The name literally means “four provinces” (四国), referring to the old provinces of Awa, Tosa, Sanuki, and Iyo.
Location: south of Honshu (separated by the Seto Inland Sea) and northeast of Kyushu.
The island has a mountainous interior with coastal plains, surrounded by the calm Seto Inland Sea to the north and the rougher Pacific Ocean to the south.
The four provinces (prefectures) Shikoku currently consists of four prefectures:
Tokushima — Known for the spectacular Naruto whirlpools, the remote Iya Valley with liana bridges, and the famous Awa Odori dance festival (with over a million visitors).
Starting point of the Shikoku pilgrimage.
Kagawa — The smallest prefecture of Japan.
Known for Sanuki udon (the national noodle), modern art on islands such as Naoshima, and the popular shrine Kotohira-gu.
The pilgrimage ends here.
Ehime — Mild climate with plenty of sunshine.
Known for Dogo Onsen (Japan's oldest hot spring), Matsuyama Castle, the Shimanami Kaido bicycle tour, and Mount Ishizuchi (highest peak in western Japan).
Many mandarins (mikan).
Kōchi — Rugged mountainous with a dramatic coastline.
Known for the pure Shimanto River, Kōchi Castle, the revolutionary Sakamoto Ryoma, and as a “testing ground” for pilgrims due to the challenging routes.
Highlights
Shikoku Henro — One of the most famous pilgrimages in the world: a route of 88 temples (approx. 1,400 km) connected to the Buddhist monk Kūkai (Kōbō Daishi).
Takes 30-60 days on foot.
Nature & culture: mountains, rivers, castles, traditional festivals, modern art, and delicious food (udon, fish, citrus fruit).
Accessibility: connected to Honshu via bridges (including Seto Ohashi and Naruto Bridge).
In short: Shikoku is a quiet, green region with a perfect mix of spiritual tradition, breathtaking nature, and regional specialties – ideal for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo or Kyoto.
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