10 Best Things to Do in Shikoku
What is Shikoku Most Famous For?
The best things to do in Shikoku pamper visitors seeking authentic experiences and untouched nature. The smallest of Japan’s main islands is home to a legendary Buddhist pilgrimage route and a huge number of temples and shrines, and many come to the island to embark on a spiritual journey.
Explore the remote Iya Valley and the rugged southern coast to impressive natural phenomena like the Naruto whirlpools. Visit traditional countryside towns that offer a glimpse into the Meiji era and bathe at one of the country’s most famous onsens, said to have inspired the bathhouse in Miyazaki’s Spirited Away. Whatever you choose, Shikoku promises a memorable and enriching adventure.
What are the best things to do in Shikoku?
1. The Shikoku Pilgrimage
An ancient path to enlightenment
Ideal para: Aventura, Econômico
The famous Shikoku Pilgrimage takes travellers on a spiritual journey through Shikoku’s four prefectures. The 1,200-kilometre route is said to map the journey that Buddhist monk Kukai took in the 9th century and includes stops at 88 Buddhist temples.
These days few people have the time for a 6-week walking tour, so it’s common to break the journey up and make use of public transportation. Each portion of the trail has a unique appeal, so take your pick between mountainous hiking in the remote Iya Valley or following the curves of the Shimanato River. Any journey on the trail offers a peaceful respite in untouched natural surroundings and opportunities to mingle with local people.
The Shikoku Pilgrimage
2. Uchiko
Travelling back to the Meiji era
Ideal para: História, Casais, Famílias
Nestled in a green valley in rural Ehime lies Uchiko, a traditional town that gives visitors a taste of life in the Meiji era. Yokaichi, the town’s historical district, is home to 90 well-preserved examples of classic architecture that are still inhabited today.
Uchiko garnered notoriety and wealth around the turn of the century for its production of high-quality vegetable wax, which was used in the manufacture of candles and cosmetics. In this booming period, the town built Uchiko-za, a 650-seat traditional Kabuki theatre where performances can still be seen today. The Kamihaga Residence, the former home of one of the town’s wealthy wax-making families, is open to the public and includes a wax museum and wax-making workshop.
Uchiko
3. Oboke and Koboke Scenic Railway
A great way to admire Shikoku’s remote natural landscapes
Ideal para: Aventura, Foto
The Oboke and Koboke Gorges are popular destinations among Japan’s outdoor enthusiasts. The turquoise waters of the Yoshino River flow between steep, green mountainsides and towering grey cliffs, making for a dramatic sight. The JR Dosan Train Line offers excellent views of the gorges as it travels along the river. Take the train to Oboke Station and pay a visit to the Yokai Yashiki, an unusual museum featuring depictions of monsters from local folklore.
The gorges are located at the entrance to the Iya Valley, where the river suddenly picks up speed as it careens through the narrow gorges. Boat tours, canoeing, and white-water rafting are popular at this spectacular natural playground.
Oboke and Koboke Scenic Railway
4. Matsuyama Castle
A mountaintop castle from the feudal era
Ideal para: História, Foto
Matsuyma Castle has miraculously survived centuries of war and natural disasters since its construction in the 17th century. Located just outside of Matsuyama City in Ehime Prefecture, the castle rests high on a hilltop and is accessible via an open-air chairlift. The castle grounds are filled with cherry trees and offer superb views of the city and surrounding landscape.
The feudal castle complex includes a main keep with several wings, a secondary keep, multiple turrets and the Ninomaru Garden. Inside the keep, visitors can learn about the castle’s history and try on a set of samurai armour.
Matsuyama Castle
5. Naruto Whirlpools
Where you can witness the impressive swirling sea
Ideal para: Aventura, Foto, Viagens alternativas
The Naruto whirlpools are a peculiar natural phenomenon in the Naruto Strait off the coast of Shikoku. Large volumes of water moving through the narrow passage between the Pacific Ocean and the Inland Sea create enormous swirling pools, peaking at 20 metres in diameter. They occur about every 6 hours and tend to be larger in the spring and summer months.
Visitors have several options for viewing the whirlpools. The Uzuno-michi is a pedestrian passage beneath the Onaruto Bridge which passes above the whirlpools, visible through the glass floor. For a birds-eye view at no cost, head to the hilltop Naruto Escahill. Tour boats offer 30-minute cruises that give an up-close look.
Naruto Whirlpools
6. Dogo Onsen
Known as the emperor’s bathhouse
Ideal para: História, Econômico
Experience onsen culture at its finest at the historic Dogo Onsen. Relax in mineral-rich baths alongside locals who tell the tale of a heron that was healed after dipping its leg in the waters of this spring. After your bath, slip into a yukata and sip tea in serene tatami rooms.
One of the most famous onsen resorts in Japan, Dogo was the first to be made an Important Cultural Property for historic significance. This storied onsen was frequented by the Imperial family and served as inspiration for the bathhouse in Hayao Miayazaki’s Spirited Away. Since the emperor no longer bathes here, visitors can now tour the Yushinden, the private wing of the bathhouse reserved solely for royalty.
Localização: 5-6 Dogoyunomachi, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-0842, Japan
Abre: Daily from 6 am to 11 pm
Dogo Onsen
7. Ritsurin Garden
Tranquil gardens for a moment of meditation
Ideal para: Casais, Econômico, Foto
The beloved Ritsurin Garden is a great example of the harmonious blending of natural and man-made elements that Japanese gardening is known for. Dating back to the 17th century, the garden was created over several generations. Visitors meander through its winding walking paths and the arching wooden bridges that cross the koi ponds.
The vast gardens are divided into 6 distinct sections and are particularly beautiful during the changing seasons. Tour guides offer insight into the garden’s features and history, and the Kikugetsutei teahouse provides a serene setting for tea and contemplation.
Localização: 1-chome-20-16 Ritsurincho, Takamatsu, Kagawa 760-0073, Japan
Abre: Daily from 5.30 am to 6.30 pm
Telefone: +81 (0)87-833-7411
Ritsurin Garden
8. Kotohira Shrine
A majestic mountain shrine
Ideal para: Aventura, Foto, Alimentação
One of the key stops on the famous Shikoku Pilgrimage, Kotohira-gu Shrine draws visitors and pilgrims from all over the country. Located halfway up Mount Zozu, the main shrine is about an hour’s trek up 785 stone steps. The shrine is often adorned with model boats and other maritime-themed gifts, as the resident deity is said to offer safety to sea travellers.
From there, you can continue on to the inner shrine at the top of the mountain or head back down for refreshment at the many teahouses and restaurants along the lower path. Slurp down a bowl of local udon noodles and consider paying a visit to the town’s Kanamaruza Theater, the oldest in Japan.
Localização: 892-1, Kotohira, Nakatado District, Kagawa 766-8501, Japan
Abre: Daily from 6 am to 6 pm
Telefone: +81 (0)87-775-2121
Kotohira Shrine
9. Cape Ashizuri
Where the sky and the ocean meet at the horizon
Ideal para: Aventura, Foto
Drive all the way down to Shikoku’s southernmost point and you’ll find yourself at Cape Ashizuri. Part of the Ashizuri-Uwakai National Park, this stunning natural area is characterised by forested cliffs overlooking the Pacific.
Hiking paths take visitors along a shaded route that leads all the way to the tip of the cape. A 2-kilometre trail ends at Tengu-no-Hana, the main observation point, where a white lighthouse looks out over the cliff edge. Before leaving the cape, pay a visit to Kongofukuji Temple, a serene site with beautifully landscaped gardens teeming with tropical plants.
Cape Ashizuri
10. Kochi City
A foodie’s paradise
Ideal para: Alimentação, História
While most of Shikoku’s highlights are found in its wild places, Kochi City is well worth a visit for its food and cultural scene. A compact port city situated in the curve of the island’s south coast, Kochi is home to one of Japan’s oldest castles, situated on a hilltop in the city centre. The small but mighty Museum of Art displays notable works by Marc Chagall and photographer Ishimoto Yasuhiro.
Food and drink are king in Kochi. Locals can be found filling their sake cups at the lively Hirome Market. Open every day of the week, this indoor marketplace is lined with stalls selling fresh fish and local specialities. Try the seared bonito, fried sweet potatoes or country-style sushi.
Kochi City
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