Shikoku is Japan’s smallest main island and one of its best-kept secrets. While Tokyo and Kyoto draw the crowds, Shikoku offers misty mountain valleys, a centuries-old pilgrimage route, and onsen towns that feel wonderfully untouched. For travelers who want a slower, more authentic side of Japan, Shikoku travel rewards you at every turn.
The 88-Temple Pilgrimage
Shikoku is famous for its Buddhist pilgrimage, a circuit of 88 temples linked to the monk Kobo Daishi. Pilgrims, known as henro, traditionally walk the entire route over several weeks, dressed in white. You don’t need to walk it all to feel its spirit. Visiting even a handful of temples, such as Ryozenji (Temple 1) near Naruto, gives you a sense of the quiet devotion that defines the island.
Iya Valley: Japan’s Hidden Gorge
Deep in the mountains, the Iya Valley is one of Japan’s most remote and dramatic landscapes. Steep gorges, thatched-roof farmhouses, and ancient vine bridges (kazurabashi) make it feel like stepping back in time. Highlights include:
- The swaying vine bridges suspended over rushing rivers
- The famous peeing boy statue perched on a cliff edge
- Hot spring inns tucked into the forested slopes
The Iya Valley’s winding mountain roads have very limited public transport, so this is exactly the kind of place a private driver makes effortless, letting you take in the scenery without worrying about timetables or sharp mountain bends.
Matsuyama Castle and Dogo Onsen
Matsuyama, Shikoku’s largest city, is home to one of Japan’s finest original castles. Perched on a hilltop with sweeping views, Matsuyama Castle is reached by a scenic ropeway or a pleasant walk through the grounds.
Nearby is Dogo Onsen, often called Japan’s oldest hot spring, with over a thousand years of history. Its grand wooden bathhouse is said to have inspired the bathhouse in the film Spirited Away. Soaking here after a day of sightseeing is a quintessential Japanese experience.
The Naruto Whirlpools
Where the Seto Inland Sea meets the Pacific, powerful tidal currents create the famous Naruto whirlpools. On strong tides, swirling vortices form between Shikoku and Awaji Island. You can view them from sightseeing boats that take you right up close, or from the glass-floored walkway beneath the Onaruto Bridge. Timing matters here, as the whirlpools are strongest around the changing tides, so it pays to plan your visit around the tide schedule.
Getting Around Shikoku
Shikoku’s charm lies in its rural spread, but that same charm makes it tricky to navigate by train alone. Many of the island’s best spots, from the Iya Valley to coastal temples, sit far from rail lines. A private driver lets you link several regions in a single flexible day, reach villages trains simply can’t, and travel comfortably with family members of all ages.
A Sample Multi-Day Route
- Day 1: Naruto whirlpools and the first pilgrimage temples
- Day 2: Iya Valley vine bridges and mountain scenery
- Day 3: Matsuyama Castle and a relaxing soak at Dogo Onsen
With a roomy Toyota Alphard or HiAce, the journey between these sights becomes part of the pleasure rather than a logistical headache.
When to Visit
Spring brings cherry blossoms to the castle grounds, while autumn paints the Iya Valley in fiery reds and golds. Summer is lush and green, ideal for river valleys, and even winter has a quiet beauty, with steaming onsen towns and crisp mountain air.
Ready to discover the quiet side of Japan? We Go Round Japan would love to help you plan a relaxed, custom Shikoku journey with a friendly English-speaking driver. Reach out to us anytime via LINE, WhatsApp, or email, and let’s start mapping out your adventure together.
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