Often referred to as ‘Japan’s best kept secret’, Shikoku may be the smallest of the four main islands, but it certainly packs a punch when it comes to natural beauty, traditional culture and spiritual heritage. Only accessible by boat until the mid-1980s, Shikoku remains relatively ‘off-the-beaten-track’ for travellers, exuding the feel of a place that’s yet to be discovered. With a welcoming authenticity, slower pace of life and wonderful timelessness set against a backdrop of towering, misty mountains, swathes of lush forest and picturesque coastline, it’s no wonder it has a taste of the mysterious about it!
 

Art, Culture & Spirituality

Shikoku is home to some of Japan’s most vibrant culture and deeply seated traditions, something that is most easily experienced during the Awa Odori festival held annually in mid-August. A celebration of Japan’s ‘day of the dead’, in the city of Tokushima, the streets are taken over by dancers swirling through traditional dances. You can get a taste of the festivities when visiting Tokushima with a stop at Awa Odori Kaikan where you can learn dances and watch performances year-round.

Another unmissable attraction is Kawaga’s art islands, which includes Naoshima, which are internationally renowned for their contemporary art museums and installations. Featuring works from Andy Warhol, David Hockney, Jasper Johns, Monet, Tadao Ando and Yayoi Kusama, all with a backdrop of the sparkling waters of the Seto Inland Sea, there is no more tranquil and unhurried way to experience art. Look out for Yayoi Kusama’s iconic pumpkins as you wander.  

Shikoku is traversed by the 750-mile Shikoku Henro, a pilgrimage route of 88 sacred temples. Walked by Buddhists in search of enlightenment for 1200 years, the route is a huge part of the island’s identity and the palpable spirituality that you’ll discover as you explore. As well as these 88 ancient temples, the cities of Matsuyama and Kochi each have magnificent castles. Both are one of Japan’s 12 ‘original’ castles (not dismantled after samurai rule ended in 1868) and each enjoy features that are unique among the 12 castles – Kochi was used as a residence rather than strictly military purposes and Matsuyama retains many of its original wings.   

Spectacular Landscapes

With the towering mounts Ishizuchi and Tsurugi at its centre, rushing rivers, deep gorges, vast expanses of lush forest and a wild and windswept Pacific coastline, Shikoku is arguably Japan’s most picturesque island. Whether you want to hike through them or enjoy them as a magical panorama, on Shikoku you are never far from a breathtaking view.

Shikoku’s climate is ideal for farms and gardens. In fact, it is famed for citrus farms, producing a wide variety of yuzu, pomelo, satsuma, mandarin and sudachi. Fragrant stretches of orchard are a delight to wander – tasting the fruit is also a must, in the right season, you’ll find market stalls groaning under the weight of sweet, sun-ripened fruit. Speaking of delights to wander, Ritsurin Park in Takamatsu is considered one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens. Dating from the mid-1600s and designed as a ‘walking garden’ for a local daimyo, and is a masterpiece of ponds, bridges and manicured pines criss-crossed by serene pathways.

A fascinating combination of nature and historical charm is Dogo Onsen, home to one of Japan’s oldest hot springs, and a 19^th-century bathhouse, which inspired the Studio Ghibli movie Spirited Away, one of the most authentic places to soak in an onsen in all of Japan.