logo oku
  • USD
  • EUR
  • AUD
  • CAD
  • GBP
Shikoku

TOKUSHIMA, KAGAWA, EHIME, AND KŌCHI

 

Lush with greenery, towering trees and majestic mountains, Shikoku is a welcome escape from the densely populated regions of Japan. The first expressway to connect Shikoku to the main island of Honshū was built in 1988, and so could previously only be reached by boat. This still gives the region an isolated nature that has protected the original characteristics of Japanese culture and its ancient traditions. The mountainous nature of the region means there is heavy snowfall in winter and mild temperatures in summer. Shikoku’s rugged remoteness has attracted many travelers seeking a more unique part of Japan.

The island is also home to the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage, a spiritual journey following in the footsteps of Kōbō Daishi, also known as Kūkai, who reached enlightenment in the isolated mountains and decided to devote his life to the Buddha. Following intense study of Buddhism in China and the creation of the temple complex on Mount Kōya, he never forgot his home island of Shikoku and undertook a journey to visit all of its 88 temples. Even today pilgrims from all over the world follow in his footsteps and visit the temples dressed in traditional garb, receiving blessings in the form of food and drinks from the locals.

 

Highlights of Shikoku Island

 

The majority of the population settled along the coast because of the flat terrain and established communities around the main temples of the Shikoku Pilgrimage.  Walking temple-to-temple is not only a spiritual journey but also a cultural one that passes through cities rich with history and ancient stories. The Japanese term dougyou ninin (同行二人) literally means ‘traveling together’ and in the context of the pilgrimage of the 88 temples this means that Kōbō Daishi always travels with the pilgrim and accompanies him/her in difficulties. This text is inscribed on the walking poles of the ohenro pilgrims and the hearts of the people of Shikoku.

  • Allow the soba noodles from Tokushima to fuel your journey to Takamatsu, where their famous Sanuki Udon will recharge your body, before taking a dip into the onsen hot spring at Kotohira Onsen. Let the trails of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage not only fulfill you spiritually, but enrich your cultural knowledge and culinary palate.
  • Begin or end your cycling journey along the Shimanami Kaidō. Flanked by brilliantly blue sea waters, riders can hop from island to island with the help of suspension bridges connecting each on their route towards Onomichi on the main island of Honshū.
  • Visit Ehime prefecture, where mikan oranges are in abundance and colour the landscape in vibrant shades of orange and green, and bathe in the waters of Dōgo Onsen, one of Japan’s most famous and oldest hot spring cities, home to the bathhouse that served as inspiration for Studio Ghibli’s Oscar-winning animated feature, Spirited Away.

 Self guided tours

Discover the country at your own pace with our detailed maps and walking instructions. Everything else - from rail tickets to accommodations - are all organised by us, so you can focus on relaxing and enjoying excellent local home-cooked meals and world class hospitality.

Self-Guided
Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage self-guided 5 days

A mixture of paved town roads and forest trails. Sometimes strenuous, this trip features days of up to 8 hours of hiking.

Trip level:
Level
Duration:
5 Days
From USD 1,510
Self-Guided
Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage self-guided 8 days

Mixed town roads (paved) and forest trails (unpaved) - the walk is strenuous at times, with days of up to 8 hours of hiking

Trip level:
Level
Duration:
8 Days
From USD 2,590
Self-Guided
Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage self-guided 10 days

For hiking enthusiasts looking to experience the best Shikoku has to offer. Hike a mixture of paved town roads and unpaved forested trails on the loveliest parts of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. Experience traditional pilgrim lodging, the atmospheric Iya Valley, and bathe in Japan’s oldest hot spring.

Trip level:
Level
Duration:
10 Days
From USD 3,580
 Guided tours

Sign up as individual travellers and leave as lifelong friends on an Oku Japan small-group guided tour. With a maximum of 13 people in any group, our tours ensure you get the full attention of your local guide who themselves share a passion for Japan. Whether it’s traditions, food, society or history, learn the ins and outs together with your fellow travellers and the assistance of our fully-licensed, bilingual guides.

Guided
Temples and Trails of Shikoku

A small-group guided walking tour to sacred Mount Kōya and The Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage Trail.

Trip level:
Level
Duration:
13 Days
From USD 5,175