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Shikoku

Literally meaning ‘four countries’, Shikoku consists of four prefectures and is the smallest of Japan’s major islands. Travellers completing the Shimanami Kaido cycle route from the mainland continue across Shikoku to the art islands of the Seto Inland Sea, but as a standalone destination it offers a glimpse of an older, slower-paced Japan. Its breathtaking, almost impenetrable, rural landscape is full of deep gorges, vine bridges, white water and forest. As a spiritual destination, the Shikoku Henro - a famous pilgrimage in reverence to the Bhuddist monk, Kobo Daishi - attracts a constant stream of visitors from Japan’s other islands.  

Three things to do in Shikoku

Obviously there's a lot more, this is just to get you started...

Iya Valley 

Japan is full of beautiful scenery, but finding somewhere accessible that’s truly free from overdevelopment can be tricky. However, the Iya Valley is just such a place. It’s so naturally inhospitable that it was the chosen refuge for the Genpei clan after their defeat in 1185, but a few modern roads now allow visitors to get to its deep mountain gorges, wild rivers and forested mountains. Like most places in Japan there are pockets of ever-progressing modernisation, but the overwhelming image is one of nature and tranquility. Find relaxation at one of the numerous, highly regarded ryokan, taking long soaks in the onsen, and enjoy adventurous hiking, white water rafting and canyoning down the rivers.

Iya Valley

Takamatsu

After being catastrophically damaged during WW2, Takamatsu has been rebuilt as a smart, modern city and is historically the eastern gateway to the island. It’s worth making the journey here just for the stunningly peaceful Ritsurin Koen: one of the most serene gardens in all of Japan. It’s like something out of a Japanese fairy tale or, perhaps, how you might imagine arriving in the country in a dream. Impossibly picturesque red bridges curve between purple and white iris ponds, immaculate pavilions and the most idyllic tea house. Created, refined and perfected over hundreds of years, they are a chocolate box delight.

Takamatsu

Art Islands

Between Shikoku and Honshu, surrounded by the Seto Inland Sea, is a cluster of tiny islands that, over the years, has become a living art project. The most famous of these is Naoshima, home of the famous arthouse accommodation, Benesse House, which itself is part of the canvas. Dotted around each of the islands are art installations, galleries, reclaimed spaces and museums, with more immersive pieces by world-renowned artists added every year. Hire bicycles to see it all over a few days, and make sure to allow plenty of time for relaxation and quiet contemplation. This group of islands has gained a glowing international reputation, and they are collectively considered one of Asia’s best travel experiences.

Naoshima

We think you may like this journey…

Shikoku Japan Takayama Ritsurin Gardens

A Yūgen Path to Shikoku

Whether you’re seeing Japan for the first time or returning to explore further, the route less travelled towards Shikoku offers a core of history and culture that’s deeply connected to Japan’s natural heartbeat.  Make your way from Osaka to the folklore-rich gardens of Okayama, and cross to Shikoku for a change of pace. Stand on the line where art and nature meet in Naoshima, hop on two wheels to ride the Shimanami Kaido trail, and connect with a gentler side to Japan.

Price from: £6,490 US$8,590
Ideal length 13 days
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