Shikoku is not only the smallest of the four main Japanese islands, but also the least visited. At the same time, for those who passionately love nature, a laid-back atmosphere, want to feel the true culture of the country, a trip there will bring incomparable pleasure. With a pleasant climate, amazingly beautiful mountains, winding rivers among green landscapes, narrow paths that make their way among outlandish gorges, numerous onsen, ancient shrines and feudal castles of Shikoku - this is truly one of the best places in Japan. The coast is strewn with numerous small ports and fishing villages, as well as salt collection sites. In the interior, you can see small mountains and farms located on gentle hills.
This Japanese island is primarily known for the Shikoku Junrai pilgrimage route, which includes a chain of 88 temples associated with a prominent religious figure and founder of Shingon School, a Buddhist monk Kukai. In addition to this number of “official” temples, which pilgrims (“Henro”) visit annually according to a certain order, there are more than 200 “unofficial” ones.
Among the popular attractions of Shikoku: Ritsurin Garden in Takamatsu, the museum of the famous sculptor Isamu Noguchi in Muretyo, the sex museum in Uwajima, ancient castles in Marugame, Matsuyama. Be sure to see the long-tailed roosters (onagadori) in Koti. This breed is defined by the national government as a special national treasure.
Despite the fact that Shikoku is the least visited Japanese island, Ritsurin Cohen is recognized as one of the best historical gardens in the country. On the territory there is a house for the tea ceremony, exhibitions of art exhibits. Various items for sale are also offered. Founded in the seventeenth century, it is an excellent example of a landscape garden for walks.
The Japanese island of Shikoku covers four prefectures (Kagawa, Tokushima, Koti and Ehime). Until 1988, it was possible to reach it only by ferry. Today, there are three bridges linking it with Honshu (although many recognize that ferry remains the best way to reach many points). There is no international airport, but flights to Tokyo, Sapporo, Fukuoka and other cities of the country are operated in four regional airports (in Tokushima, Takamatsu, Koti and Matsuyama). Also served flights to Seoul (South Korea), Hainan (tropical island in China), there are international charter flights.
The main attraction of the city of Tokushima (the capital of the prefecture of the same name) is Ava Odori - a dance festival that is part of O-bon and is held in mid-August. The largest in Japan, it collects every year more than 1.3 million tourists from all over the world. Dancers are united in groups called "Ren", as a rule, each includes up to several dozen people. They march through the streets, performing uncomplicated steps to the music of the shamisen, shakuhachi, drums, bells.
Shikoku promises tourists a wonderful beach holiday in Japan. But especially there, the coast attracts surfers. The best places are Ikumi, Shirahama, Tokushima. Koti is the center of island surfing.