Shikoku

Shikoku

Playful pink lighthouse island paradise Easy walk
Kochi

A UFO at Sea: The Ashizuri Aquarium

A playful pink lighthouse-like aquarium on the sea, offering a unique island paradise and marine exhibits.

Some crowds
Half day (3–5 hours) for the aquarium + observation tower; full day if combining with Tatsukushi coastal walks and nearby Ashizuri Cape scenery
Yellow polka dot pumpkin sculpture on Naoshima Island overlooking the Seto Inland Sea Easy walk
Autumn

Naoshima on Acid

Naoshima, the Japanese island where art, cats, and the sea meet in a unique, enchanting atmosphere. Sculptures sprout like mushrooms, cats pose for visitors, and art emerges in the most unexpected places.

Busy
Full day (overnight recommended if visiting multiple museums and Art House Project sites)
Interior of Dōgo Onsen bathhouse with steaming stone bath, blue mural, and washing stations
Ehime

Alone at Dōgo Onsen: The Empty Bathhouse

One of Japan's oldest baths, in Matsuyama, with its Spirited Away looks. I got to stand inside the Dōgo Onsen Honkan alone during COVID, photographing a bath with no bathers.

Ogijima
Japan

Ogijima, the Crooked Island

Ogijima, a tiny Seto Inland Sea island off Takamatsu: a steep village clinging to the slope, sovereign cats, Setouchi Triennale art and an 1895 granite lighthouse.

Megijima (女木島)
Japan

Megijima: The Demons Have Retired

Megijima, the oni island of the Seto Inland Sea: a beach, an ageing village, stone walls and a startling retro American cinema, 20 minutes by ferry from Takamatsu.

Scenic Coastal Village Nestled in Lush Landscape Nostalgic
Ehime

Sotodomari Ishigaki-no-sato: Village of Outsiders

A scenic coastal village nestled in a lush landscape, home to outsiders and rich in character.

Hina Festival
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Aerial view of abandoned New Muroto Sky Resort concrete towers above Japan’s coastline Off the map
Kochi

New Muroto Sky Rest: Abandoned at the Summit

Découvrez le mystère captivant du Skyrest New Muroto, un restaurant panoramique abandonné au Japon, entre ambitions déchues et folklore hanté.

Difficulty
Risk
Coastal medieval castle aerial view Off the map
Kochi

Château Sampo: A Medieval Castle in Japan ?

This mysterious Spanish-insired medieval castle is thought to be haunted ...

Difficulty
Risk
Exploring Uchikos Historic Charm: Step Back in Time Easy walk
Autumn

The Village of Yokaichi

The charming village of Yokaichi, in the countryside of Shikoku island, takes you back to the Meiji era. Its beautiful wooden houses are worth a lingering look.

Quiet
Half day (3–5 hours) for the Yokaichi district, Kamihaga Residence/Wax Museum, and Uchiko-za; full day if you explore more of Uchiko at a slow pace