Shikoku

Shikoku is the smallest of Japan’s four main islands, located to the south of Honshu across the Inland Sea. It is noted for its rural interior, mountain valleys and the culturally important Shikoku pilgrimage of 88 temples.

Key attractions include the long pilgrimage route that links temples and religious sites around the island, scenic river valleys and coastal plains. The island’s towns offer access points for temple circuits, ferry connections to other islands, and local hot-spring resorts.

Historically the island developed distinct local traditions and retained agricultural and transport ties with Honshu and Kyushu; the pilgrimage has medieval roots and remains an active spiritual and cultural practice. Modern road and rail links concentrate around the coastal cities while the interior remains sparsely populated.

Geographically Shikoku sits between Honshu to the north and Kyushu to the west, and is connected to Honshu by several major bridges across the Inland Sea.

• Pilgrimage distance: The pilgrimage is traditionally completed on foot and links 88 temples; many visitors still follow sections of the route and some complete it over several weeks.

What to See #

• Shikoku 88-temple pilgrimage: Historic pilgrimage route linking 88 Buddhist temples in a roughly circular route around the island, traditionally covering about 1,200 km on foot.
• Iya Valley: Mountain valley noted for steep, vine-hung gorges and traditional thatched-roof houses that attract visitors for hiking and cultural interest.
• Matsuyama and Takamatsu: Major urban centres offering transport links and local attractions, including a city with a famous historic hot-spring district and one with a well-known garden.