Shikoku is a top island to explore with your own wheels - this allows you to get to the most interesting places, where there are no trains.

You can either drive to Shikoku on one of three bridge systems that link the island to Honshū, or you can fly, ferry or train to the island and pick up a rental car once there.

For this itinerary, we’re going to assume that you’ve come from the ‘art island’ of Naoshima by ferry to Takamatsu. This has become a popular way to get to Shikoku.

Day-by-day

Day 1: Spend a day in Takamatsu exploring its central arcades and famous Ritsurin-kōen garden.

Day 2: Get an early start - pick up your rental car and drive to Kotohira, site of Konpira Shrine. It’s a 1368 stone step-climb up to the Inner Shrine, at this, Shikoku’s most celebrated shrine.