SHIKOKU
Shikoku is the smallest of the four main islands of Japan and is located in the southwestern part of the country. It is known for its natural beauty, including scenic mountains, forests, and rivers, as well as its rich cultural heritage, including numerous temples and shrines. Shikoku is also famous for the 88 Temple Pilgrimage, a spiritual journey that covers over 1,200 km and visits 88 temples throughout the island. This pilgrimage has been a popular spiritual practice for over 1,000 years and attracts thousands of visitors each year.
In addition to its religious and cultural attractions, Shikoku is also a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and fishing. With its unique blend of natural and cultural wonders, Shikoku offers a truly unforgettable experience for visitors.
Shikoku Shore Excursions
4 Day Shikoku Art Island Highlight Tour
5 Nights/ 6 Days Shikoku Tour
4 Night Private Luxury Tour of Shikoku
NAOSHIMA ISLAND
Naoshima Island has a population of approximately 3,016 people, with an area of 7.82㎢. (As of April 4, 2022)
After about one hour on a ferry from Takamatsu Port you’ll arrive at Miyanoura Port. There you’ll be welcomed by Yayoi Kusama’s “Red Pumpkin”, the symbol of Naoshima. Naoshima is known as an art island, where art is blended into island life. Chichu Art Museum and Benesse House Museum were both designed by the world famous architect, Ando Tadao. The Art House Project, in which unused homes have been turned into art exhibition spaces, is also a must-see.
Besides art, there are many other attractions on Naoshima as well. This beautiful island is rich in nature, which is enjoyed year-round by visitors. The azaleas bloom in the spring, and in the summer you can enjoy fishing or swimming in the ocean. There are also many restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy delicious fish from the Seto Inland Sea. At the Umi-no-Eki Naoshima Seaside Station, you can purchase local souvenirs as well.
THE VINE BRIDGE
The Vine Bridge, also known as “Iya-no-Kazura-Bashi,” is a unique and iconic landmark located in the Iya Valley of Shikoku, Japan. It is a suspension bridge made of vine and is believed to have been used by the local villagers for centuries as a means of crossing the river.
The Vine Bridge is approximately 45 meters long and 2 meters wide, and sways gently as one crosses it, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valley.
Despite its rustic appearance, the Vine Bridge is surprisingly sturdy and safe to cross. It is a popular destination for adventurous travelers seeking a taste of rural Japan, and offers a rare opportunity to experience a piece of the country’s rich cultural heritage. With its stunning natural setting and unique architecture, the Vine Bridge is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Shikoku.
KOCHI CASTLE
Kōchi Castle is one of only twelve intact castles in Japan and has a history of over 400 years in the making. During Japan’s Medieval-Edo Era the castle served as the seat of power for the rulers of Kōchi, the Yamauchi Family, for nearly 300 years. The castle towers and keep as well as the castle palace all date back to this medieval era offering those experiencing the castle grounds a true glimpse into the past and when visiting at night the castle preserves what it must have felt like to stroll the darkened streets of Edo Japan.
In winter the castle holds illumination events which bathes the grounds in various colors while in the spring the castle’s untouched structures make it perfect for experiencing a genuinely Edo style Cherry Blossom Viewing. Located practically in the center of Kōchi, viewing the city from the castle’s keep makes for an interesting juxtaposition of modern and traditional.
Kōchi Castle is also nearby the famous Hirome Market which makes for a nice stop after stepping back in time on while on the castle ground. Hirome Market allows visitors a peek into the lively local culture of Kōchi while friends, families, and even salarymen take the time to sample the local specialties of Kōchi Prefecture, relax with a drink, and socialize with who decides to take a seat.
OZU TOWN
Ōzu Town, Ehime has remained largely untouched by time and much of the medieval townscape remains the same and from time to time the gentle surface of the Hijikawa River even reflects the looming keep of Ōzu Castle like a dark emerald mirror.
For years the private residences and buildings have reposed undisturbed in the shadow of Ōzu’s iconic landmark, yet recently this has started to change.
These traditional buildings have gradually been renovated and reimagined into lodgings, restaurants, cafes, and other businesses which blend the town’s traditional aesthetic with the new enterprises that aim to protect the traditional beauty of these historic districts which at the same time hope to breathe new life into Ōzu.
Notably these include Ōzu Castle itself which now allows visitors to actually lodge inside the castle’s keep; the Buddha Hall of Nyohōji located on the base of Mount Tomisuyama; and Garyu Sansō a traditional villa overlooking the green waters of the Hijikawa River that showcases Japanese concepts of harmony with nature.