10 Most Traveled Cities & Destinations in Shikoku
1. Matsuyama
Matsuyama is Shikoku’s largest city and a gateway to tradition and relaxation. Its crown jewel is Matsuyama Castle, perched atop Mount Katsuyama with sweeping views of the city and sea. Nearby, Dōgo Onsen is one of Japan’s oldest hot springs, inspiring literary legends and welcoming bathers for over a thousand years. The city’s blend of samurai history, literary heritage, and therapeutic waters makes it a perfect introduction to Shikoku’s timeless charm.
2. Naruto
Naruto is famous for its dramatic whirlpools, swirling beneath the Onaruto Bridge where the Pacific Ocean meets the Seto Inland Sea. Visitors can view these natural wonders from sightseeing boats or the enclosed Uzu no Michi walkway, suspended 45 meters above the sea. Naruto is also the starting point of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, connecting 88 sacred temples across the island. With ocean views and spiritual depth, Naruto is both thrilling and contemplative.
3. Iya Valley
Hidden deep in Tokushima’s mountains, the Iya Valley is a remote paradise of vine bridges, misty gorges, and ancient legends. The Kazurabashi Bridge, made of woven vines, sways gently over the Iya River, offering a thrilling walk through nature. The valley’s steep slopes and quiet villages preserve a way of life untouched by time. Iya is a place for adventurers, poets, and anyone seeking Japan’s wild heart.
4. Shodoshima
Shodoshima, or “Olive Island,” is known for its Mediterranean climate and Japan’s first successful olive cultivation. The island’s Olive Park features groves, windmills, and even a bathhouse with sea views. Shodoshima also offers dramatic coastlines, scenic hiking trails, and the Kankakei Gorge, one of Japan’s most beautiful ravines. With art, nature, and culinary delights, Shodoshima is a peaceful retreat with a European twist.
5. Kotohira
Kotohira is home to Konpira-san, one of Japan’s most revered Shinto shrines. Pilgrims climb over 1,300 stone steps to reach the main hall, nestled in the forested hills of Kagawa Prefecture. The town below is filled with traditional ryokan, udon shops, and kabuki theaters, including the historic Kanamaru-za, Japan’s oldest surviving playhouse. Kotohira is spiritual, theatrical, and steeped in Edo-era charm.
6. Cape Ashizuri
At the southern tip of Shikoku, Cape Ashizuri offers dramatic cliffs, crashing waves, and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. The nearby Ashizuri-Uwakai National Park is a haven for hikers and nature lovers, while Kongōfuku-ji Temple, one of the 88 pilgrimage sites, adds spiritual depth to the landscape. Cape Ashizuri is raw, remote, and breathtaking — a place where land meets sea in dramatic fashion.
7. Uchiko
Uchiko is a beautifully preserved town in Ehime Prefecture, known for its traditional merchant houses and candle-making heritage. The Uchiko-za Theater, built in 1916, still hosts performances and tours, while the town’s quiet streets invite leisurely exploration. With its blend of craftsmanship, architecture, and rural charm, Uchiko is a hidden gem for lovers of slow travel and timeless beauty.
8. Naoshima
Naoshima is Japan’s island of art, where contemporary installations meet serene landscapes. The island is home to the Benesse Art Site, featuring museums designed by Tadao Ando and works by artists like Yayoi Kusama and Claude Monet. Sculptures dot the beaches and hillsides, turning the entire island into a living gallery. Naoshima is bold, imaginative, and unlike anywhere else in Japan.
9. Kochi
Kochi is a laid-back coastal city with samurai history and surf culture. Kochi Castle, one of Japan’s few original castles, offers insight into feudal life, while the Sunday Market stretches for over a kilometer with local crafts and street food. Nearby beaches like Katsurahama attract surfers and sunset seekers, and the region’s cuisine — especially katsuo no tataki (seared bonito) — is a highlight. Kochi is breezy, flavorful, and full of character.
10. Takamatsu
Takamatsu is the capital of Kagawa Prefecture and a city of gardens, islands, and udon. Its centerpiece is Ritsurin Garden, a masterpiece of landscape design with ponds, bridges, and seasonal beauty. Takamatsu is also the gateway to the Art Islands of the Seto Inland Sea, including Naoshima and Teshima. With ferry ports, noodle shops, and cultural flair, Takamatsu is a perfect base for exploring Shikoku’s inland sea magic.