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🇯🇵 Japan Region Guide · 2026

Shikoku — Small island

Small island · oldest onsen · Naoshima art island · Main cities: Matsuyama · Takamatsu · Naoshima

About Shikoku

The Shikoku region

Small island · oldest onsen · Naoshima art island. Covers 4 prefectures · main cities: Matsuyama · Takamatsu · Naoshima. One of Japan's 9 regions, with its own distinctive charm — culture, food, climate, and destinations that show you a side of Japan most travellers never see.

Prefectures · 4 in this region

All 4 prefectures in Shikoku

Every prefecture in the Shikoku region — we'll review them all · click for individual prefecture guides

Ehime (愛媛)
EHIME · Capital: Matsuyama
Dogo Onsen (oldest in Japan) · Matsuyama Castle · mikan
🔜 Coming soon
Kagawa (香川)
KAGAWA · Capital: Takamatsu
Sanuki udon · Ritsurin Garden · Shodoshima · Kotohira Shrine
🔜 Coming soon
Tokushima (徳島)
TOKUSHIMA · Capital: Tokushima
Awa Odori dance Aug · Iya Valley · Naruto whirlpools · 88-temple pilgrimage
🔜 Coming soon
Kochi (高知)
KOCHI · Capital: Kochi
Kochi Castle · Katsurahama Beach · katsuo tataki · Yosakoi Festival
🔜 Coming soon
Region 101

Shikoku at a glance

👥
Population
3.7 million
📐
Area
18,800 km² (4th main island)
🚄
Transit
JR Shikoku · ferries · rental car
♨️
Best season
Spring · autumn
🍜
Signature food
Sanuki udon · katsuo tataki · mikan oranges
🌡️
Weather
Summer 25-31°C · Winter 5-12°C
FAQ

FAQ · Shikoku travel

Why Shikoku?
Dogo Onsen oldest in Japan · Naoshima art island · Sanuki udon · 88 temples pilgrimage
How to get to Shikoku?
Direct flights to Matsuyama/Takamatsu from Tokyo 1.5hr · or Shinkansen + JR Shikoku · Naoshima via ferry from Okayama
How many days?
3-5 days for 4 prefectures · Naoshima 1-2 days

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