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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 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.
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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 itinerary featuring Shikoku
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.
Places in and around Shikoku
- Iya Valley Shikoku
- Matsuyama Shikoku
- Naoshima Shikoku
- Takamatsu Shikoku
- Tokushima Shikoku
- Kurashiki 95 kilometers away
- Hiroshima 123 kilometers away
- Miyajima Island 128 kilometers away
- Matsue 195 kilometers away
- Mount Koya 196 kilometers away
- Beppu 201 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 374 kilometers away
- Shirakawago 414 kilometers away
- Kanazawa 421 kilometers away
- Tsumago 422 kilometers away
- Takayama 429 kilometers away
- Kamikochi 470 kilometers away
- Tateyama 472 kilometers away
- Yakushima 479 kilometers away
Photos of Shikoku
Our expert guides to exploring Shikoku
Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Shikoku, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Shikoku at its best.
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Japan’s seasons: cherry blossom and beyond Japan’s seasons: cherry blossom and beyond
Japan’s seasons: cherry blossom and beyond
Each Japanese season brings a raft of distinct experiences, from spring’s cherry blossom to winter’s snow crab delicacies. Japan specialist Laura shares the highlights of each time of year to help you decide when to visit Japan.
Read this guide
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.
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Benesse House
Naoshima -
Iya Valley Onsen hotel
Iya Valley -
Clement Hotel Tokushima
Tokushima -
The Dogo Tsubaki Kan
Matsuyama