Shikoku is not only the smallest of the four main Japanese islands, but also the least visited. At the same time, for those who passionately love nature, relaxed atmosphere, want to feel the true culture of the country, traveling there will bring incomparable pleasure. With a pleasant climate, amazingly beautiful mountains, meandering rivers among green landscapes, narrow paths making their way through outlandish gorges, numerous onsen, ancient shrines and feudal castles, Shikoku is truly one of the best places in Japan. The coast is dotted with numerous small ports and fishing villages, as well as s alt harvesting sites. In the hinterland, you can see small mountains and farms located on gentle hills.
This Japanese island is best known for the Shikoku Junrei pilgrimage route, which includes a chain of 88 temples associated with a major religious figure and the founder of the Shingon school, the Buddhist monk Kukai. In addition to this number of "official" temples, which pilgrims ("henro") visit annually according to a certainin order, there are more than 200 "unofficial" ones.
Shikoku's popular attractions include Ritsurin Garden in Takamatsu City, Museum of the famous sculptor Isamu Noguchi in Murecho, Sex Museum in Uwajima, ancient castles in Marugame, Matsuyama. You should definitely see long-tailed roosters (onagadori) in Kochi. This breed is designated as a Special National Treasure by the national government.
Despite the fact that Shikoku is the least visited Japanese island, Ritsurin Koen is recognized as one of the best historical gardens in the country. On the territory there is a house for a tea ceremony, an exhibition of exhibits of art crafts. There are also various items for sale. Founded in the seventeenth century, it is an excellent example of a landscape garden for strolling.
The Japanese island of Shikoku covers four prefectures (Kagawa, Tokushima, Kochi and Ehime). Until 1988, the only way to get to it was by ferry. Today, there are three bridges linking it to Honshu (although many agree that ferry remains the best way to reach many points). There is no international airport, but four regional airports (in Tokushima, Takamatsu, Kochi and Matsuyama) fly to Tokyo, Sapporo, Fukuoka and other cities of the country. There are also flights to Seoul (South Korea), Hainan (a tropical island in China), there are international charter flights.
The main attraction of the city of Tokushima (the capital of the prefecture of the same name) is Awa Odori -a dance festival that is part of O-bon and takes place in mid-August. The largest in Japan, it attracts more than 1.3 million tourists every year from all over the world. Dancers unite in groups called "ren", as a rule, each includes up to several dozen people. They march through the streets, performing simple steps to the music of shamisen, shakuhachi, drums, bells.
Shikoku promises tourists a wonderful beach holiday in Japan. But especially the local coast attracts surfers. The best places are Ikumi, Shirahama, Tokushima. Kochi is the surfing center of the island.
