Top 10 Things To Do In Shikoku, Japan

These are my Top 10 Favorite Things To Do In Shikoku, Japan:
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10. Bike ride over the epic Kurushima Bridge.
This is one portion of the popular 70 kilometer Shimanami Kaido cycling route and the views along the way are absolutely stunning.
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9. Kayak the Shimanto River
Another exciting sightseeing experience for the active traveler is a kayak or canoe trip down the Shimanto River. Said to be the “last clear stream of Japan” because it’s remote from any major cities and has no dams, The Shimanto River and surrounding area is as peaceful of a scene as it gets.
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8. Tokushima Ramen
Changing gears for some culinary highlights is Tokushima Ramen in Tokushima City. It is a combination of Tonkotsu (or pork bone) broth and Shoyu (or soy-based) broths with pork slices, green onions, bamboo shoots, and a topped with a raw egg.
It’s rich, a little sweet, and very filling.
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7. Katsuo Tataki & Green Tea Beer
In the south central Shikoku city of Kochi, their speciality is Katsuo Tataki. Bonito or Skipjack Tuna are seared on the outside over a sweet-smelling straw fire, sliced and eaten as Sashimi.
A bonus recommendation is to try the Green tea beer close by in the Hirome Market in downtown Kochi City.
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6. Explore the Iya Valley
Back outdoors it’s into the Iya Valley. One of the most incredibly green landscapes I’ve ever seen and home to the famous vine bridges. It’s thought that these vine bridges of Iya Valley were created in the 12th century by one clan of samurai warriors after a big loss – If they were pursued, they could simply cut the vines. For a more secure line, and another scenic perspective, you can go zip lining right over the valley itself.
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5. Matsuyama Castle
If you’re a history buff, the Matsuyama Castle in Matsuyama is a must-see. Originally constructed on top of Mount Katsuyama in 1602, it’s one Japan’s original 12 castles. Inside there’s exhibits of its history and the feudal period, and at it’s windows – the views of Matsuyama from above are beautiful.
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4. Have Tea at Ritsurin Garden
Speaking of beautiful, the Ritsurin Garden in Takamatsu is one of the most pristine patches of landscapes you’ll come across. Dating all the back to the early 17th century, the property of an old Feudal lord is one of the most famous historical gardens in all of Japan. Make sure you stop into the tea house for a traditional matcha to get the full experience of this place.
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3. Visit the Yusuhara Library
Another incredibly tranquil setup is the Yusuhara Community Library in the Kochi Prefecture. The Library was designed by famous Japanese Architect, Kengo Kuma, and includes plenty of reading space, a grand piano, and even a rock climbing wall. The architecture inside the library blends perfectly with the natural surroundings outside.
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2. Learn Local Japanese Crafts from Shikoku
A few moments that I’ll remember most from my time in Shikoku was meeting and working alongside some of the most interesting local artists. I made paper the traditional way up in the mountains of the Kochi Prefecture. I Dyed indigo at an old indigo dyer’s property in Tokushima. I created the most incredible keepsake from scratch with an old school blacksmith. I danced my way into making udon in the heart of udon country.
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1. The Henro Buddhist Pilgrimage
The number one thing I would recommend doing in Shikoku, Japan is to experience the iconic Buddhist Pilgrimage of henro (Ohenro) throughout the island.
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There you have it, 10 things to do in Shikoku, Japan – a place that is still relatively undiscovered to most travelers who come to Japan, and for that reason – I would get here before it’s too late!
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▼ABOUT　SHIKOKU／四国ツーリズム創造機構メインページ

▼ABOUT　HENRO／四国ツーリズム創造機構遍路紹介ページ

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