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Blossom Season in Shikoku

Shikoku

Authentic culture at its rural best

Shikoku tailor-made holidays

Introduction

Most introductions to Shikoku will be made at Takamatsu. And, thanks to its position on the Sento Inland Sea, its Edo period riches live on in a charming castle old town and Ritsurin Koen, a historic garden where delicate bridges lead to lakeside pavilions and teahouses. It’s also an excellent jumping off point to Naoshima Island, where sandy beaches and green, contoured interiors are the canvas for an internationally renowned art movement. 

Ancient culture

However, that’s not to say that Shikoku’s fabled past is painted over; in spite of its size, the island packs in plenty of historic superlatives. In Kotohira you’ll find Japan’s oldest kabuki theatre and the island’s most revered temple while Matsuyama marks the site of the country’s first hot springs, lauded in in classical Japanese literature. For a more animated past, the traditional dances and bunraku puppet theatres of Tokushima are equally charming. And, scattered about the island’s prefectural capitals, you’ll also find some of the country’s best examples of feudal era castles. Contemporary galleries – hosting such heavyweights as Warhol and Monet – and innovative exhibits marry cutting-edge architectural expression with the island’s own natural beauty.

Ritsurin Garden, Takamatsu, Shikoku

Exquisite scenery

There’s also plenty of natural beauty to discover. Iya Valley’s peaks, canyon troughs and bubbling onsen are as much a verdant retreat today as when they hosted defeated clans and political rebels in centuries past while Kochi is ringed by mountaintop temples and golden sands backed by pine forests. Come the summer, its waters are ideal for whale watching.

Shodoshima Angel, Shikoku, Japan

 

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When to go to Shikoku

Average temperature (℃)
Average rainfall (mm)
  • 40
  • 30
  • 20
  • 10
  • 0
  • 280
  • 210
  • 140
  • 70
  • 0

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Max temp Min temp Rainfall

Thanks to Shikoku's subtropical climate, expect short, mild winters and long hot summers with rainfall generally foreshadowing the heat by a month. To avoid sticky midyears, look to the shoulder seasons although you will miss out on whale watching and Tokushima's lively dance festival. Perhaps look to cool off on the coast with the drier north enjoying plenty of sunshine.

See regional weather

Meet our Shikoku experts

Speak to a tailor-made specialist on 020 7590 0689

Meet the team

Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7590 0689 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

Learn why Wexas is the leader in creating luxury holidays. What is tailor-made travel?

Expert advice & support

Visit us in our London office

Let our travel specialists curate the perfect holiday:

  • Inspirational ideas based on experience
  • Established for over 50 years
  • Tailor a holiday to your precise requirements
  • Personalised quotes and documentation

Every step of the way

Every step of the way

Our services are with you from start to finish:

  • Dedicated personal consultants
  • Free airport lounges on qualifying bookings
  • Care and guidance pre, post and during holiday
  • Full financial security: ABTA & ATOL protected