Travel Experiences
in Shikoku

In late July, cool off with the Murakami Suigun Boat Race—an exciting waterside event. Held annually on Oshima island in Ehime prefecture, the event celebrates the Seto Inland Sea's suigun, or pirate, culture with exhilarating boat races of more than 60 teams from inside and outside the prefecture. The Murakami suigun are especially renowned as they once controlled the waters around the Seto islands. Watch as these 12-manned boats face off in a contest of speed and mastery. The event also features delicious festival food, such as yakitori (skewered chicken) and seafood, and unleashes a mesmerizing fireworks display after the races. While you are in the area, visit the nearby Murakami Suigun Museum to learn more about this intriguing side of Japan.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of aizome, traditional indigo dyeing, in Tokushima. This treasured art dates back nearly 800 years ago in the prefecture and uses natural, plant-based ingredients to dye fabrics. This deep blue color is known globally as "Japan Blue." Given its long history in the indigo-dyeing industry, Tokushima became renowned for its indigo products and became home to Awa-ai—a high quality brand of indigo dye.
Today, you can still experience this rich culture throughout the prefecture and create your own indigo-dyed fabric. Join a workshop, such as one at Nagao-Orifu introduced below, and follow dyeing masters through processes that have been passed down for generations.Traditional dyeing techniques such as shading produces vivid indigo colors. Indigo dyes are entirely natural, ensuring that the craft making experience is eco friendly. Purchasing these gorgeous deep blue products is also another way to support local artisans.
An excellent place to start your journey is Nagao-Orifu, a company established in 1897 that specializes in Awa Shijira-ori—fabric dyed with Awa indigo. Here you can dye a handkerchief, towel scarf, short-sleeve shirt, linen scarf, silk scarf, or even your own item! If you are interested, please make a reservation at least five days in advance, and note that the facility only accepts cash.

Escape the busyness of modern life with a one-of-a-kind meditation experience at Iwamotoji Temple in Kochi, the 37th temple of the Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage. Every year, from spring through fall, the temple invites guests to practice zazen, zen Buddhist meditation, on the nearby river.
After changing into a samue—Japanese monk clothing which is available to rent free of charge—a monk will guide you to the Shimanto River and direct you to sit directly in the refreshing waters as he provides meditation guidance. The coolness of the water coupled with the encircling forests, epitomizes tranquility and creates a wonderful place to practice mindfulness. After meditating, you will continue your spiritual journey at the temple with Buddhist sutra copying, which is available in both English and kanji characters. For an additional charge, you can warm your body in the temple's sauna to complete the experience.
The experience is available in both English and Japanese! Be sure to make a reservation from the home page.

Try your hand at traditional Japanese washi papermaking at Tosa Washi Craft Village QRAUD in Ino Town, and create your own postcard or paper using traditional techniques. Situated next to the Niyodo River, the complex also includes accommodation, a public spa and other craft activities, with canoeing and rafting available in the summer.

Ehime’s proximity to the sea means that fresh seafood is readily available, and the prefecture is known for a dish called taimeshi (sea bream rice). While the rice and fish are usually cooked, the city of Uwajima developed its own version, comprising raw fish placed on hot rice then topped with raw egg mixed with soy sauce, so visitors with an adventurous palate shouldn’t miss this!