Is Shikoku worth visiting and how do I get around?

Shikoku offers hot springs, castles, gorges, udon and a famous pilgrimage on a quiet island; this guide explains the highlights and how to get around.

Published October 21, 2026 at 6:29 AM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: Yes, Shikoku is worth visiting for travelers who want a quieter side of Japan, with Dogo Onsen in Matsuyama, Kochi Castle, the Iya Valley vine bridges, Takamatsu's gardens and the 88-temple pilgrimage. Trains are limited outside main lines, so many visitors combine them with buses, regional passes or a rental car.

What Shikoku offers

Shikoku is the smallest of Japan's four main islands and has four prefectures: Ehime, Kagawa, Kochi and Tokushima, according to Wikipedia. The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) highlights its Seto Inland Sea coastline, udon noodles, hot springs, a summer dance festival and a pilgrimage route. Most of the population lives in the north, and Matsuyama is the largest city, followed by Takamatsu, Kochi and Tokushima.

For visitors, Shikoku offers a slower and less crowded alternative to Kyoto and Tokyo. It suits travelers who have already seen major cities and want countryside, local food and traditional culture. The trade-off is that transport is less frequent, and sights are spread out. A focused plan with two or three bases works better than trying to cover the whole island. Shikoku also has a gentle rhythm of its own, with seaside towns, citrus orchards in the warm climate and local festivals that follow the seasons.

Highlights by prefecture

In Ehime, Dogo Onsen in Matsuyama is among Japan's oldest hot springs, with a history of over 1,000 years according to Wikipedia. The main bathhouse was built in 1894, appears in the novel Botchan by Natsume Soseki, and is said to be one of the influences on the bathhouse in the film Spirited Away. Matsuyama Castle and the Shimanami Kaido cycling route are also listed by JNTO.

In Kagawa, Takamatsu is known for its large traditional garden, Ritsurin, and for Sanuki udon, and JNTO lists the Setouchi islands for art. In Kochi, Kochi Castle is described as one of only 12 Japanese castles with an original keep, and the region is known for seared bonito. In Tokushima, the Iya Valley has famous vine bridges, and the Awa Odori dance festival happens in August.

The Iya Valley and the pilgrimage

The Iya Valley in Tokushima is remote and rugged. Wikipedia describes the vine bridges, called kazura-bashi, as made of hardy kiwi vines, with three remaining of an original thirteen. The best-known bridge in Nishi-Iya is about 45 meters long, reinforced with steel cables, and its vines are replaced every three years. Nishi-Iya has better road access, while Higashi-Iya has fewer routes.

The Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, established by the monk Kukai, starts at temple number one, Ryozenji in Tokushima, according to JNTO and Wikipedia. Many modern pilgrims use cars, taxis, buses or bicycles, and travelers may visit a few temples without completing the whole route. Dress respectfully, be quiet at temple halls, and follow local customs. Wikipedia describes the standard walking course as about 1,200 kilometers and says it takes roughly 30 to 60 days, so check route details if you want to attempt part of it.

How to get to Shikoku

Shikoku connects with Honshu by three bridge routes: the Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Expressway in the east, the Seto-Ohashi route in the center and the Nishiseto Expressway (Shimanami Kaido) in the west, according to Wikipedia. The Great Seto Bridge has linked the central part of Shikoku to Honshu since 1988, and trains from Okayama cross it to Takamatsu. There are also airports and ferries; check the operators for schedules.

Many visitors arrive by train via Okayama or by plane to Matsuyama or Takamatsu. If you are traveling from Osaka, buses can cross the bridges to Tokushima or Takamatsu. Check current services, because routes and frequencies change. Consider where you will end the trip, since returning from a different city may require a longer ride.

Getting around Shikoku

JR Shikoku operates main lines such as the Yosan, Kotoku and Dosan lines, and private railways operate in each prefecture, according to Wikipedia. Some lines have infrequent trains, so check timetables ahead. Limited express trains connect the main cities, while local trains and buses reach smaller towns. In Matsuyama, a tram runs to Dogo Onsen.

A rental car helps in the Iya Valley, the Shimanto River area and other rural places, though mountain roads can be narrow and winding. Visitors need an accepted license, so check official guidance. Regional rail passes exist for visitors; check the operator's current terms to see whether they suit your route. Taxi tours and sightseeing buses are another option. Many visitors base themselves in one city and take a limited express train for the day, using local buses or taxis from the station. Because services can be sparse in the evening, confirm the last return departure before heading to a remote sight.

Who it suits and special cases

Shikoku suits travelers who like quiet places, nature, local food, onsen and temple culture. Couples and solo travelers often enjoy the slow pace, and cyclists enjoy the Shimanami Kaido route. Families can enjoy castles, beaches and gardens, and food such as Sanuki udon noodles in Kagawa is easy for children to enjoy. Visitors who love photography or hiking may be drawn to Mount Ishizuchi, the island's highest peak at 1,982 meters, though mountain weather needs care. Older travelers may prefer a simple route, such as Takamatsu and Matsuyama connected by limited express train.

Special cases include accessibility and weather. Dogo Onsen and Iya Valley sites can involve steps, narrow paths or slopes. Summer festivals such as Awa Odori and Yosakoi bring large crowds and hotel demand, so book early. Typhoons can affect travel in late summer and autumn. Tattoo rules at onsen vary, so ask first.

Common mistakes and planning tips

A common mistake is expecting Honshu-style train frequency. Another is trying to see the whole island in four days. Others include arriving at remote sights too late, booking tight connections, and ignoring last bus times. Some visitors also assume Dogo Onsen is quiet at any hour; the baths are popular and can be crowded in the early evening, according to Wikipedia. Do not assume that every shop and bus accepts cards; carry some cash.

The Iya Valley is a long trip from Takamatsu or Tokushima, so allow a full day or an overnight stay, and check opening hours and seasonal closures at each site. Decide whether to travel by train, bus or car, then choose two or three bases. A simple four-day route might be Takamatsu, Matsuyama and Dogo Onsen, and a week allows Kochi or Tokushima and the Iya Valley.

Check the JNTO Shikoku page and the operators' websites for current timetables and passes. Book accommodation at hot-spring towns early for festivals and holidays, and keep weather alternatives for rainy days. This guide shares general information; rules change, so confirm details with the official agency or provider before you act.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days do you need in Shikoku?

Four days can cover Takamatsu and Matsuyama with Dogo Onsen. A week allows Kochi or Tokushima and the Iya Valley. Because distances are long and transport is limited, fewer bases usually make for a calmer trip.

Can visitors walk the Shikoku pilgrimage?

Yes, and many people visit selected temples instead of the full circuit. JNTO says the route begins at Ryozenji in Tokushima, and Wikipedia says modern pilgrims use cars, taxis, buses and bicycles as well as walking. The full walking route takes a month or two, so plan realistically.

Are the Iya Valley vine bridges safe to cross?

Wikipedia says the main bridge is reinforced with steel cables and its vines are replaced every three years. Conditions can change, so follow posted rules, any staff instructions and weather advice, and check the local tourism office for current access.

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