Japan-Shikoku: Travel Guide to Kochi, Tokushima, Ehime & Kagawa | Exploring the Underrated Island
[Music] This is Shikoku, a place often overlooked. It’s considered as an underrated island. Join me today as I explore Japan’s most soulful spot from beautiful nature, unique traditional experience, and locals. Let’s chase the smallest beautiful mainland of Japan together where the crowds don’t go. Shikoko is one of the four main islands of Japan and the smallest in both area and population. Its name means four provinces, Kochi, Tokoshima, Ehime, and Kakoa. I’m starting my trip in Kochi. This place welcomes us with a breeze that smells of mountains and rivers. This part of Shikoku feels wide open, quiet, slow, and deeply green and blue. It’s kind of place where time doesn’t follow a clock, only the light. They call this the neoto blue. And when you see it, you’ll understand why. The water is impossibly clear, like looking into glass that breathes. We stood there quietly for a while. No words needed. [Music] Go. After all that fresh air and exploring, we found this charming German cafe just a short walk from the river. It’s the perfect spot to unwind after a morning of exploring. After a relaxing break at the cafe, we were ready to head deeper into the beauty of Neod River. This time to a spot that feels straight out of fantasy film. Nikobuchi. Nikobuchi is one of the famous locations along the river. The water here has this unreal glowing blue color and they even call it neoto blue. The color actually changes depending on the season, the time of the day, and even the weather. There’s a perfect window when the lights hits just right and the blue really comes alive. Clear, vivid, and surreal. [Music] Tucked away in the peaceful mountains of Mudugawa, we found a perfect place to rest, [Music] Ekawa Chayen Cafe, a small tea house run by a local tea farm. And they serve freshly brewed green tea using leaves grown right here in the region. [Music] But what really surprised me was the dessert. It was made with their house grown matcha and honestly it was incredibly good. Perfectly balanced, not too sweet, just rich and deep in flavor. It captured everything I loved about matcha in one bite. [Music] While we were enjoying our tea and dessert at Eikawa Chai Cafe, we spotted something interesting nearby. The Neodawa Outdoor Center. It wasn’t originally part of our plan, but we couldn’t resist. Sometimes the best adventures come from those unplanned moments. We inquired about canoing and luckily there was a spot available for us to join. Before we started, we listened carefully to the instructions to make sure we were ready and safe on the river. [Music] Once we were all set, we headed down to the river and started our canoing adventure. The river was unbelievably clear. We could even see the fishes swimming right beneath us. [Music] It made paddling here feel like gliding over a glassy living canvas. The weather was on our side, too. Even though rain was expected the next day, the sky stayed clear and perfect for our canoing adventure. I was amazed to see they had a drone capturing our whole canoing experience from above. It made the adventure feel even more special. From above, the drone showed just how breathtaking the Neod River really is. The drone captured every moment of us paddling along. [Music] If you’re looking for a memorable experience in Chikoku, canoeing on the Neoto River is a must try. [Music] We really enjoyed every moment. Watch the sunset and be surrounded by the stunning nature and the famous Neo Blue all around. Cooking and camping surrounded by the peaceful sounds of nature was a perfect way to end the day. [Music] This place is one of Kochi’s most iconic coastal spots. You have to walk for a few minutes and climb many steps before reaching the impressive bronze statue of Sakamoto. You can see from the top. Wow. Standing tall and overlooking the vast Pacific Ocean. This man here wanted Japan to be modernized. I also took a walk along this long stretch of the bay and reached the shrine at the top. It was refreshing. We wouldn’t miss Katsurama Aquarium, a familyfriendly spot featuring marine life native to the region. This turtle here made me panic. And here’s a local store, the Akame or redeye fish. [Music] This place has many sea animals that I’ve never seen before. [Music] We enjoyed also feeding the sea lion by buying some small fish. As fishing enthusiasts, we really enjoy this place. [Music] And of course, these cute little penguins wants a taste of fishes as well. If you’re ever in Kochi, don’t miss out on this underwater world of fun. Now, time to switch it up and get a taste of Kochi’s famous food. We’re off to Toa Tataki Dojo to try some seriously delicious seared bonito. I have to try it for myself. Tossa tataki or seared bonito is a signature of kochi. We’re about to see how they prepare this mouthwatering dish right before our eyes. First, they take fresh bonito and quickly sear it over an open flame. [Music] Just enough to get the beautiful smoky char on the outside while keeping the inside tender and rare. It’s like the perfect balance between cooked and raw. [Music] After that they slice it thinly and serve. [Music] When I tasted it, it was absolutely mouthwatering. Adding garlic and a splash of citrus really balance out the flavors perfectly. If you’re ever in Kochi, I seriously recommend giving this a try. [Music] After that amazing katsu experience, we were ready for a proper lunch. So, we headed over to drive-in Nishimura Shoko. This spot’s known for its classic Japanese comfort food, and it did not disappoint. It’s a perfect place to refuel and relax before our next adventure. When we arrived at Shikok Carst, we were immediately greeted by thick fog, making it pretty tough to set up our tent. Plus, it was super cold and windy, so it was definitely a challenge. But despite the weather, the place still felt incredible. The next morning, we woke up to an incredible view. It was absolutely breathtaking. We decided to hike up to a higher spot. [Music] We started to drive and I was already in love with this place. Shikoko Carst is one of Japan’s largest cars platus. [Music] As we went further, we came across the stunning carsted terraces. And so we did some walking. It was worth it. It was the panoramic views of the entire car plateau. It just took our breath away. Exploring these incredible natural wonders at Chikoko Carst was truly unforgettable. A perfect blend of beauty and adventure. [Music] After all that nature, we switched gears and visited the wooden bridge shaped art gallery, [Music] Kango Koma Museum. The building itself is a masterpiece blending traditional Japanese design with modern minimalism. [Music] Inside, we explored exhibits showcasing Kuma’s innovative projects and his philosophy of harmonizing architecture with nature. [Music] Next, we stopped by the lively community market nearby. The vibrant atmosphere really gives you a taste of daily life here. [Music] We then made our way to the Yuhara Community Library. Not just a place to read, but a beautiful architectural gem that feels welcoming and peaceful. It’s designed to encourage learning and community connection. [Music] With large windows bring in plenty of natural light. [Music] [Music] After a full day of culture and community, we wrapped up our visit by heading to a very famous restaurant. This place is a dine with a view on the Shimanto River. Their signature dish, wild Shimanu eel. Since 1967, Shimanu Ya has been beloved stop for travelers, serving dishes that come straight from the river itself. Everything else I tried was a first for me. And honestly, I was blown away. Shimantoya isn’t just a meal. It’s a taste of Kochi’s river spirit. Kochi, home to one of Japan’s most fascinating sites, the Chinkabashi or submersible bridges. And yes, it’s built with no railings at all. This one is the longest submersible bridge in the whole Shimanto River area. These bridges are designed to go underwater during floods. I had a chance to run and enjoy the bridge. If you ever visit Kochi, definitely check one of these out. They’re simple, beautiful, and kind of poetic in a way, just letting nature do its thing. So, here we are arriving at beautiful Kashiwa Island in Kochi. And guess what? We just spotted dolphins swimming right next to us, which is pretty unusual around here. Seriously, seeing these playful dolphins up close was such a cool surprise. After that, we stopped for lunch at this tiny local spot. Then came the fun part, some quick fishing. We caught a fish and then totally by accident an octopus. Yeah, that happened and it definitely made the day even more memorable. To wrap things up, we headed to Sukumo Resort for a relaxing soak in the hot onset. And of course, dinner here was just amazing. And this last day at Kashiwa Island was the perfect finale. It’s time to hit the road and head over to our next stop, Odatso Street. We spent time exploring Odatsu Street in Tokoshima, a beautiful preserved old merchant town. The buildings here date back to the Edeto period and those raised rooftop walls called Odatsu were once a sign of wealth. Odatsu Street isn’t just famous for its stunning Edeto period merchant houses. It’s also a historic center for indigo dying, a craft that’s been thriving here for over 300 years. While we were exploring the area, we actually came across something we didn’t expect. A quiet historical home that caught our attention. It’s a beautiful preserved Edo period home that once belonged to a wealthy merchant family. We’re really glad we took the time to explore it. Definitely one of those quiet highlights you don’t see in every guide book. [Music] Today, that tradition lives on at places like Yamochi Studio, where you can experience the art of indigo dying firsthand. [Music] The processing itself is fascinating. Before we started dying, they first taught us how to create cool patterns by tying rubber bands and wrapping small balls around the fabric. [Music] These resist techniques help from the unique designs once the fabric is dyed. It’s kind of like making a tie dye pattern but with a traditional Japanese twist. [Music] All right, here it goes. First, you dip the fabric gently into this deep blue vat. It actually looks more green at first, which is pretty surprising. Then, you let it breathe a bit and watch the magic happen. The color slowly shifts from green to this amazing rich blue. It’s honestly mesmerizing to see it change right before your eyes. The trick is to dip it multiple times to get that deep lasting shade. Each dip makes the color stronger and more vibrant. It was so fun getting to do this myself. It really made me appreciate how much care and tradition goes into every piece dyed with indigo. [Music] My personal experience was so much fun. Getting hands-on with such an Asian craft really made me appreciate the skill and patience it takes to create these beautiful fabrics. Here’s my finished piece hanging out to dry. It’s so rewarding to see the colors come to life after all that work. We wrapped up our Tokosima adventure with a well-earned lunch. Buckwheat rice purge, a simple but comforting local specialty that Odatsu Street is known for. On our way to our next destination, we unexpectedly came across a suspension bridge tucked in the mountains. It looked so stunning, we couldn’t resist stopping for a walk. The views were absolutely beautiful, and it got us even more excited for what was coming next. [Music] Hidden in the misty mountains of Japan’s Ia Valley, the Ia Kazurabashi is a vine bridge that stretches 45 m across the Ia River. Suspended about 40 m above the water, it’s made from thick mountain vines called hardy kiwi. Okay, stepping onto the vine bridge is definitely a bit nerve-wracking at first. The planks are spaced out and you can literally see the river rushing beneath your feet. It caks, its ways, and every step makes you feel like you’re on an adventure. But honestly, that’s what makes it so cool. The view is just breathtaking. Crossing the vine bridge in Ia Valley was such a surreal experience. A little bit thrilling, a lot of humbling, and surrounded by some of the most stunning nature we’ve seen so far. IA Valley definitely left a mark on us, but the journey is not over yet. Next, we’re heading back to Kochi for one of our favorite local spots. [Music] This was my first time visiting Hiro Market, but I heard it was the best place to eat in all of Shikoku. And honestly, it did not disappoint. It’s not your typical market. More likely a lively food hall where locals and travelers come together to enjoy great food and good vibes. We tried all kinds of local specialties from freshly grilled katsu no tataki to fried whale and more kinds of fresh seafood. Each bite was packed with flavors and freshness. [Music] We also paired our meal with some local sake, which perfectly complimented the seafood and made the experience even better. Everything we tasted was so fresh and full of flavor. Hiro Market really lives up to its reputation as the best place to eat in Shikoku. But the day wasn’t over yet. We ended it with a visit to a secret, but not so secret, local favorite for Kyoza. There was already a long line of locals waiting, and that’s always a good sign. The aroma alone was enough to make my mouth water. These gyoza are crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside. Absolutely delicious. You can also add ramen to add some warmth. Kochi gave us such a full experience. Amazing food, local markets, hidden eats, and unforgettable sites. But now, it’s time to move on. Next, we made our way to Eheima Prefecture. And one of the first things we noticed, citrus everywhere. So many types of citrus we’d never even seen before. [Music] Now this part of the trip was extra special for us. This event is all about strength, pride, and centuries old tradition. The matches are intense but carefully managed. If things get too heated, the SEC or handlers work together to step in and separate the bulls with incredible skill. What makes this event more special is how rare it is. It only happens a few times a year, and we’re so lucky to be here. If you want to see more of the action, check out our full video of the bull fighting event. We captured some amazing moments that you won’t want to miss. Experiencing Aheime’s traditional bull fighting was something we’ll never forget. It was intense, powerful, and deeprooted in local culture. After all that excitement, we were ready to wind down. And what better way than with a hearty local meal. So, we made our way to a cozy local restaurant known for serving traditional flavors from the region. We had a simple but delicious set meal. perfectly cooked local fish and seasonal sides that taste just like home cooking. What really helpful is that they actually give you instructions on how to properly enjoy the meal. And yes, there’s an English guide, too. So, even if you’re not familiar with the dishes, you won’t feel lost. This was such a peaceful way to end the day. comforting food, friendly staff, and a little taste of Iheime soul. After savoring the comforting flavors of Iheime, it was time to head to our final destination in this Shikoku adventure. If you love Udon, this place is a must visit. Udon here is such a big deal that most of the places we visited had long lights. People really are fanatic about their noodles. Many shops still stick to traditional methods, making their noodles by hand and using family recipes down past through generations. This dedication is why Kagawa is known as the Udon Prefecture and why fans from all over Japan and beyond come here to taste the real deal. But Kagawa isn’t just about Udon. It’s also home to the stunning Ritzerine Garden, one of Japan’s most beautiful and historic landscape gardens. As our amazing Shikoko trip comes to an end, we look back on a journey filled with hidden gems. Every experience was truly special. If you’re searching for a travel experience that off the beaten path and full of meaning, Shikoko should definitely be on your list. Thank you so much for joining us on this adventure. If you enjoy the journey, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you won’t miss our upcoming travels. Until next time from Shikoku, see you on the road. Stay curious and travel smart.
This Shikoku travel guide covers the best things to do, local food, nature spots, and cultural experiences in all four prefectures. Whether you’re planning a Shikoku road trip or just want to escape the crowds, this video has everything you need!
Join me on a journey through Shikoku, Japan’s most underrated island, and discover the hidden gems of Kochi, Tokushima, Ehime, and Kagawa.
📍 Destinations covered:
Kochi: Stunning rivers, Katsurahama Beach, and local markets
Tokushima: Indigo Dyeing at Udatsu Street
Ehime: Bull Fighting
Kagawa: Ritsurin Garden,Sanuki udon
🌟 Why visit Shikoku?
Shikoku offers an authentic, slower-paced travel experience full of culture, spirituality, and natural beauty. It’s Japan’s best-kept secret — and we’re letting you in on it.
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