Shikoku

The smallest of Japan’s major islands, Shikoku is, quite possibly, the one with the brightest personality. As well as being home to the annual Awa Odori Festival (a dance-spectacular that takes place on the streets), this mountainous jewel is an ancient spiritual pilgrimage route featuring 88 Buddhist temples. One could spend an entire year in Shikoku strolling Iya Valley’s twisted vine bridges, admiring the thousands of cherry blossom trees in its picturesque gardens or taking in the sights while kayaking the Shimanto and Niyodo rivers. Old towns such as Aki, Sakawa and Uchiko showcase extraordinary feats of Japanese architecture while being immersed in ancient traditions such as samurai and sake.

Long considered one of Japan’s gastronomic havens, foodies can follow Shikoku’s famed Udon Noodle Trail or visit traditional eateries for authentic prefecture dishes like seabass sashimi, ramen hotpot and Ichiroku Tart – a sponge cake filled with sweet bean paste and yuzu (a citrus fruit that resembles a yellow-hued clementine). Several venerated cultural attractions should also make your bucket list including Kochi Castle (circa 1601), Dogo Onsen (a natural hot spring) and the Otsuka Museum of Art.