四国旅游指南：朝圣之路与自然风光
Region Guides 8 min read

四国旅游指南：朝圣之路与自然风光

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Why Visit Shikoku?

Shikoku is Japan's smallest main island and its most spiritually significant — home to the famous 88 Temple Pilgrimage circuit walked by hundreds of thousands of pilgrims over 1,200 years. Beyond spirituality, Shikoku offers dramatic gorges, vine bridges, Japan's oldest hot spring, and the country's best udon noodles. With far fewer international tourists than Honshu, Shikoku delivers authentic rural Japan experiences: fishing villages, mandarin orange groves, wild rivers, and locals who are genuinely surprised (and delighted) to meet foreign travelers.

Tip: Shikoku's four prefectures each have distinct character — plan to visit at least two for contrast. Kagawa (udon) and Ehime (Dogo Onsen) are most accessible.

The 88 Temple Pilgrimage

The Shikoku Henro is a 1,200km circuit visiting 88 Buddhist temples associated with Kobo Daishi (Kukai). Walking the complete route takes 30-60 days, but most modern pilgrims visit selected temples by car or bus. Key temples: Temple 1 Ryozenji (starting point, Tokushima), Temple 75 Zentsuji (Kobo Daishi's birthplace), and Temple 88 Okuboji (final temple, Kagawa). Pilgrims wear white jackets and conical hats. Walking even a few kilometers between temples captures the meditative spirit. Several tour operators run 7-14 day bus pilgrimages covering all 88.

Tip: Walk the section between Temples 11-12 in Tokushima — the 'henroころがし' (pilgrim tumble) mountain path is the pilgrimage's most iconic and atmospheric stretch.

Iya Valley & Natural Wonders

The Iya Valley (Tokushima) is Shikoku's most dramatic landscape — a deep gorge with emerald rivers, vine bridges (kazurabashi), and remote thatched-roof villages. The Kazurabashi vine bridge (¥550) spans 45 meters over the Iya River — crossing on swaying vines with gaps between planks is thrilling. The valley's Peeing Boy statue overlooks a 200-meter cliff. Oboke Gorge boat rides (¥1,500, 30 min) cruise through marble-walled rapids. In western Shikoku, the Shimanto River is Japan's last undammed major river — kayak rental available (¥5,000/half-day).

Tip: Iya Valley requires a car — public transport exists but is extremely limited (2-3 buses daily). Rent from Awa-Ikeda Station for the most flexible exploration.

Cities & Culture

Matsuyama (Ehime) is Shikoku's largest city, crowned by Matsuyama Castle (¥520, one of 12 original castles) and home to Dogo Onsen — Japan's oldest hot spring (3,000+ years), immortalized in Ghibli's 'Spirited Away.' The main bathhouse (¥460) is a national treasure. Takamatsu (Kagawa) has Ritsurin Garden (¥410), rivaling Kanazawa's Kenrokuen, and is the gateway to Seto Inland Sea island-hopping. Kochi hosts the wildest festival in Japan — Yosakoi Matsuri (August 9-12) with 20,000 dancers. Tokushima hosts the equally famous Awa Odori (August 12-15).

Tip: Dogo Onsen's main building (Dogo Onsen Honkan) often has queues on weekends — visit the newer Asuka no Yu annex (¥610) next door for a similar experience without the wait.

Udon & Getting Around

Kagawa Prefecture is udon paradise — over 600 udon shops serve thick, chewy Sanuki udon from ¥200-500 per bowl. Famous shops like Yamada-ya and Nakano Udon School (¥1,760, make your own) are pilgrimage-worthy. Shikoku is accessible via the Seto-Ohashi Bridge from Okayama (train, 55 min to Takamatsu), ferries from Osaka/Kobe, or flights to Matsuyama/Takamatsu. The JR All Shikoku Pass (¥12,000/3 days) covers all island trains. Internal trains are infrequent — check timetables carefully. A car is strongly recommended for the Iya Valley and pilgrimage route.

Tip: Do a 'udon hopping' tour in Kagawa — tiny shops open 6am-2pm only. The best strategy: eat 2-3 small bowls at different shops before noon when they sell out.

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