- Adventure Travel in Shikoku
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- Cycling towards awakening
1-night 2-days - The 88-Temple
Shikoku Pilgrimage - The 88-Temple Shikoku Pilgrimage spans all four prefectures of Shikoku and each are often considered as spiritual “dōjōs.” Two of these are Tokushima, the dōjō of awakening faith, and Kōchi, the dōjō of ascetic training. The distance to the final temple of Tokushima Yakuōji is roughly 80km to the first temple of Kōchi, Hotsumisakiji. On this course pilgrims will experience the transition between the dōjō of awakening faith and the dōjō of ascetic training to get a taste of the pilgrimage experience. Going by E-bike, visitors will experience the rocky expanses of Pacific coastline which link the two dōjōs together.
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- Exploring the karsts and rivers of
Shikoku - Niyodo Blue
- This tour allows visitors to enjoy the mountains and clear rivers of Shikoku. A karst refers to a terrain of exposed limestone rock that are the remnants of what was at one time covered by great oceans eons ago and is a geological feature uncommon across Japan. During this tour, visitors will visit Iwayaji Temple, the 45th temple along the 88-Shikoku Pilgrimage, which is a temple seemingly carved from the side of a mountain. While cycling across mountainous prefectural borders, visitors will also be able to view unique landmarks such as the towering Mimidodake Rock as well as stretches of white limestone karst. The night will be spent in a lodge style accommodation within the wilds of the Shikoku Mountains.
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WONDER AROUNDSHIKOKU
Guiding your trip to new adventures in Japan
Explore abundant nature and history in Shikoku,
Japan's hidden gem
It may be the smallest of Japan's main islands, but Shikoku is brimming with natural beauty and rich cultural traditions.
At the island's heart, vast mountains and crystal-clear streams make for an impressive scene,
while encircling the entire island is an ancient Buddhist pilgrimage route complete with no less than 88 temples.
The island is also home to many historical structures and traditional Japanese homes that offer wholly original experiences for the avid traveler.
Nature
Enjoy spellbinding views of Shikoku from above
There's no better way to experience the majesty of Shikoku than from atop one of its numerous mountains. Regardless of your experience level, there are many ways and places to scale the slopes and take in the view. Hop on board the ropeway through the Kankakei Gorge where panoramic views await. Hike a spiritual trail in Kochi and follow in the footsteps of Shugendo pilgrims. Or take a 330-meter journey on a chairlift up nearby Mount Tsurugi for a resplendent view.
Culture
Unique cultural experiences found nowhere else
Despite its small size, Shikoku has developed its own unique traditions that have enticed visitors for centuries. One of the highlights is the annual Murakami Suigun Boat Race which takes place in the height of the summer. In Tokushima, an 800-year-old tradition of indigo dying lives on. And in Kochi's Iwamoto Temple, monks will guide you through the practice of meditating while sitting cross-legged in the Shimanto River.
Activity
Castle stays and art islands are just some of the activities on offer
Although natural sights in Shikoku are an important draw for tourists, the island's cultural activities are equally as fulfilling. In Ozu City, visitors can stay at Ozu Castle for an unforgettable night of accommodations, while Naoshima, a small island in the Seto Inland Sea, is famous for its art galleries and museums. In the Iya Valley, enjoy a leisurely overnight stay at Chiiori, a 300-year-old Japanese traditional home that will transport you to a time lost to history.
Shikoku in the News
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Embrace spiritualism on Japan’s sacred nature trail: SHIKOKU GUIDE
BBC StoryWorks Commercial Productions
Shikoku is the smallest of Japan's four main islands, but it delivers big on opportunities to get to know Japan's spiritual side and explore some of the country's strikingly beautiful natural areas. Divided into the four prefectures of Kagawa, Ehime, Tokushima and Kochi, Shikoku can be reached by air, train, bus or ferry from Japan's major cities.
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Japan on and off the trail
National Geographic
Visitors to Japan have likely heard about the cherry blossoms, hot springs, and Mount Fuji—maybe even the snowy slopes of Niseko and sun-kissed islands of Okinawa—yet much of Japan's great outdoors remains unknown. Take the relatively under-visited regions of Shikoku and Tohoku, one a short flight west of Tokyo, the other an easy train trip north, which reward travelers who veer off the beaten path with scenic coastal trails, hikes to sacred peaks, and a host of other experiences in nature.
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Embark on High-Altitude Adventure in Breathtaking Japan
Travel + Leisure
Japan’s mountainous landscape means it’s the land of many beautiful vistas. To truly see all Japan has to offer, visitors should aim high. Fill your travel itinerary with thrilling high-altitude adventures, scenic treks, historic mountain villages, and panoramic perspectives in some of the country’s most awe-inspiring natural landscapes.
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Shikoku: Where nature meets tradition
BBC StoryWorks Commercial Productions
Blessed with majestic peaks, pristine waterways and surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and the Seto Inland Sea, the island of Shikoku provides a myriad opportunities to explore nature. It is also the home of Japan’s most famous pilgrimage, the Shikoku Henro, a journey covering 88 temples with connections to the Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi (also known as Kukai).
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Discover Japan: Forest Bathing and Spiritual Connections
CNN
Embark on a short leg of the 88 Shikoku Pilgrimage, a historic route dating back over 1,200 years that connects 88 Buddhist temples on the island of Shikoku. Each of these temples is connected to Kobo Daishi, a revered monk who trained and traveled in the region.
Introduction
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Secret Japan, Deep Shikoku by Kochi Amigo.inc
We will guide you to the unique traditions, culture, food, and nature of Shikoku Island.
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Anabuki Travel Corp. -Discover Shikoku
Discover Shikoku: Bespoke travel redefined. Your exclusive journey through Japan’s mystique awaits—where every detail is meticulously tailored to exceed your expectations.
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Shikoku Tours -Shikoku, Japan's last frontier-
Build a strong, community-based inbound tourism industry Discover, preserve and improve Shikoku’s tourist resources
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Shikoku
Shikoku is brimming with natural beauty and rich cultural traditions. At the island's heart, vast mountains and crystal-clear streams make for an impressive scene, while encircling the entire island is an ancient Buddhist pilgrimage route complete with no less than 88 temples.
Hokkaido
Tohoku
Greater Tokyo
Central Japan
Kansai
San'in
Setouchi
Shikoku
Kyushu
Okinawa
