Shikoku is a place where the powerful grandeur of nature, unique to this region, coexists with a profound sense of history. If you research ‘Shikoku travel,’ countless spots will appear, but if you’re exploring the vastness of Shikoku within a limited number of days, the best approach is to focus on truly unmissable attractions for a deeper experience.
In this article, we’ve carefully selected 5 must-visit spots in Shikoku for travelers. Beyond just historical explanations, we’ll provide thorough insights into real-world tips for navigating these locations and their deep attractions, such as ‘you’ll regret it if you don’t go at this time’ and ‘beware of this pitfall!’
Naruto Whirlpools
📍 Address: Naruto City, Tokushima, 772-0000 JapanThe Naruto Strait is counted among the ‘World’s Three Great Tidal Currents,’ alongside the Strait of Messina in Italy and Seymour Narrows in Canada. At its fastest during spring tides, intense currents reaching approximately 20 km/h create gigantic whirlpools up to 20 meters in diameter. To see them up close, we recommend boarding a large sightseeing boat or a smaller underwater sightseeing boat that allows you to view the whirlpools beneath the sea.
【Real-World Tips】
The most crucial factor for whirlpool sightseeing is ‘timing’. The whirlpools are not visible all day; the best viewing times are approximately 1.5 hours before and after high and low tides. Neglecting to check the ‘tide table’ beforehand could result in merely looking at a calm sea.
Another major pitfall for travelers is the ‘distance from the parking lot’. It takes about 10 minutes to walk from the nearest parking lot to the boat boarding area or the observatory bridge. To avoid the tragedy of arriving just before the peak tide and having to sprint from the parking lot, the golden rule is to arrive at the parking lot at least 30 minutes before the peak time.
Chichibugahama Beach
📍 Address: 203-3 Niootsu, Nio-cho, Mitoyo, Kagawa, 769-1404 JapanChichibugahama Beach, known as ‘Japan’s Uyuni Salt Flat,’ gained popularity through social media and has now become one of Shikoku’s most iconic scenic spots. The shallow, beautiful sandy beach forms tidal pools that reflect the sky like giant mirrors, creating a magical scene that is a must-see in person.
【Real-World Tips】
The absolute conditions for capturing the perfect shot are to aim for ‘magic hour’ (about 30 minutes before and after sunset) on a day when ‘low tide coincides with sunset’. Furthermore, ‘no wind and calm waves’ are essential for the water surface to act as a mirror.
During peak seasons like Golden Week, surrounding parking lots may require advance reservations, so checking the official website just before your visit is a must. In winter (December to February), strong sea winds can make it extremely cold, so be sure to prepare more than enough cold-weather gear. Also, this beautiful beach is maintained by the cleaning efforts of local residents. Please make sure to take all your trash with you.
Dogo Onsen Honkan
📍 Address: 5-6 Dogoyunomachi, Matsuyama, Ehime, 790-0842 JapanDogo Onsen is a renowned hot spring, counted as one of Japan’s three oldest. Its symbol, the Important Cultural Property ‘Dogo Onsen Honkan,’ completed 5.5 years of preservation and repair work and fully reopened in July 2024. Here, you can admire the labyrinthine wooden three-story architecture crafted by Meiji-era castle carpenters and enjoy the free-flowing ‘Kami-no-Yu’ and ‘Rei-no-Yu’ hot springs.
【Real-World Tips】
As a major tourist highlight, it often gets packed with bathers from evening to night, sometimes becoming so crowded that it’s described as ‘imoarai’ (like potatoes being washed together), making it difficult to fully appreciate the ambiance. Currently, a ‘calling system’ is in place, allowing you to check waiting times online.
If you want to avoid crowds and leisurely enjoy the famous hot spring, the smart traveler’s choice is to aim for one of the private rooms requiring advance reservations, such as the newly established ‘Shirasagi-no-Ma’ or ‘Hisho-no-Ma’ rooms after the renovation, or to visit right after the 6 AM opening for an early morning bath.
Iya no Kazurabashi Bridge
📍 Address: 162-2 Zentoku, Nishiiyayamamura, Miyoshi, Tokushima, 778-0102 JapanThe ‘Iya no Kazurabashi Bridge’ spans the Iya Valley in Tokushima Prefecture, one of Japan’s three greatest hidden regions. This bridge, 45 meters long and 14 meters above the water, is one of Japan’s three unusual bridges, crafted by weaving wild shirakuchi vines. A sorrowful legend states that the Taira clan, who fled to this region after being defeated in the Genpei War, built it so they could cut down the bridge at any time if the Minamoto forces pursued them.
【Real-World Tips】
More terrifying than its actual height is what’s beneath your feet. The gaps between the ‘sana-gi’ (wooden planks) that form the walkway are about 25 cm wide, giving a clear view of the emerald green rapids below. The entire bridge sways violently with every step, making even those without a fear of heights feel weak in the knees. Once you pay at the entrance, it’s a one-way path with no turning back, so be prepared before you cross. The bridge is about a 10-minute walk from the parking lot. During winter, surrounding roads can freeze, so please be extremely cautious if accessing with normal tires.
Ryugado Cave
📍 Address: 1424 Sakagawa, Tosayamada-cho, Kami, Kochi, 782-0005 JapanRyugado Cave, one of Japan’s three great limestone caves, was sculpted by nature over an immense period of approximately 175 million years. Inside the cave, you can find world-rare historical artifacts, such as the ‘Kami-no-Tsubo’ (Jar of God), an earthenware vessel from the Yayoi period (about 2,000 years ago) completely integrated with a stalactite. Recently renovated, the cave has evolved into a mystical space with dynamic projection mapping and illumination that utilize the cave’s natural contours (Note: Screenings are suspended in early summer during the bat breeding season).
【Real-World Tips】
Even on the general ‘sightseeing course,’ the passages are quite narrow, with many sections requiring adults to stoop, so watch your head. The ground can also be wet and slippery, making comfortable sneakers a must. For an even deeper experience, the ‘Adventure Course,’ which requires advance reservations by the day before, is overwhelmingly recommended. You’ll change into a special jumpsuit and embark on a genuine adventure, crawling through dark rock passages relying only on the light of your headlamp.
Tips to Enjoy Your Shikoku Trip 120%
Shikoku is larger than it appears on a map, and travel between spots can take more time than you might expect. Especially the roads leading to mountainous areas like ‘Iya no Kazurabashi Bridge’ and ‘Ryugado Cave’ introduced in this article are often narrow, winding mountain paths, requiring careful driving. Scheduling with more buffer time than Google Maps’ estimated arrival is the biggest key to a successful Shikoku trip. Create your own unforgettable memories in Shikoku, filled with stunning ocean and mountain scenery, and rich historical romance!
