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Shikoku
The birthplace of revered ascetic and founder of the Shingon Buddhist sect Kōbō Daishi (774–835), Shikoku (四国) is synonymous with natural beauty and the pursuit of spiritual perfection. It's home to the 88 Sacred Temples of Shikoku, Japan's most famous pilgrimage.
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Attractions
Must-see attractions for your itinerary
Nagoro
Shikoku
If you're travelling along Rte 439, it's not a matter of 'blink and you'll miss it', but blink, and blink again, because you may have a hard time…
Oku Iya Ni-jū Kazura-bashi
Shikoku
Away from the crowds and tour buses, the spectacular Oku Iya Ni-jū Kazura-bashi are two secluded vine bridges hanging side by side high over the river…
Konpira-san
Kagawa Prefecture
Konpira-san or, more formally, Kotohira-gū, was originally a Buddhist and Shintō temple dedicated to the guardian of mariners. It became exclusively a…
Kōchi-jō
Shikoku
Kōchi-jō is one of just a dozen castles in Japan to have survived with its original tenshu-kaku (keep) intact. The castle was originally built during the…
Matsuyama-jō
Ehime Prefecture
Perched on top of Mt Katsuyama in the centre of town, the castle dominates the city, as it has for centuries. Matsuyama-jō is one of Japan's finest…
Temple One: Ryōzen-ji
Tokushima & the Anan Coast
Ryōzen-ji is Temple One of the 88 Sacred Temples of Shikoku pilgrimage. It is called Temple One because it was the first that temple pilgrims came to…
Articles
Latest stories from Shikoku
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Activities
The best things to do in Shikoku to make the most out of your visitJan 24, 2022 • 8 min read
Destination PracticalitiesBest time to visit Shikoku for pilgrimages, partying and cherry blossomsJan 21, 2022 • 6 min read
Guidebooks
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Get to the heart of Shikoku with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.
