Shikoku
Subregion

Shikoku

Japan's spiritual island of ancient temples and pristine nature

Shikoku feels like stepping into old Japan. This mountainous island, the smallest of Japan's four main islands, draws pilgrims walking the 88-temple circuit and travelers seeking something beyond Tokyo's neon and Kyoto's crowds. Here, ancient cedar forests meet dramatic coastlines, and temple bells echo across misty valleys. You'll find hot springs tucked into mountain villages, indigo-dyeing workshops that have operated for centuries, and some of Japan's most pristine wilderness. But Shikoku isn't easy—transportation takes patience, English is sparse, and many attractions require hiking boots over high heels.

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Shikoku spans roughly 18,800 square kilometers across four prefectures: Tokushima in the east, Kochi facing the Pacific south, Ehime on the western Seto Inland Sea coast, and Kagawa up north. The island's spine runs down the center—the Shikoku Mountains create a natural barrier that shapes everything from weather patterns to cultural differences between north and south. Most of Shikoku's 3.8 million people live along the coasts, leaving the interior surprisingly wild. The famous 88-temple pilgrimage route, or henro, circles the entire island for 1,200 kilometers. You don't need to walk the whole thing—most visitors hit highlights like Ryozenji Temple (number 1) in Tokushima or Zentsuji Temple (number 75) in Kagawa, birthplace of Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi.

Money-Saving Tips

  • 1.JR Shikoku Pass costs ¥19,500 for 7 days and covers most trains, but car rental often provides better value for exploring remote areas
  • 2.Temple lodgings (shukubo) range from ¥6,000-15,000 per person including vegetarian meals—book directly for best rates
  • 3.Many mountain onsen charge day-use fees of ¥500-1,000; staying overnight often includes multiple bath access
  • 4.Local udon shops offer filling meals for under ¥500; avoid tourist-focused restaurants near major temples
  • 5.Convenience stores stock hiking supplies and bento boxes—essential for remote temple visits where restaurants are scarce
  • 6.Bicycle rentals cost ¥1,000-2,000 per day; some shops offer multi-day pilgrim packages with gear included

Travel Tips

  • •Download offline maps before heading to mountain areas—cell service disappears frequently
  • •Carry cash everywhere; most temples, mountain lodgings, and rural restaurants don't accept cards
  • •Pack layers regardless of season; mountain weather changes quickly and temple halls stay cold
  • •Learn basic Japanese greetings—English is extremely limited outside major cities
  • •Respect pilgrimage traditions; bow to henro walkers and don't block temple ceremonies for photos
  • •Book accommodations well ahead during cherry blossom season and major festivals
  • •Bring a good pair of hiking boots; many temples require steep climbs on stone steps
  • •Stock up on supplies in larger towns before heading to remote areas

Frequently Asked Questions

Not at all. Most visitors choose a few temples to explore rather than completing the full 1,200-kilometer circuit. You can drive, take buses, or cycle between temples. The traditional white pilgrim clothing is optional but shows respect.

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