Shikoku is the smallest of Japan's four main islands, known for its rural charm, spiritual pilgrimage route, and rugged interior. It remains one of the least visited regions by international tourists, offering families an authentic and uncrowded experience. The island is connected to the mainland by stunning bridge systems, including the Shimanami Kaido, which is famous for cycling. The climate is mild, with citrus fruits growing in abundance, particularly in the Ehime prefecture.
A top attraction is the natural phenomenon of the Naruto Whirlpools off the coast of Tokushima. Powerful tidal currents create massive swirling eddies, which can be viewed safely from sightseeing boats that get right up to the action or from the enclosed walkway of the Onaruto Bridge. Adventure-seeking families should head inland to the Iya Valley, a remote, mountainous area known for its kazurabashi (vine bridges). Walking across these swaying bridges (reinforced with steel cables for safety) is a thrilling experience for older kids. The valley also features the pee-boy statue on a precipice, a quirky local landmark.
In Matsuyama, Dogo Onsen is one of Japan's oldest hot springs and is said to have inspired the bathhouse in the movie Spirited Away. The main building is beautiful, and the atmosphere is welcoming to tourists. Nearby, Matsuyama Castle is one of the few original castles in Japan and can be accessed by a chairlift or ropeway, which is always a hit with children. On the northern coast, Takamatsu features Ritsurin Garden, where kids can enjoy a boat ride on the ponds.
Food is a major draw, especially in Kagawa Prefecture, known as the "Udon Kingdom." Families can join Udon-making classes where you mix, knead (often by dancing on the dough in plastic bags), and cut your own noodles for lunch. It's a messy, fun, and delicious activity. While train travel is slower here than on the mainland (no Shinkansen), the scenic Anpanman trains—decorated with characters from the famous children's anime—make the journey entertaining for little ones. Shikoku offers a slower pace of life where nature and tradition take center stage.
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Activities & Best Times
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
The emerald Shimanto River and the ancient vine bridges of the Iya Valley offer high-end, authentic wilderness experiences away from mass tourism. October provides the optimal balance of mild weather and manageable rainfall; summer months are avoided due to extreme precipitation (>250mm/month) and high humidity.
Urban tourism, museums, historical sites, architecture
Shikoku's cultural offerings (88-temple pilgrimage, Naoshima art islands) are nationally significant but lack the density of world-class urban cultural infrastructure found in Kyoto, Tokyo, or even Kanazawa. The pilgrimage is a rural walking trail, not an urban cultural experience. Naoshima is a niche art destination. By international calibration standards where 'excellent' means a top global destination for that activity, 'very_good' is more appropriate.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
Offers profound learning opportunities through Buddhist pilgrimage heritage and pioneering environmental art projects on the 'Art Islands'. Best experienced in the mild autumn months; the heavy summer monsoons and high heat make the extensive outdoor movement required for these sites uncomfortable for families.
Events, celebrations, seasonal attractions
The Awa Odori in Tokushima is one of the world's most vibrant and authentic cultural dance festivals, offering a truly unique international spectacle. August is the exclusive peak for this significant event; April offers the shoulder experience of the cherry blossom season, while other months lack major internationally significant cultural festivals.
Spa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
Features Dogo Onsen, one of Japan's most historic and authentic thermal springs, providing a world-class wellness experience in a traditional architectural setting. Peak season aligns with cooler winter months when the thermal contrast is most rewarding; the oppressive heat and humidity of summer (May-Sept) significantly degrade the relaxation experience.
Scenic drives, countryside tours, route-based travel
The Shimanami Kaido is an internationally acclaimed scenic route connecting islands via world-class bridge infrastructure, perfect for sophisticated family exploration. Autumn offers the clearest visibility and spectacular foliage; summer rainfall and humidity levels (Jun-Sept) create poor driving and viewing conditions.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
Boasts world-class cycling across the Seto Inland Sea and unique river kayaking in the remote interior. October is the peak for its optimal 19°C temperature and lower rainfall; summer is too wet and humid for strenuous outdoor activity, while winter temperatures are too low for active comfort.
Beach resorts, marine activities: diving, snorkelling, kite surfing, wind surfing, sailing
The Shimanto River and coastal Kochi offer pristine, crystal-clear water for swimming and canoeing. However, it lacks the world-class beach resort infrastructure expected by discerning travelers, serving more as an authentic rustic water experience than a luxury beach holiday.
Attractions (82 total)
Science Museum / Natural History Museum / Discovery Centre
Asutamuland Tokushima
Itano
An extensive science and nature park featuring a hands-on Children's Science Museum, a kaleidoscope theater, and numerous interactive outdoor discovery exhibits.
Visit website →Ehime Prefectural Science Museum
Niihama
A massive facility featuring one of the world's largest planetariums and impressive life-sized animatronic dinosaurs that appeal to children and science enthusiasts.
Visit website →Muroto Global Geopark Center
Muroto
A discovery center dedicated to the UNESCO Global Geopark, explaining the dramatic tectonic activity and unique natural history of the Muroto Peninsula through high-tech displays.
Visit website →Sanuki Kid's Kingdom
Takamatsu
Located next to Takamatsu Airport, this large discovery center offers flight simulators, science workshops, and extensive indoor and outdoor play areas for families.
Visit website →Tokushima Prefectural Museum
Tokushima
Part of the Bunka-no-Mori park complex, this museum houses an excellent natural history section with dinosaur skeletons and detailed ecological displays of Shikoku.
Visit website →Major International Festival / Cultural Event
Awa Odori
Tokushima
August 12–15, 4-day traditional dance festival, over 1.2 million annual visitors, family-friendly atmosphere with vibrant street parades, choreographed 'fools dance' performances, traditional music, and extensive outdoor food stalls.
Visit website →Art Gallery / Fine Art Museum
Chichu Art Museum
Naoshima
A stunning underground art museum designed by Tadao Ando that utilizes natural light to illuminate works by Monet and James Turrell.
Visit website →Otsuka Museum of Art
Naruto
The world's first ceramic masterpiece museum housing over 1,000 full-scale replicas of Western art, including the Sistine Chapel.
Visit website →Teshima Art Museum
Teshima
An architectural marvel resembling a water droplet, where art, nature, and architecture unite in a single open-air space.
Visit website →The Museum of Art, Kochi
Kochi
Known for its extensive collection of Marc Chagall paintings and a diverse range of contemporary and local Japanese art.
Visit website →Benesse House Museum
Naoshima
A unique facility combining a modern art museum and a hotel, featuring site-specific works integrated into the coastal landscape.
Visit website →The Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum Japan
Takamatsu
The former studio of world-renowned sculptor Isamu Noguchi, showcasing over 150 stone sculptures in an authentic garden setting.
Visit website →Historic Town / Village / Cultural Area
Dogo Onsen Honkan
Matsuyama
One of Japan's oldest and most famous hot springs, this historic bathhouse offers a magical atmosphere that inspired the film 'Spirited Away'.
Visit website →Kotohira-gu (Konpira-san)
Kotohira
A famous mountain shrine complex with a lively approach full of shops and snacks that reward families who climb the many stone steps.
Visit website →Udatsu Old Street
Mima
A peaceful historic district where families can admire traditional merchant architecture and unique fireproof walls called 'udatsu'.
Visit website →Yokaichi Historic District
Uchiko
A beautifully preserved 600-meter street of wax-merchant houses that allows families to step back into the Edo and Meiji periods.
Visit website →Zoo / Wildlife Park / Safari Park
Ehime Tobe Zoo
Tobe
One of the largest and most popular zoos in western Japan, famous for its polar bear 'Peace' and spacious, naturalistic enclosures.
Visit website →Shirotori Zoo
Higashikagawa
A unique, smaller zoo known for its white tigers and highly interactive, hands-on experiences with various friendly animals.
Visit website →Tokushima Zoo
Tokushima
A family-friendly zoo integrated into a larger park complex featuring a savannah area and diverse species from across the globe.
Visit website →Ski Resort / Winter Sports Center
Ishizuchi Ski Resort
Saijo
1,280-1,450m, 3 runs, 2.5km pistes, Dec-Mar season, accessible by the Ishizuchi Ropeway with panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea.
Visit website →Ikawa Ski Resort Arm-no-Sato
Miyoshi
800-1,000m, 2 runs, 1.0km pistes, Dec-Mar season, features night skiing facilities and is the primary winter sports destination in Tokushima Prefecture.
Visit website →Kuma Ski Land
Kuma-Kogen
1,000-1,200m, 2 runs, 1.2km pistes, Dec-Mar season, high-capacity snowmaking machines ensure consistent conditions near Matsuyama city.
Visit website →Sol-fa Oda Ski Gelände
Uchiko
1,000-1,250m, 5 runs, 3.2km pistes, Dec-Mar season, includes a family-friendly area and a dedicated sledding hill with multiple chairlifts.
Visit website →National Park / Nature Reserve
Iya Kazurabashi (Vine Bridge)
Miyoshi
An adventurous crossing over a traditional bridge made of mountain vines, suspended 14 meters above a scenic river in a lush valley.
Visit website →Yashima Plateau
Takamatsu
A flat-topped volcanic plateau offering panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea islands and hosting a mountaintop aquarium and temple.
Visit website →Beach / Coastal Recreation Area
Katsurahama Beach
Kochi
An iconic crescent-shaped beach featuring a massive statue of Sakamoto Ryoma and scenic views of the Pacific Ocean.
Visit website →Naruto Whirlpools (Uzu-no-Michi)
Naruto
An exciting glass-floored walkway under the Onaruto Bridge that lets families view massive natural tidal whirlpools from high above.
Visit website →Angel Road
Shodoshima
A beautiful sandbar that appears twice a day at low tide, allowing visitors to walk across the sea to several small offshore islands.
Visit website →Chichibugahama Beach
Mitoyo
Known as Japan's Salar de Uyuni, this beach offers magical mirror-like reflections in tidal pools that are perfect for family sunset photos.
Visit website →Kashiwajima Island
Otsuki
A coastal paradise famous for its incredibly transparent emerald-green water, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse tropical fish.
Visit website →Castle / Palace / Historic Site
Kochi Castle
Kochi
This unique castle allows families to explore both the original main tower and the lord's palace buildings.
Visit website →Kotohira-gu Shrine
Kotohira
Children will enjoy the challenge of climbing the many steps to this mountain shrine filled with historic buildings and art.
Visit website →Marugame Castle
Marugame
Famous for its towering stone walls, this castle offers a fun climb and impressive views of the city and sea.
Visit website →Matsuyama Castle
Matsuyama
Families can enjoy a ropeway ride to this mountaintop castle, one of Japan's few remaining original fortresses.
Visit website →Shikoku Mura
Takamatsu
This open-air museum features historic buildings from all over Shikoku, offering a hands-on look at traditional Japanese life.
Visit website →Iya-no-Kazurabashi
Miyoshi
Brave families can test their courage walking across this historic bridge made of vines in a beautiful forest setting.
Visit website →Uwajima Castle
Uwajima
A small but beautifully preserved original castle that offers a peaceful hike for families through a wooded hilltop.
Visit website →Botanical Garden / Formal Gardens
Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden
Kochi City
A world-class botanical garden on Mount Godai featuring thousands of plant species, impressive modern greenhouses, and beautiful architectural design.
Visit website →Ritsurin Garden
Takamatsu
One of Japan's premier historic strolling gardens, offering stunning landscape views with ponds, teahouses, and thousands of meticulously shaped pine trees.
Visit website →Matsuyama Castle Ninomaru Historical Garden
Matsuyama
A unique historical garden built on castle palace ruins, using creative water features and citrus groves to mark the original room layout.
Visit website →Monet's Garden Marmottan in Kitagawa
Kitagawa
The only officially sanctioned replica of Claude Monet's Giverny garden outside of France, featuring the iconic water lily ponds and vibrant seasonal flower beds.
Visit website →Nanraku-en Garden
Uwajima
The largest Japanese garden in Shikoku, known for its vast ponds and artistic landscapes that change beautifully through the four seasons.
Visit website →Natural Feature / Scenic Site
Naruto Whirlpools
Naruto
Large, natural tidal whirlpools occurring in the Naruto Strait, offering a thrilling and unique marine spectacle for families.
Visit website →Oboke Gorge
Miyoshi
A dramatic river canyon in the Iya Valley featuring sharp rock formations and emerald-green waters best enjoyed by sightseeing boat tours.
Visit website →Cape Ashizuri
Tosashimizu
The southernmost tip of Shikoku, offering dramatic 270-degree views of the Pacific Ocean from high coastal cliffs.
Visit website →Kankakei Gorge
Shodoshima
Ranked among Japan's three most beautiful gorges, it features unique rock formations and stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea.
Visit website →Mount Ishizuchi
Saijo
The highest peak in Western Japan, featuring a ropeway that provides families with easy access to breathtaking mountain vistas.
Visit website →Shimanto River
Shimanto
Known as Japan's last clear stream, this pristine river is famous for its iconic sinking bridges and peaceful rural scenery.
Visit website →Theme Park / Amusement Park
New Reoma World
Marugame
Shikoku's largest theme park features a wide variety of roller coasters, a giant Ferris wheel, and a replica 'Oriental Trip' area showcasing Asian architecture.
Visit website →Ehime Children's Castle
Matsuyama
A expansive, forest-integrated amusement park offering a fairy-tale castle, a unique mountain monorail, and various creative play zones for families.
Visit website →Water Park / Splash Park / Aquatic Centre
New Reoma World (Water World)
Marugame
Shikoku's largest theme park resort, featuring a massive seasonal water park with high-speed slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river.
Visit website →Aqua Palette Matsuyama
Matsuyama
A premier public aquatic center in Ehime featuring indoor and outdoor pools, including a seasonal leisure area with slides and a flowing pool.
Visit website →Farm Park / Petting Zoo / Rural Experience
Noichi Zoological Park
Konan
Consistently ranked as one of Japan's best zoos, it offers spacious, naturalistic enclosures and interactive exhibits that appeal to children and animal lovers.
Visit website →Shodoshima Olive Park
Shodoshima
A scenic Mediterranean-style park where families can enjoy olive harvesting, craft workshops, and panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea.
Visit website →Ehime Prefectural Tobe Zoo
Tobe
One of Western Japan's largest zoos, featuring a dedicated Children's Zoo with petting areas and a wide variety of animals in open-air habitats.
Visit website →Sanuki Manno Park
Manno
This expansive national park features massive flower gardens, large-scale playgrounds, and cycling paths, making it a premier destination for family outdoor recreation.
Visit website →Shikoku Karst
Kumakogen
Known as the 'Switzerland of Shikoku,' this high-altitude plateau offers families a chance to walk among unique limestone formations and grazing cattle with stunning mountain views.
Road Trips & Scenic Drives
Oboke and Iya Valley Drive
Miyoshi
40km paved mountain road (2 hours). A narrow and winding route through deep forested gorges. Key highlights include the emerald waters of the Yoshino River, the Kazurabashi vine bridges, and the steep 'V-shaped' Iya Valley cliffs.
Visit website →Shimanami Kaido Expressway
Imabari
60km paved toll road and bridge network (1 hour by car). This world-famous route connects Shikoku to Honshu across six islands in the Seto Inland Sea, featuring the massive Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge and stunning oceanic views from elevated spans.
Visit website →UFO Line (Kamegamori Forest Road)
Saijo
27km paved high-altitude ridge road (1.5 hours). Located along the roof of Shikoku at 1,300m to 1,700m elevation. Offers dramatic 360-degree views of the Ishizuchi mountain range and the Pacific Ocean. Closed in winter.
Visit website →Sada Cape Melody Line (National Route 197)
Yawatahama
40km paved ridge road (50 minutes). Located on the narrowest peninsula in Japan, this road offers views of the Seto Inland Sea on one side and the Uwa Sea on the other. Features a 'musical road' section that plays a tune through tire vibrations.
Visit website →Ashizuri Sunny Road (National Route 321)
Shimanto
80km paved coastal highway (2-3 hours). Follows the rugged southwestern coastline of Kochi Prefecture. Highlights include the Tatsukushi Marine Park, sandstone formations, sea caves, and the tropical vegetation of Cape Ashizuri.
Visit website →Muroto Cape Coastal Drive (National Route 55)
Tokushima
140km paved coastal route (3.5 hours). Connects Tokushima City to Muroto Cape in Kochi. Famous for its dramatic geological formations within the Muroto UNESCO Global Geopark and long stretches of unobstructed Pacific Ocean views.
Visit website →Shikoku Karst Sky Road
Kumakogen
25km paved scenic drive (1 hour). Part of Prefectural Road 383, this 'Sky Road' traverses a white limestone plateau at 1,400m altitude. Highlights include weathered karst rock formations, grazing cattle, and rolling green mountain pastures.
Visit website →Aquarium / Sea Life Centre
Shikoku Aquarium
Utazu
A modern and artistic facility that showcases the diverse marine life of the Seto Inland Sea and the Pacific Ocean.
Visit website →Muroto Schoolhouse Aquarium
Muroto
A highly unique attraction where a former elementary school has been converted into an aquarium, using desks and the pool as habitats.
Visit website →Katsurahama Aquarium
Kochi
A nostalgic and interactive seaside aquarium famous for its sea turtle feeding and views of the Pacific coast.
Visit website →Kochi Prefectural Ashizuri Aquarium (SATOUMI)
Tosashimizu
An immersive aquarium integrated with its coastal surroundings, highlighting the rich biodiversity of the Kuroshio current.
Visit website →New Yashima Aquarium
Takamatsu
Located on a mountaintop plateau, this aquarium features rare manatees and incredible views of the Seto Inland Sea.
Visit website →Hiking & Cycling Routes
Shikoku Henro Pilgrimage
Naruto
1,200km expert 45-60 day walking route visiting 88 Buddhist temples across the island. Elevation gain exceeds 10,000m total. Bike rental for sections: Giant Store Imabari (giant-store.jp/imabari/)
Visit website →Shimanami Kaido Cycling Route
Imabari
70km moderate 1-2 day cycling route crossing six islands and the Seto Inland Sea via massive suspension bridges. Elevation gain is approximately 500m. Bike rental: Shimanami Japan (shimanami-cycle.or.jp)
Visit website →Shimanto River Cycling Route
Shimanto
40km easy 4-5 hour cycling route along the 'last clear stream of Japan.' Features iconic 'Chubako' submersible bridges. Elevation gain is minimal (mostly downhill/flat). Bike rental: Shimanto Rin-Rin Cycle (shimanto-cycle.com)
Visit website →Mount Ishizuchi Omotesando Trail
Saijo
8.6km challenging 5-6 hour hike to the highest peak in Western Japan (1,982m). Features 600m elevation gain and famous heavy iron chains for climbing cliffs. Accessible via Ishizuchi Mountain Ropeway.
Visit website →Mount Tsurugi Hiking Trail
Miyoshi
4km easy to moderate 3-hour round trip hike from Minokoshi to the 1,955m summit. 550m elevation gain, often assisted by the Tsurugisan Chairlift. Popular for high-altitude grassland views.
Visit website →Adventure Park / Outdoor Activity Center
Canoe Kan
Shimanto
An activity hub offering canoe and kayak rentals to explore the crystal-clear Shimanto River, famous for its scenic 'chinkabashi' sinking bridges.
Visit website →Forest Adventure Matsuyama
Matsuyama
An outdoor aerial park located in a lush forest park offering treetop trekking and zip-lining courses suitable for various age groups.
Visit website →Forest Adventure Iya Valley
Miyoshi
A high-altitude forest obstacle course featuring a thrilling 360-meter zip line that crosses directly over the emerald-colored Iya River.
Visit website →Happy Raft
Otoyo
A premier outdoor center providing world-class white water rafting and canyoning tours on the Yoshino River's famous rapids.
Visit website →Natural Hot Spring / Thermal Bath / Historic Bathhouse
Dogo Onsen Tsubaki-no-Yu
Matsuyama
A large-scale standalone public bathhouse serving as a companion to the Honkan. Built in the traditional 'kura-yashiki' style, it uses 100% natural, non-recirculated mineral water from the Dogo springs. It is a favored facility for locals and tourists seeking a more spacious, authentic everyday onsen experience.
Visit website →Busshozan Onsen
Takamatsu
A purpose-built, award-winning modern thermal facility known for its minimalist architecture. The water is a natural sodium bicarbonate and chloride spring (approx. 31°C, heated for use) renowned as 'beauty water' for its skin-smoothing properties. The facility features indoor and outdoor baths in a garden setting, a bookstore, and a café.
Visit website →Dogo Onsen Asuka-no-Yu
Matsuyama
A standalone public bathhouse opened in 2017 designed in the architectural style of the Asuka period (592-710). It utilizes the same natural mineral water as the Honkan but incorporates modern Japanese traditional crafts and digital art. It includes a large communal bath, an open-air bath, and private bathing rooms that recreate the Imperial family's historic bathing suite.
Visit website →Landmark / Monument / Iconic Urban Attraction
Iya Kazurabashi
Miyoshi
An adventurous vine bridge suspended over the Iya River, offering a thrilling walk across a deep, lush valley.
Visit website →