Overview

Places of interest in Shikoku

Overview
1 Naoshima
Art museums on a Seto Inland Sea island
9.3
An art island off the coast of Kagawa Prefecture on Shikoku. Tadao Ando's museums and village art houses are spread across the island. Reservations matter, since the Chichu Art Museum only admits visitors with a booked time.
Highlights:
  • 🚤 Ride the scenic ferry to Teshima for tranquil views
  • 🎨 Stroll through Chichu Art Museum's underground galleries
  • 🏞️ Explore Naoshima's art islands, visit Benesse House
1 Takamatsu Airport
Gateway to Shikoku Island
Serving Shikoku's western coast, this airport connects to major Japanese hubs and offers convenient access to Okayama’s cultural sites, hot springs, the Seto Inland Sea, nearby islands and regional exploration.
1 Ritsurin Garden
Garden
2 Kotohira Shrine
Place of Worship
2 Matsuyama
A hilltop castle and Japan's oldest hot spring
8.3
The largest city on Shikoku, with an original hilltop castle and Dogo Onsen, said to be Japan's oldest hot spring. Streetcars link the sights. Okayama is about two and a half hours away by limited express.
Highlights:
  • ⛩️ Explore Ishiteji Temple and its historic tunnel
  • ♨️ Relax in Dogo Onsen, Japan's oldest hot spring
  • 🏯 Visit Matsuyama Castle with panoramic city views
1 Matsuyama Castle
Historic Castle
2 Dōgo Onsen
Public Bath
1 Mt. Ishizuchi
Peak
2 Matsuyama Airport
Shikoku's Coastal Travel Hub
Located on Shikoku’s southern coast, this airport connects Matsuyama to major Japanese hubs and international destinations. Modern facilities serve travelers heading to historic sites, hot springs and the region’s renowned citrus farms.
3 Iya Valley
Vine bridges, deep gorges and mountain hot springs
7.8
Highlights:
  • ♨️ Relax in the soothing hot springs of Oboke
  • ⛰️ Hike Mount Tsurugi, Shikoku’s second highest peak
  • 🌉 Cross the historic vine bridges swaying above river
2 Mt. Tsurugi
Peak
3 Yoshino River
River
4 Oboke gorge
POI
4 Shodoshima
Japan's olive island with a tidal sandbar
7.8
A hilly island in the Seto Inland Sea off Kagawa, known as the birthplace of Japanese olive growing. It also has soy sauce breweries, hand-stretched somen noodles and a sandbar path that only opens at low tide.
Highlights:
  • 🌊 Cross Angel Road’s mystical sandbar at low tide
  • 🌿 Visit Shodoshima Olive Park and see the iconic windmill
  • 🚡 Walk the breathtaking Kankakei Gorge and ride the ropeway
5 Kochi
Castle city with Sunday market and bonito
7.2
A castle city on Shikoku's Pacific coast with an original keep, a weekly Sunday street market and an indoor food hall. It's the home of seared bonito and a base for Katsurahama beach and the Shimanto River.
Highlights:
  • 🌇 Walk along the scenic Kagami River during sunset
  • 🐟 Stroll through Hirome Market and taste local specialties like katsuo no tataki
  • 🏯 Climb to Kochi Castle and explore its well-preserved keep
3 Kōchi Castle
Historic Castle
4 Hirome market
Marketplace
1 Hirome market
Marketplace
2 Kochi Sunday Market
POI
5 Shimanto River Sakura Park 四万十川桜づつみ公園
POI
6 Cape Ashizuri
POI
3 Kōchi Ryōma Airport
Gateway to Shikoku’s coastal charm and culture
Serving Shikoku’s southern coast, this regional airport links Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya while providing easy access to Kochi Prefecture’s historic sites, natural parks and coastal attractions. The terminal offers local cuisine and free Wi‑Fi.
6 Naruto
Whirlpools, bridge walks and ceramic art
7.1
A Tokushima city on the Naruto Strait, famous for whirlpools that form with the tides. A bridge walkway and boat tours give close views. The Otsuka Museum of Art is nearby. Tokushima Station is about an hour away by bus.
Highlights:
  • 🖼️ Visit Ōtsuka Museum of Art and see lifelike art reproductions
  • ⛵ Take a sightseeing boat to experience the vortexes up close
  • 🌊 Watch the powerful Naruto whirlpools from the Onaruto Bridge promenade
7 Naruto whirlpools
POI
3 Ride the Whirlpool Sightseeing Boat
Tourism Information
4 Tokushima Airport
Shikoku’s Cultural Gateway
Serving Tokushima Prefecture on Shikoku Island, this airport connects to major Japanese hubs and offers convenient access to local cultural sites, including historic temples and scenic coastal views for travelers.
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