Shikoku’s Appeal is Rapidly Rising! Complete Strategy Guide for Scenic Views, Gourmet Food & Hidden Paradises

“What does Shikoku have to offer?”

Many people might think this way.

But actually, Shikoku’s appeal is rapidly rising in 2025!
Beyond Sanuki udon and Dogo Onsen, there are the breathtaking views of Shikoku Karst, the secret valleys of Iya, and the islands of the Seto Inland Sea – it’s truly a treasure trove of hidden gems.

This article thoroughly explains the real attractions of all 4 prefectures from a local perspective. From hidden scenic spots to exquisite gourmet food and efficient touring methods, we deliver information that will ensure you never regret your Shikoku trip.

By the time you finish reading, you’ll surely want to start planning your Shikoku adventure.

Why is Shikoku’s Appeal Getting Attention Now?

Background of the 2025 Shikoku Boom and Foreign Tourist Evaluations

Did you know that Shikoku’s appeal is rapidly increasing?
While Shikoku has long been perceived as “a countryside with nothing to offer,” its evaluation has dramatically changed as of 2025.

Three Factors Behind the Shikoku Boom

1. Changing Values of Inbound Tourism
2. Shift from Golden Route to “authentic Japanese experiences”
3. Post-COVID transformation in traveler consciousness
4. Social Media Spread of Scenic Spots
5. Shikoku Karst and Iya’s vine bridges gaining worldwide attention
6. Recognition expansion among younger generations as “Instagram-worthy” destinations
7. Increased Interest in Unique Regional Culture
8. Appreciation for spiritual culture like Shikoku Pilgrimage and Awa Odori
9. “Osettai” (hospitality) culture providing deep emotional impact to foreigners

Category	2019	2025	Growth Rate
Foreign Tourist Numbers	Baseline	Approx. 1.6x	+60.9%
Social Media Posts	Baseline	Increasing Trend	(Specific figures unpublished)

Real Voices from Foreign Tourists

• “A miraculous place where Japan’s original landscape remains intact” (German tourist)
• “The warm hospitality of local people changed my life” (French tourist)
• “Such beautiful coexistence of nature and culture is rare anywhere in the world” (American tourist)

Thus, Shikoku has undergone a magnificent transformation from “hidden secret territory” to “a sacred place the world admires”. Won’t you experience this historic moment yourself?

Complete Guide to Must-See Attractions in Shikoku’s 4 Prefectures

Kagawa Prefecture | Sanuki Udon Sacred Land and Setouchi Art Experience

While Kagawa Prefecture is famous as “Udon Prefecture,” its charm extends far beyond noodles. The art islands floating in the Seto Inland Sea and the garden beauty of Ritsurin Park, a special scenic beauty site dating from the Edo period, continue to captivate visitors.

Must-See Spots in Kagawa Prefecture

Spot Name	Appeal Points	Time Required	Recommendation Level
Naoshima・Teshima	Fusion of contemporary art and nature	1 day	★★★★★
Ritsurin Park	Beauty of special scenic designation	2-3 hours	★★★★☆
Sanuki Udon Tour	Taste comparison of authentic flavors	Half day	★★★★★

Naoshima’s art experience offers unforgettable emotions with Yayoi Kusama’s “Pumpkin” and Tadao Ando-designed Chichu Art Museum, combined with breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea.

Ehime Prefecture | Dogo Onsen and Citrus Kingdom Healing Journey

Dogo Onsen, with approximately 3,000 years of history, is also famous as the setting for Natsume Soseki’s “Botchan.” Ehime’s true charm lies in the “healing kingdom” woven by hot springs and citrus fruits.

Ehime Prefecture Experience Menu

• Dogo Onsen Honkan: Supreme bathing in a historically significant building designated as Important Cultural Property
• Matsuyama Castle: 360-degree panoramic views from one of Japan’s 12 original castles
• Mikan Picking Experience: Tasting Ehime oranges in one of Japan’s leading production areas
• Shimanami Kaido Cycling: Internationally acclaimed scenic cycling route

Particularly, Dogo Onsen’s “Kami-no-yu” is a prestigious hot spring used by the Imperial Family, where you can experience the origins of Japanese hot spring culture.

Kochi Prefecture | Sakamoto Ryoma and Natural Beauty of Shimanto River

Kochi Prefecture is filled with historical romance as the hometown of the late Edo period patriot Sakamoto Ryoma.
The rich nature nurtured by the Shimanto River, Japan’s last clear stream, will heal visitors’ hearts.

Kochi Prefecture Charm Experiences

• Meeting Ryoma Statue at Katsurahama: The statue of Ryoma gazing at the Pacific Ocean is a must-see
• Shimanto River Clear Stream Experience: Canoeing, houseboat rides, and scenic photography at submerged bridges
• Bold Tosa Cuisine: Bonito tataki and sawachi (traditional feast) dishes

Shimanto River’s water quality boasts Japan’s finest purity, and its transparency allowing views to the riverbed is truly moving.

Tokushima Prefecture | Awa Odori and Mystical Iya Experience

Known for the saying “Fools dance, fools watch, if you’re going to be a fool anyway, you might as well dance,” Tokushima Prefecture is the home of Awa Odori. Its true charm also lies in the mystical landscapes of “Iya,” one of Japan’s three great hidden valleys.

Tokushima Prefecture’s Mystical Spots

Location	Experience Content	Mystique Level
Iya Vine Bridge	Suspension bridge woven from wild shirakuchi vines (14m high, 45m long)	★★★★★
Oboke・Koboke	Gorge beauty created by 200-million-year-old geological formations	★★★★☆
Naruto Whirlpools	World’s largest-scale whirlpools	★★★★★

Iya Vine Bridge is a thrilling suspension bridge where historical romance of Heike clan refugee legends and the silence echoing through primeval forests heal modern hearts.

Additionally, Otsuka Museum of Art offers collections of world masterpieces reproduced on ceramic panels, providing uniquely Tokushima experiences where art and nature harmonize.

Shikoku Karst & Scenic Spots and Traditional Culture Attractions

Shikoku Karst’s Magnificent Landscapes and Photography Points

One of Japan’s three major karst formations, “Shikoku Karst” is a highland region spanning 1,000-1,500 meters above sea level across Ehime and Kochi prefectures. Its magnificent landscapes, also called “Japan’s Switzerland,” provide unforgettable emotional experiences.

Detailed Scenic Points of Shikoku Karst

Spot Name	Elevation	Highlights	Best Time	Photography Tips
Tengu Plateau	1,485m	360-degree panoramic views	Sunrise・Sunset	Wide-angle lens essential
Godan Plateau	1,400m	White limestone and green grasslands	Fresh green・Autumn foliage seasons	Use limestone as foreground
Himetsuru Plain	1,300m	Cattle grazing scenes	Summer season	Telephoto close-ups of cattle
Onogahara	1,400m	Sea of clouds and starry skies	Early morning・Night	Long exposure with tripod

Four Seasons of Scenic Experiences

Spring (April-May): Paradise of Fresh Greenery

• Fantastic landscapes with mountain cherry blossoms and dogtooth violets
• Beautiful contrast between white limestone and fresh greenery
• Comfortable hiking with average temperatures of 10-15°C

Summer (June-August): Pastoral Highland Scenery

• Idyllic scenes of many cattle grazing
• Ideal as a summer resort with highland coolness
• Abundant alpine plants and grassland flowers

Autumn (September-November): Competition of Autumn Foliage and Sea of Clouds

• Silver world of pampas grass and autumn foliage gradations
• High probability of seeing sea of clouds in early morning
• Planetarium-like experience with full starry skies at night

Winter (December-March): Snow-covered Different World

• Pure white snowfields spreading like Hokkaido scenery
• Occasional views of frost-covered trees and ice formations
• Road closures common in winter – advance confirmation and warm clothing essential

Experiencing “Osettai” Spiritual Culture Through Shikoku Pilgrimage

Shikoku Pilgrimage is a 1,200-year-old pilgrimage culture rare in the world. The journey following the footsteps of Kobo Daishi (Kukai) through 88 sacred sites is gaining attention domestically and internationally as a “spiritual experience for life reflection” beyond mere tourism.

Deep Attractions of Shikoku Pilgrimage

1. Heartwarming Experiences of “Osettai” Culture

• Unconditional Goodwill: Local people freely provide food and drinks to pilgrims
• Spirit of “mutual help in times of need” inherited unbroken for 1,200 years
• Heart-to-heart communication beyond language barriers: Japanese culture that most moves foreign tourists

2. Diverse Attractions of 88 Sacred Sites

• Seaside Temples: Saimyoji Temple (24th) offers great Pacific panoramas
• Mountain Temples: Iwamotoji Temple (37th) overlooks Shimanto River
• Urban Temples: Zentsuji Temple (75th) pilgrimage to Kobo Daishi’s birthplace
• Different histories and benefits providing spiritual support

3. Healing Effects and Insights for Modern People

• Digital Detox: Time to face nature away from smartphones
• Walking Meditation Effects: Finding peace of mind through step-by-step walking
• Self-Acceptance Experience: Precious opportunity for deep self-reflection

Real Voices from Actual Participants

• “As I walked, daily worries seemed smaller, and what’s truly important became clear” (30s office worker)
• “The handmade rice balls from a local grandmother were the most delicious of my life” (German tourist)
• “When I finished walking all 88 sites, I was convinced my life had changed” (50s housewife)

Modern Pilgrimage Styles

• “Kugiri-uchi”: Completing the entire route in several segments (annual pace popular)
• “Gyaku-uchi”: Pilgrimage in reverse order from 88th to 1st (said to bring three times the benefits)
• “Car Pilgrimage”: Efficient visits by car (recommended for those with physical concerns)

Spirit and Heart of Shikoku People in Festival and Food Culture

Shikoku’s festival and food culture clearly reflects the bold and warm spirit of people living in this region. Particularly, each prefecture’s summer festivals demonstrate community solidarity and hearts that treasure tradition.

Soul-Stirring Festival Culture of Shikoku’s 4 Prefectures

Prefecture	Festival Name	Features・Highlights	Participants	Dates
Tokushima	Awa Odori	“Dancing Fools” frenzy・400-year history	1.3 million	August 12-15
Kochi	Yosakoi Festival	Modern arrangements with continuous evolution	1 million	August 9-12
Ehime	Niihama Taiko Festival	Men’s souls clashing in bold displays	500,000	October 16-18
Kagawa	Kotohira Grand Festival	1,000-year tradition of beauty and dignity	300,000	October 9-11

Deep Meanings Embedded in Festivals

• Awa Odori: “Dancing fools and watching fools – if you’re going to be a fool, you might as well dance” spirit creates unity transcending status and position
• Yosakoi Festival: Fusion of tradition and innovation beloved by younger generations as evolving culture
• Niihama Taiko Festival: Hot bonds and pride of men carrying 1-ton drum floats with 50 people

Shikoku’s Bold Gourmet Culture

Kochi Prefecture: Bold Philosophy of Sawachi Cuisine

• Embodying Tosa spirit of “serve boldly, eat boldly“
• Sea bream sashimi, bonito tataki, and local sake gorgeously arranged on one plate
• Banquet Culture: Deepening bonds through “toast→return toast” drinking customs

Ehime Prefecture: Refined Gourmet Using Setouchi Bounty

• Tai-meshi: Pride of the region using natural red sea bream from Seto Inland Sea
• Mikan Hot Pot: Creative cuisine uniquely utilizing Ehime citrus
• Jakoten: Simple yet profound flavors using fresh small fish

Tokushima Prefecture: Brand Ingredients Born from Awa Tradition

• Awa-odori Chicken: Exquisite brand chicken called the “king of local chickens“
• Naruto Kintoki: Premium sweet potatoes acclaimed as “Japan’s sweetest“
• Awa Beef: National fans for its beautiful marbling

Kagawa Prefecture: Hidden Gourmet Beyond Udon Culture

• Bone-in Chicken: Famous dish with spicy seasoning perfect with beer
• Olive Beef: World’s first brand beef raised on olives
• Sanuki Three Livestock: Food kingdom with brand varieties of chicken, pork, and beef

These festival and food cultures are treasures uniquely Shikoku, fusing hospitality spirit with regional pride. Visitors can experience being welcomed not merely as tourists, but as warm family members.

Shikoku’s scenic beauty and traditional culture are precious assets teaching modern people about true richness and human connections that we tend to forget.

Hidden Spots and Travel Tips from Locals

3 Scenic Points Not Found in Tourist Guides

Let us introduce “the real Shikoku” known only to locals. These are truly secret scenic spots worthy of being called hidden paradises not often featured in tourist guidebooks, where you can create your own special memories.

Spot Name	Location	Hidden Charm	Access Difficulty
Shodoshima・Kankakei Back Trail Viewpoint	Kagawa Pref.	Scenic viewpoint with few tourists	★★☆
Shimanto River・Sada Submerged Bridge at Dawn	Kochi Pref.	Mystical scenery wrapped in morning mist	★★★
Ishizuchi Mountains・Omogo Valley Falls and Clear Stream	Ehime Pref.	Emerald green streams and waterfalls	★★★★

• Shodoshima Kankakei Back Trail Viewpoint offers breathtaking views overlooking islands floating in the Seto Inland Sea. It’s a quiet place without tour buses where you can enjoy photography in private spaces.

• Sada Submerged Bridge at Dawn is a living bridge used by locals, offering mystical scenery wrapped in morning mist.

• Omogo Valley Falls and Clear Stream features beautiful emerald green transparent rivers and multiple waterfalls – it’s streams and valleys, not hot springs.

Efficient Touring Routes and Seasonal Best Timing

Recommended Touring Patterns

• 2 Nights 3 Days Course (Beginner-friendly)
  • Day 1: Takamatsu→Naoshima→Dogo Onsen (Art + Hot Springs)
  • Day 2: Matsuyama→Shikoku Karst→Kochi (Scenery + History)
  • Day 3: Katsurahama→Iya→Tokushima (Nature + Hidden Valley)
• 3 Nights 4 Days Course (Full Experience)
  • One day per prefecture + half-day pilgrimage experience

Seasonal Best Timing

Season	Recommendation Level	Highlights	Precautions
Spring (March-May)	★★★★☆	Cherry blossoms・Fresh greenery・Shikoku Karst flowers	Holidays can be crowded
Summer (June-August)	★★★★★	Festival season・Beach activities	Heat countermeasures essential
Autumn (September-November)	★★★★★	Autumn foliage・Abundant seasonal ingredients	Peak season
Winter (December-February)	★★★☆☆	Hot springs・Clear air	Snow caution in mountain areas

By utilizing this information known only to locals, you should be able to have special Shikoku experiences different from other tourists. Discover Shikoku’s “true charm” for yourself!

Summary | Next Steps to Maximize Enjoyment of Shikoku’s Charm

Shikoku is no longer “a countryside with nothing to offer.” It has been reborn as Japan’s last hidden paradise, attracting worldwide attention for its complete package of scenery, culture, gourmet food, and spirituality. From Sanuki udon to the healing of Dogo Onsen, traces of Sakamoto Ryoma, and the fervor of Awa Odori, deep attractions are packed in that cannot be fully experienced in a single trip.

Particularly noteworthy is the “Osettai” culture of Shikoku Pilgrimage. The warm hospitality of local people deeply heals visitors’ hearts, providing life-changing experiences. The magnificent nature of Shikoku Karst and mystical scenery of Iya teach us about the “true richness” that modern people tend to forget.

This moment in 2025 is the perfect chance to experience “authentic Shikoku” before it becomes crowded. Take one step forward, and moving encounters that will color your life are surely waiting.

Now, let’s depart on a journey to witness Shikoku’s true charm with your own eyes!