Exploring Shikoku, Japan: Discover Mountain Temples, Pristine Hot Springs, Scenic Hikes and Famous Udon on Japan’s Smallest Main Island

Dogo Onsen As one of the very oldest bath houses in Japan, it just finished a painstaking refurbishment in 2025 that brought back its faded glory. View the gorgeous Meiji-era decor inside and relax in the baths fed by local hot springs. Go early in the morning or make a reservation beforehand to avoid lines. It is said Dogo Onsen was the prototype for the bathhouse in the movie “Spirited Away.”

Pilgrimage Trails There are 88 temples in Shikoku that make up a famous pilgrimage of over 1200 kilometers, 750 miles. You can visit just some of the major temple sites and get the idea of this wonderful experience.

Local Shikoku Festivals With some of the most famous festivals in Japan like Awa Odori, Shikoku offers an up-close opportunity to see and participate in traditional celebrations.

Kotohira-Gu The large temple complex is complete with a festive street full of traditional local crafts leading up to the series of temples. Note, there are many, many stairs and some are uneven. Those not steady on their feet may find this too difficult. If you make it to the top, you will be rewarded with an amazing view of the city and see some people on a pilgrimage (dressed in all white).

Uchiko Located about an hour’s drive from Matusyama lies Uchiko, a quaint, preserved town famous for its wax production with stores filled with local handicrafts. Protip: Have a scrumptious udon lunch at an 1800s home building at Shimohagatei turned into a restaurant downstairs and a crafts studio upstairs.

Mura Village Mura Village has a fine collection of old homes and shops that were located from other sites in Shikoku to this museum site. It’s a wonderful way to see how the buildings are constructed, the fine craftsmanship involved and how ingenious many of the details are in the various buildings.

Ritsurin Garden Pick up some picnic items and enjoy them looking out onto the colorful koi ponds. In the late afternoon, enjoy a bowl of matcha and a traditional sweet at an antique teahouse overlooking the gardens. Every season offers something spectacular to see.

Udon Crawl The island of Shikoku produces more udon than any other region in Japan. They are famous for their many sublime preparations of it, like Sanuki (bouncy noodles), Tanuki (with crispy tempura bits) and Setouchi (citrusy broth) to name just a few. Enjoy comparing various noodle shops and finding your favorite. You can even take some udon home as a souvenir.

Matsuyama Castle Construction of this famous traditional castle began in the 1600s. No matter what time of year, you’ll enjoy views across Matsuyama and the lovely parklands surrounding the castle.

YouMe Town Takamatsu Here is Takamatsu’s largest shopping center with over 160 stores, a supermarket and a large food court with local specialties. It’s a great place to pick up last-minute souvenirs, especially at the supermarket, like udon kits, Japanese rice crackers and sweets.

Day trips

If you have time, take the 55-minute ferry over to Naoshima to experience the “Art Island” with over a dozen museums, studios and galleries. The Benesse House Museum, Lee Ufan Museum and the Chichu Art Museum, Ando Museum and Art House Project to name a few.

Shimohagatei Have a scrumptious udon lunch at an 1800s home building at Shimohagatei turned into a restaurant downstairs and a crafts studio upstairs in the town of Uchiko.

Poeme Sweets Park Try some of Japan’s delicious soft cream (soft-serve) and famous Poeme treats fresh and warm, filled with seasonal flavors like chestnut, sweet bean, orange and sweet potato. Really fun for kids to see how the factory makes the traditional Japanese treats.

Sanuki Noodles Hyogomachi Branch The broth in this udon is some of the very best around. The place has a vast menu and has won numerous awards for their delicious sanuki udon. Humble place with excellent food with quick service. The hot udon is a favorite here.

Teuchi Jyudan Udon Baka Ichidai This very famous udon shop has been featured on TV and in magazines. They make their noodles onsite with a special kind of flour, and the tempura (Ten Udon) udon is some of the best in Takamatsu. The restaurant opens at 6 am so you can enjoy Udon for breakfast (not unusual for Shikoku).

21 Niice Ice Cream This chain of soft-serve ice cream shops stays open late and offers delicious parfaits in unique flavors like black sesame, warabi mochi, matcha and mont blanc (chestnut puree), alongside some usual favorites like chocolate and sea salt caramel. It’s a perfect, not-too-sweet treat after udon (and walking distance from Teuchi Jyudan Udon Baka Ichidai)

Crepe de Girafe Takamatsu A little creperie with lots of choices for fillings like berries, chocolate, eggs/ham etc… located on a covered street near Kawaramachi Station. You can eat in or take-out.

Yakiniku Tanaka You get your own grill to prepare their succulent wagyu and other exceptional cuts of Japanese meat and pork alongside local fresh vegetables. Try the excellent side dishes too at this fantastic, well-priced restaurant in Kotohira.

Ehime no Shokutaku 1970 The island of Shikoku is famous for its myriad citrus. Try this unique fresh juice bar at Dogo Onsen, where they have 20 faucets with different citrus juices so you can have a tasting of all the different kinds from the island. It’s a delightful way to get your vitamin C and try some kinds of citrus you’ve never tasted before.