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Shikoku
The smallest of Japan’s four main islands, Shikoku is linked to Honshu by two major bridges and numerous ferries which crisscross the beautiful island-studded waters of the Inland Sea. Protected as the Inland Sea National Park, many of the 600 islands are popular summer beach destinations. Facing these placid waters, the attractive city of Takamatsu, on the northern coast of Shikoku, is the main gateway to the island. The historic Ritsurin Park is considered among the most beautiful in Japan and the mountaintop Kotohira Shrine, about an hour away, is extremely impressive. To the east is Tokushima, a city famous for its coastal Naruto Whirlpools and massive summer Awa Odori dance festival. Matsuyama, on the western coast of Shikoku, boasts one of Japan’s best-preserved medieval castles. The nearby Dogo Spa is famous as being among the oldest in Japan. Located on Shikoku’s rugged Pacific southern coast, Kochi is also noted for its castle. The mountainous interior of the island remains wild and largely unspoilt. Shikoku is famous for its pilgrimage circuit of 88 temples dedicated to Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy.
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