Ah, Shikoku, Shikoku!
Shikoku is the smallest of Japan's four main islands.
The islanders take pride in the unspoilt beauty of Shikoku's natural mountain scenery. For over 1200 years, pilgrimages have been coming here.
The main Japanese islands of Honshu and Shikoku are connected by a toll road Shimanami Kaido 60 kilometers long, along the way passing through six small islands lying in the Inland Sea of Japan. On the way, you can admire beautiful views of the Inland Sea of Japan and island towns.
Among some of the island's attractions, I would like to note:
ScenicOboke Gorge on the Yoshino-gawa River. The gorge got its name because of the sharp V-shaped stones and the narrow path. Here is the Kazurabashi Suspension Bridge which is an important cultural folklore asset of the country. Located in the village of Nishi Iya, it is considered one of the three strangest bridges in Japan.
Its length is 45 m, width is 2 m, it rises at a height of 14 m above the gorge. The route passes through places that enchant with their beauty.
Ritsurin Garden - one of the most beautiful landscape gardens in Japan, which is beautiful at any time of the year, especially in spring, when it is strewn with colorful irises and cherry blossoms. It was founded in 1625, then the construction was continued by representatives of the Matsudaira clan, which lasted more than 100 years.
The area of the garden is about 75 hectares. The Ritsurin Koen Garden includes about six ponds and thirteen artificial hills. The whole area is divided into a Japanese garden, which is located on the south side, and a Western-style park in the north. Just behind the park, Mount Shiun rises, providing a majestic backdrop to the wonderful scenery of the Ritsurin Garden.
The famous Kompirasan, also called Kotohiragu, is a very popular Shinto shrine on the island of Shikoku.
Many pilgrims from all over Japan regularly visit this shrine, patiently climbing the steps, which usually lasts at least an hour.
One of the oldest onsen in Japan, Matsuyama's celebrity is Dogo Onsen, which has a history of over 1000 years. This hot spring and thermal baths were visited by Japanese poets, writers and even members of the imperial family.
Naoshima Island off the coast of Shikoku, which is interesting as the site of a unique project. It was here that the Benesse Art Site was opened, which brings together a museum dedicated to contemporary sculpture and painting. Coming here, you find yourself at an exhibition where all the surrounding space is one big exhibit, and works of art are everywhere and everywhere.
Shikoku is an unusual Japan, with its unique landscape nature, vibrant festivals, ancient temples and many more discoveries!
