Shikoku
Shikoku is Japan's smallest main island, home to Dogo Onsen in Matsuyama, the vine bridges of the Iya Valley and the 88-temple pilgrimage.
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Shikoku is the smallest of Japan's four main islands, reached from Honshu by bridge and ferry. Its four prefectures are Tokushima, Kagawa, Ehime and Kochi. Matsuyama, in Ehime, has Dogo Onsen, a historic hot-spring bathhouse area where visitors soak after a day of sightseeing. In the Iya Valley, footpaths cross deep gorges on vine bridges. In Kochi, the Hirome Market and katsuo tataki, seared bonito, are the local draw.
Shikoku is also the setting of the 88-temple pilgrimage, a route linked to the monk Kukai, known as Kobo Daishi. The temples are spread across the four prefectures, and pilgrims walk, drive or take buses between them. The route suits travelers who want slower days, time outdoors and temple visits between onsen stops.
Shikoku in five
- Price the All Shikoku Rail Pass before you buyFrom 1 Oct 2026 only the 3-day (¥12,000) and 7-day (¥20,000) passes remain. They cover JR Shikoku, Kotoden and Tosaden, not Matsuyama's Iyotetsu trams and no buses.Shikoku in 7 days
- Rent a car for Iya Valley and the Kochi coastTrains skip the valleys and capes. You need an international driving permit for most licenses. One-way drops across prefectures cost extra, so check the rental company's one-way tool.
- Book Iya Valley rooms and taxis earlyBeds are few, buses run a handful of times a day and the valley is far from any station. Oboke station has taxis, but book a pickup for early or late arrivals.
- Soak at Dogo Onsen before breakfastThe Honkan bathhouse in Matsuyama opens around 6am and is quietest then. The tram from Matsuyama Station takes about 20 minutes, and it is not covered by the rail pass since March 2026.
- Sample the 88-temple pilgrimage, do not chase itThe full loop is about 1,200 km. Visit Ryozen-ji (temple 1) near Tokushima, Zentsu-ji (75) in Zentsuji or Ishite-ji (51) near Dogo Onsen. Keep quiet and ask before photographing pilgrims.
Neighborhoods
Takamatsu
- Best for: Ferries to Naoshima, first visits
- Price band: $$
- Ritsurin Garden is on the Kotoden tram line
- Ferry terminals for Naoshima and other islands
- Sanuki udon shops close to the station
Skip if you want hot springs or a quiet castle-town feel.
Matsuyama
- Best for: Hot spring stays, temple visits
- Price band: $$
- Dogo Onsen is reached by tram from the centre
- Matsuyama Castle stands on a hill in the city
- Iyotetsu tram runs through the centre
Skip if you want a quiet farm village or long coastal walks.
Things to do in Shikoku
See all attractions in Shikoku
Need to know
- Getting there
- JR Marine Liner Okayama to Takamatsu, about 1 hour; or fly to 4 airports
- Getting around
- JR limited express for the loop, a rental car for the valleys
- Best base
- Takamatsu (north), Kochi (south) and Matsuyama (west)
- Time needed
- 5–7 days for a loop; 2 days for Takamatsu and Naoshima
- Rail pass
- 3-day ¥12,000, 7-day ¥20,000 from 1 Oct 2026; no buses Read more
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- JanuaryCold, clear
- FebruaryPlum blossom
- MarchBlossom starts
- AprilCherry blossom
- MayMild, green
- JuneRainy season
- JulyHot, humid
- AugustTyphoon risk
- SeptemberTyphoon risk
- OctoberClear, mild
- NovemberAutumn color
- DecemberCool, clear
Right now in Shikoku
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
12
- Feels like
- 10°
- Humidity
- 62%
- Wind
- 10 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 4%
Shikoku
08:25 AM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today16°11°4%Tuesday: Partly cloudy. High 16°, Low 11°. Chance of rain 4%.
- Wed18°11°28%Wednesday: Cloudy. High 18°, Low 11°. Chance of rain 28%.
- Thu19°15°50%Thursday: Drizzle. High 19°, Low 15°. Chance of rain 50%.
- Fri18°8°33%Friday: Drizzle. High 18°, Low 8°. Chance of rain 33%.
- Sat12°6°0%Saturday: Clear. High 12°, Low 6°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Sun15°6°0%Sunday: Cloudy. High 15°, Low 6°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Mon14°7°10%Monday: Partly cloudy. High 14°, Low 7°. Chance of rain 10%.
Updated 07:08 AM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 157.5 JPY
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Naoshimaabout 1 hour by ferry from TakamatsuArt museums and Setouchi islands; reserve the museums you want ahead.Read the guide
- Kotohiraabout 1 hour by train from TakamatsuKonpira-san shrine has 785 steps to the main hall and 1,368 to the inner shrine.
- Iya Valley1.5–2 hours by rail to Oboke, then taxiVine bridges and gorge views; it works best with a car or a chartered taxi.
- Hiroshimaabout 70 min by high-speed boat from MatsuyamaA quick way off Shikoku, then Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima.Read the guide
Before you go to Shikoku
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Rules for Shikoku, checked
- Check entry rules and visa requirements on the Immigration Services Agency of Japan website before you fly.Source
- Check what you may bring into Japan on the Japan Customs website before you pack, especially food, medicines and plants.Source
- Some bathhouses at Dogo Onsen and elsewhere in Shikoku restrict tattoos. Read the sign at the entrance before you undress.
- Japan has few public bins. Carry your rubbish until you reach a bin or a shop, and sort it by the labels where the bins are.
- Many small restaurants, rural shops and some ticket machines take cash only, so carry yen.
All Shikoku guides
Plan around Shikoku
Art island by ferry from Takamatsu, with reservations and timing
Read the guideBest time to visit JapanBlossom, autumn color and typhoon season by month
Read the guideIs the JR Pass worth it?The national pass rarely fits Shikoku; check first
Read the guideMoney in JapanCash matters in rural Shikoku, at temples and small inns
Read the guideBest eSIM for JapanCoverage holds in most valleys; compare plans before you fly
Read the guideShikoku FAQ
Is Shikoku worth visiting?
Yes, if you want onsen, temples and rural scenery without the crowds of Kyoto. It is a poor fit for a short first trip to Japan, because getting around takes time and trains are less frequent.
How many days do you need in Shikoku?
Five to seven days cover a loop of Takamatsu, Iya Valley, Kochi and Matsuyama. With three days, pick two: Takamatsu with Naoshima, or Matsuyama with Dogo Onsen.
Is the All Shikoku Rail Pass worth it?
Only if you ride limited expresses most days. From 1 Oct 2026 the choices are a 3-day pass (¥12,000) or a 7-day pass (¥20,000). It excludes buses and Matsuyama's Iyotetsu trams. Add up your single fares first.
Do you need a car in Shikoku?
Not for the main cities, which are on the rail line. You need one for Iya Valley, the Kochi coast and remote temples, or use a taxi from Oboke. Bring an international driving permit and check one-way drop-off fees.
Can you walk the 88-temple pilgrimage as a tourist?
Yes, but the full loop is about 1,200 km and takes weeks on foot. Most visitors sample a few temples by train or car. Dress modestly, be quiet at the main hall and do not photograph pilgrims without asking.
Can you visit Shikoku as a day trip from Osaka or Hiroshima?
Only Takamatsu and Naoshima are realistic. Kochi and Matsuyama each need at least an overnight stay. From Hiroshima, a high-speed boat reaches Matsuyama in about 70 minutes.