Shikoku – Super Cheap Japan

Ogijima

The smaller brother to Megijima, Ogijima (男木島) is also worth a visit if you have the time. The small size means that budget travellers can get around just on foot. It’s a very compact island, and a good spot for hiking. Budget travel tips If you get an early morning ferry, it is perfectly possible to doContinue reading “Ogijima”

Takamatsu

While Takamatsu (高松) is sometimes missed out of an average persons Shikoku trip, it has a few things to keep visitors occupied for a day or so. A well done Japanese garden away from the crowds of other cities, good shopping and small castle grounds are a nice way to kill a bit of time. InContinue reading “Takamatsu”

Megijima

The best Shikoku island for budget travellers, Megijima (女木島) has beaches, caves and art on offer. The Ogre Island, as it is also called due to the ogre legends in the caves, has something for all tastes. Go off to nearby Ogijima as well if you have time. Budget travel tips If you get an early morning ferry,Continue reading “Megijima”

Kotohira-gu Shrine

Kotohira-gu Shrine (金刀比羅宮), also known as Konpira-san, is one of Shikoku’s top shrines, and a worthwhile side trip from Marugame. There is a bit of mystery behind it’s exact founding date, but it is known to have been a focal point for centuries. It is the head shrine many in the region, and therefore could beContinue reading “Kotohira-gu Shrine”

Marugame

Marugame (丸亀) is a large city in northern Shikoku, and a good stop-off before visiting the shrines in Kotohira, heading west to Matsuyama, or visiting the nearby islands. Things to do Kotohira-gu Shrine A great one day trip from Marugame, Kotohira has one of Japan’s premier shrines. A mysterious group of ancient buildings up aContinue reading “Marugame”

Tokushima

Tokushima (徳島) is a nice place to stop off on your travels around Shikoku, especially if you are on your way to Naruto to see the whirlpools. Apart from that, there is not much to entertain most tourists apart from average castle grounds and a ropeway. The prices for accommodation will be cheaper here, soContinue reading “Tokushima”

Naruto

Naruto (鳴門) is Shikoku’s premier tourist spot, world famous for its whirlpools that bring in tourists from all across the globe. While it may seem like a tourist trap, it is far from that and always included in any good Shikoku itinerary. Budget travel tip When buying the tickets for your cruise, ask about discountContinue reading “Naruto”

JR Shikoku Rail Pass

The JR Shikoku Pass allows unlimited travel on all JR (national rail) trains all over Shikoku, as well as all Asato Line, Kotoden Line, Iyotetsu Line and Tosaden Traffic trains. This means it covers almost all train routes in the prefecture and can also be used for getting around cities. 2, 3, 4 and 5 day passesContinue reading “JR Shikoku Rail Pass”

Matsuyama and Dogo Onsen

Matsuyama (松山) is a popular tourist city in Shikoku, best known for Dogo Onsen (道後温泉). Considered to be the best hot spring town in the prefecture, it makes the city a great place to spend a day. Located on the north-west of Shikoku, it Matsuyama is also easily accessible from the main island (such as via cheapContinue reading “Matsuyama and Dogo Onsen”

Kochi

Kochi (高知) is a large city in southern Shikoku containing the usual attractions of shrines and a castle, but with a few very unique, and often shocking, tourist spots such as the dog fighting culture. Budget travel tips Make sure you bring and show your passport at the Tourist Information Center outside Kochi station whenContinue reading “Kochi”