing culture.

The island of Naoshima in the Kagawa prefecture is a testament to the awe-inspiring arts and traditions of Shikoku. Amongst the sandy beaches, Japanese architect Ando Tadao designed a number of ‘Benesse museums’ that feature collections of contemporary Japanese art and sculptures. To get the full experience, I would recommend a stay at the Benesse House.

Shikoku boasts some of the most impressive and interesting castles in Japan. Kochi Castle and Matsuyama Castle stand out as the most popular and are remaining from the Edo period – these castles give you a glimpse into Japan’s feudal past and stunning vistas.

Nestled within the mountain landscapes, Shikoku’s onsens are some of the most famous and oldest hot springs in the country. The onsens allow visitors to relax in mineral-rich waters while enjoying incredible views and experiencing traditional ryokan hospitality. Dogo Onsen in Matsuyama is the oldest hot spring in Japan, and is definitely worth visiting.

The cuisine of this island captivates every traveller, every meal is built from local produce and the recipes are centuries old. The best-known dish is Sanuki udon from Kagawa, a thick noodle dish in broth. Other regional specialities include Tokushima ramen and katsuo no tataki – both found in Kochi.

Shikoku's vibrant festivals celebrate its rich traditions and are not to be missed. One of the most famous is the 400-year-old Awa Odori Festival, which features energetic dancers celebrating the Japanese summer and attracting thousands of visitors annually. Another major summer festival is the Yosakoi Festival (pictured below) which showcases different teams performing choreographed dances in colourful costumes as part of a lively competition.

Elsewhere in Japan, the ever-popular Setouchi International Art Festival and Osaka Expo will be held in 2025. After each event, Shikoku offers the perfect holiday destination to explore and unwind.

Watch massive, roaring tidal whirlpools churn beneath the Naruto Bridge - a dramatic natural phenomena of Japan.

Thanks to Japan Airlines (JAL) and Japan’s trains, Shikoku is very accessible. From Kyoto and Osaka, it takes two and a half hours by train using the famous Shinkansen connecting with conventional trains. JAL operates 48 flights a day between Tokyo and the four prefectures of Shikoku, with many connecting perfectly with JAL’s twice-daily service between London and Tokyo.

JAL have recently introduced the new A350-1000 aircraft between London and Tokyo with completely new cabin interiors, greatly improved suites, and exciting new seating in all four classes of travel. With market-leading products and services, you can see why JAL has retained its Skytrax five star Airline rating seven years running.

This merely scratches the surface of what there is to do and see in Shikoku. All our itineraries are bespoke, so speak to your Travel Consultants to curate your perfect trip to Japan. For more inspiration take a look at our Japan Holidays pages and the 'Secrets of the Inland' tour, visiting the some of the highlights of Shikoku.