Still off the beaten path for most international visitors, Japan’s 4th largest island of Shikoku is a joy to visit - especially if you head out on a voyage of discovery to remote spots like the Iya Valley and Mt Ishizuchi.

Shi 四 means ‘four’ and koku 国 means ‘region’ - and unsurprisingly, Shikoku consists of four prefectures - Tokushima, Kōchi, Ehime and Kagawa. It’s a mountainous island, steeped in history, home to the legendary, 1200-year old 88 Sacred Temples of Shikoku Pilgrimage.

If you only visit one temple on Shikoku, try to get to my wildcard here, the Unpen-ji (Temple #66), to see the mesmerising 500 rakan statues.

Shikoku highlights include the world renowned art island of Naoshima, in the Inland Sea between Shikoku and Honshū, Matsuyama’s castle and Dōgo Onsen, top hiking, beaches and some of Japan’s best surfing.