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Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip — Japan — Cultural
East Asia

Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip

Japan

In short: Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip is a 1,200 km cultural road trip in Japan, typically driven over 10-14 days, best in spring or autumn. Highlights: Ryozenji Temple, Mount Bizan, Kongofukuji Temple.

Distance
1,200 km
Duration
10-14 days
Best Season
spring or autumn
NotableModerateCulturalEV-friendly

This circular road trip follows Shikoku’s famed 88-temple pilgrimage from Tokushima through Kochi, Ehime, and Kagawa, linking sacred sites, coastal scenery, and mountain passes. Expect quiet country roads, historic temple towns, rugged capes, and a deeply cultural drive shaped by centuries of devotion.

~2 refuels
~4 charges
Practical notes
Many temple access roads are narrow, and parking can be limited near popular sites. A compact car is easier in older towns and mountain sections, and the route is best done with time for weather changes on coastal and upland roads.
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Plan this trip

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Stops along the route

Ryozenji Temple — Departure — Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip — Japan
Departure
Ryozenji Temple
Begin the pilgrimage at Shikoku's first temple, a calm gateway of incense, chanting, and stone lanterns.
Hotels
Dogo Onsen — City — Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip — Japan
City
Dogo Onsen
Unwind in Japan's famous hot-spring district, where bathhouse streets glow with old-town charm.
Hotels
Kotohiragu Shrine — Arrival — Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip — Japan
Arrival
Kotohiragu Shrine
End at Konpira's hilltop shrine, reached by long stone steps and rewarded with a grand final view.
Hotels

Things to Do

Mount Bizan — Landmark — Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip — Japan
Landmark
Mount Bizan
Climb above Tokushima for city views, forested slopes, and a sweeping look toward the river plain.
Kongofukuji Temple — Landmark — Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip — Japan
Landmark
Kongofukuji Temple
Reach a sacred coastal temple with sea air, steep approach roads, and a dramatic cliffside setting.
Cape Ashizuri — Nature — Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip — Japan
Nature
Cape Ashizuri
Detour to Shikoku's southern edge for wild Pacific scenery, rocky headlands, and crashing surf.
Chikurinji Temple — Landmark — Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip — Japan
Landmark
Chikurinji Temple
Pause in Kochi's temple garden for mossy paths, quiet halls, and a peaceful mountain foothill atmosphere.
Matsuyama Castle — Landmark — Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip — Japan
Landmark
Matsuyama Castle
Explore one of Japan's best castles, set high above the city with broad views and Edo-era atmosphere.
Ishiteji Temple — Landmark — Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip — Japan
Landmark
Ishiteji Temple
Visit a richly layered temple complex filled with cave passages, pagodas, and weathered pilgrimage detail.
Awa Odori Kaikan — cultural museum — Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip — Japan
cultural museum
Awa Odori Kaikan
Learn about Tokushima's famous dance festival through exhibits and performances. The ropeway up Mount Bizan is right nearby.
Kochi Castle — historic castle — Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip — Japan
historic castle
Kochi Castle
Walk the wooden keep, stone ramparts, and old samurai streets in central Kochi. It is one of the best-preserved castles in Japan.
Cape Ashizuri Observatory — scenic viewpoint — Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip — Japan
scenic viewpoint
Cape Ashizuri Observatory
Stop for wide Pacific views and rugged cape scenery at the island's southern tip. Clear days bring dramatic light and long horizons.
Dogo Onsen Main Building — hot spring bath — Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip — Japan
hot spring bath
Dogo Onsen Main Building
Soak in a legendary bathhouse district tied to centuries of travel and literature. Evening visits are especially atmospheric.
Konpira Grand Theatre — cultural landmark — Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip — Japan
cultural landmark
Konpira Grand Theatre
Visit the old theater town below Kotohiragu for a sense of classic pilgrimage-era entertainment. The area pairs well with shrine steps and local shops.

Where to Eat

Awa Odori Kaikan Restaurant — Tokushima regional — Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip — Japan
Tokushima regional
Awa Odori Kaikan Restaurant
Try Tokushima ramen, sudachi citrus dishes, and simple set meals in central Tokushima. It is a convenient first meal near the pilgrimage start.
Himawari Shokudo — Japanese diner — Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip — Japan
Japanese diner
Himawari Shokudo
A popular roadside-style stop for curry, noodles, and hearty lunch plates near the Kochi coast. It works well on a long driving day.
Hirome Market — Market food — Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip — Japan
Market food
Hirome Market
Sample Kochi staples like katsuo tataki, gyoza, and local snacks from many stalls. The lively hall makes an easy dinner stop.
Mitsuhama Shokudo — Japanese diner — Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip — Japan
Japanese diner
Mitsuhama Shokudo
Grab a casual meal in Matsuyama before or after Dogo Onsen. Look for udon, rice bowls, and local comfort food.
Honetsukidori Ikkaku Konyamachi — Local specialty — Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip — Japan
Local specialty
Honetsukidori Ikkaku Konyamachi
Taste Kagawa's famous peppery roast chicken with cold beer or rice. It is a classic finish to a pilgrimage loop.

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip drive?

The Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip covers 1,200 km from start to finish.

How long does the Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip take to drive?

Most travellers spend 10-14 days on the Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip?

The recommended season for the Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip is spring or autumn.

Where does the Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip start and end?

The Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip runs from Ryozenji Temple to Kotohiragu Shrine.

What are the main stops on the Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip?

The Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip passes through Ryozenji Temple, Mount Bizan, Kongofukuji Temple.

Can I drive the Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip in a regular car?

Yes — the Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

How many fuel stops are needed on the Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip?

Plan around 2 refuels (or about 4 EV charges) along the Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip, based on its 1,200 km length.

Is the Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip EV friendly?

Yes — the Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip has charger coverage along the route and works as an EV road trip.

Is the Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip safe to drive?

Many temple access roads are narrow, and parking can be limited near popular sites. A compact car is easier in older towns and mountain sections, and the route is best done with time for weather changes on coastal and upland roads.

What scenic tier is the Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip?

The Shikoku Pilgrimage Road Trip is a notable drive — Notable scenic drives — strong character routes that locals know well and that reward travellers willing to step beyond the most-photographed roads.