Shikoku, planned around your family
Shikoku feels quieter and less known, and you want to be sure the journey is worth it.
Choosing your region
Shikoku: is it for a return trip
You have done the main Japan circuit and want somewhere slower, but you worry about getting around.
Shikoku suits return visitors who want a slower, quieter Japan and are happy to plan transport carefully. It is a poor fit for a first trip or for anyone who wants to hop between sights on frequent trains. If that sounds like you, other regions are easier.
What does Shikoku offer?
Shikoku has four prefectures: Tokushima, Kagawa, Ehime and Kochi. JNTO lists Dogo Onsen, the Great Seto Bridge, the Shimanami Kaido cycling route, Kochi Castle and Ryozenji, the first temple of the 88 Temple Pilgrimage 1. The island is known for its landscapes, onsen and local food, not for a single famous landmark.
Our guide to Iya Valley and its vine bridges is one example of the rural scenery.
How hard is it to get around?
Shikoku has far less transport than the big cities. Trains and buses run less often, some rural services have gaps, and the last departure can be early. This is the honest trade-off for the quiet.
Plan fewer stops per day and always check last services. Our guide to last buses and service gaps in rural Japan explains how to do it. A driver or rental car widens your choices if the group is comfortable with it.
How do you reach Shikoku?
You can fly into Matsuyama or Takamatsu, or cross by rail or road from the mainland. Our guide to flying into Shikoku compares the options, and Okayama as a base for Shikoku and Naoshima shows the rail approach.
When does Shikoku suit you?
It suits you when:
- you have visited Tokyo and Kansai already.
- you enjoy onsen, temples or art islands more than shopping.
- you are fine with a slow day and early evenings.
It does not suit you when:
- you want many sights each day.
- your group includes elders who cannot manage long waits between buses.
If you are unsure, read beyond the golden route for return visitors and send us your plans.
If Shikoku is on your return-trip list, send us your dates and how you like to get around. We will say plainly whether the transport fits your group.
Keep planning
Flying into Shikoku: Matsuyama or Takamatsu
Shikoku feels far from the usual routes, and you wonder how to reach it from Malaysia.
Iya Valley vine bridges: worth the transit?
You are curious about Shikoku's mountain bridges and want to know the journey before you commit.
Where to go after the Golden Route
You have done Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, and want a second trip that feels new.
Okayama as a base for Shikoku and Naoshima
You want Naoshima art or a taste of Shikoku, and a base that does not tire you.
Last bus times in rural Japan
The valley is beautiful, and you do not want to learn at dusk the last bus has gone.
Questions travellers ask
Is Shikoku good for a first trip to Japan?
Usually not. Shikoku is quieter and takes more planning, and trains and buses run less often than in the big cities. It suits travellers who have seen Tokyo and Kansai and want a slower trip. A first trip is easier in the main regions, then Shikoku on a return visit.
Do I need a car in Shikoku?
Not always, but a car or a driver makes rural stops easier. If you use public transport, plan around fewer departures and check last services. A Malaysian licence needs the right paperwork to drive in Japan, so ask us before you decide on a rental.
How many days does Shikoku need?
Four to five days gives you a taste of one or two prefectures without constant moving. Trying all four in one short trip means long days on the road. We usually suggest choosing one theme, such as onsen, art islands or pilgrimage temples.
Sources
Figures are checked against these sources and dated so you can see how current they are.
- JNTO, Shikokuaccessed 2026-10-20
Ready to shape your Japan trip?
Tell us your dates, who is travelling and what you hope to see. We will reply with ideas and a tailored quote.