Thank you for this article! It only makes me realise that 2 weeks may not be enough to fully explore all treasures that Shikoku has on offer. I would also be interested to read more about Kyushu in the future.
Thank you so much for your kind comment! Yes, there really are so many treasures to explore—two weeks can fly by quickly in a place like Shikoku. And thank you for the great suggestion—I’ll definitely include Kyushu in my next Hidden Gems series!
imagine you would like a mountaineer climb those higher, alpine elevations with one of these few glaciers popping up, in front of you. These fading phenomenons form icebuilt vaults with lake-like ponds inside. Water temperature is between -4 to zero degrees centigrade, although physically liquid still...
You will swim and dive within for a short snap naked... You need to have appropriate clothing for warming-up afterwards and protecting health, of course. And you will always have professional mountaineers at your side - being wise.
There are Alpine Experts, offering this including meditational underlining. In Western Europe you would find them and I am sure elsewhere around the globe, as well.
Wow, i can imagine that is a surreal experience! The idea of diving into such pristine, icy waters surrounded by glaciers sounds both intense and deeply meditative. Thank you for sharing this!
Just WOW! I have had cycling the Shimanami Kaidō on my to-do list for a while, but now realise that there's so much to explore on Shikoku. As always, the mountains have my attention... Shikoku Karst and Mt. Ishizuchi. Thank you for sharing these recommendations and looking forward to the Ehime Wellness Itinerary. Am starting to think I need to scrap my existing Japan travel to-do list, and just do a dedicated long stay on Shikoku :)
The impression I get of Shikoku is of a landscape and climate that is somewhat mediterranean in character, would that be accurate?
If you do the Shimanami Kaido do consider cycling more than just the direct route. Yes I know it's further (so maybe stay an extra day?) but there are plenty of things to see that are not on the main blue line.
One good place to stop and visit is on Omishima Island. The Ōyamazumi Shrine (大山祇神社) with an big old camphor tree. There are various ryokan and minshuku nearby and more to see than just the shrine
The climate is more or less mediterranean, but that doesn't mean summer all year! just as on the Riviera, it can be chilly in winter and there may (rarely) be snow
Including the Shimanami Kaidō is definitely in my top 3 favorite places in Japan—I really want to go again too! Shikoku surprised me with how much it offers beyond the usual routes. The mountains, the calm pace of life, the hidden onsens… it’s such a gem.
And yes, you're not far off—the southern parts especially (like parts of Kochi and Ehime) do have a mild, almost Mediterranean feel: lots of sunshine, citrus farms, and dramatic coastal views.
Ehime Prefecture looks like an amazing place to explore. It makes me realise how much there is to see in Japan. On my past trips to Japan I have mostly stayed in Tokyo and Kyoto because I am celiac and finding gluten free food is VERY difficult. There are some dedicated restaurants in these cities but when I have ventured further afield I have not had much luck. Perhaps I need to keep working on my Japanese skills and be braver when trying to communicate my needs. I don't cycle but my husband does and I know he'd love Ehime Prefecture so I hope we can get there one day. Thank you for your article. 🙂
Thank you so much for your kind comment! You're not alone—several of my readers have mentioned how challenging it can be to maintain a gluten-free diet in Japan. I'm actually planning to write a post with tips on staying gluten-free here, including how to search for restaurants and communicate dietary needs, so I’ll definitely let you know when it’s up.
I really hope Japan becomes more accommodating to gluten-free travelers—not just in Tokyo and Osaka, but in rural areas too. And yes, if your husband enjoys cycling, the Shimanami Kaidō in Ehime would be perfect for him! I hope you both get to explore it one day. 🙂
Thank you for your reply. I'd definitely be keen to read your post about gluten free in Japan when you write it. I'd love to be able to explore more of Japan next time I visit.
it is a pleasure about Ehime Province. I would love to see,feel,smell,taste and listen more about this area. I am a passionate MTB cycler, whilst my movement to Kosovo even kicked me onto a gravel-bike for a 277 km / 5200 m elevation trip to Puke (Albania) in three days...Hiking is another Nature related Love I share with my team here in Kosovo (Three Peaks of The Balkan). It takes leveled nutrition. Japanese Kitchen is my favourite as you already know. Fish and vegs adding rice...
I have been Cross Triathlon Athlete in years, and wonder if there are trails available. Away from Asphalt and humanly concreting over...? I would add another trip to Kyoto sanctuaries for meditative assimilation.
When would be the best time,...spring or autumn/winter, when onsen trips may be added?
Love to read and wish you good success on your way of Health fostering for others.
Thank you for your comment—and wow, I’ve actually been doing triathlon since 2nd grade of elementary school too! For cycling, I’d recommend the Shimanami Kaidō in Shikoku (though it’s mostly asphalt), and Lake Biwa is another beautiful option. If you’re looking for onsen experiences, winter is the best time—but it can get quite cold, so early autumn might be the perfect balance!
thank you, Miki. I feared Japan is not an ideal place for cross triathlon, and I do respect that. Onsen, here in my virtual liveliness,... quiet and peace are common ground for meditative sessions, as well.
Ever thought of glacir bathing...
There are few limits you may encounter if you try...
I lived in Uwajima-shi many years ago. Everything from bull fighting to the Taga Shrine, a difficult dialect and wonderful people. I loved being so close to the ocean.
Thank you for the comment! I’ve actually never been to Uwajima City yet, but I’d love to visit someday—especially since I heard it’s the birthplace of Ehime’s famous mikan. It must’ve been such a unique experience living there!
Thank you for this article! It only makes me realise that 2 weeks may not be enough to fully explore all treasures that Shikoku has on offer. I would also be interested to read more about Kyushu in the future.
Thank you so much for your kind comment! Yes, there really are so many treasures to explore—two weeks can fly by quickly in a place like Shikoku. And thank you for the great suggestion—I’ll definitely include Kyushu in my next Hidden Gems series!
Miki/Xhoni,
imagine you would like a mountaineer climb those higher, alpine elevations with one of these few glaciers popping up, in front of you. These fading phenomenons form icebuilt vaults with lake-like ponds inside. Water temperature is between -4 to zero degrees centigrade, although physically liquid still...
You will swim and dive within for a short snap naked... You need to have appropriate clothing for warming-up afterwards and protecting health, of course. And you will always have professional mountaineers at your side - being wise.
There are Alpine Experts, offering this including meditational underlining. In Western Europe you would find them and I am sure elsewhere around the globe, as well.
Enjoy, Namaste, Xhoni
Wow, i can imagine that is a surreal experience! The idea of diving into such pristine, icy waters surrounded by glaciers sounds both intense and deeply meditative. Thank you for sharing this!
Just WOW! I have had cycling the Shimanami Kaidō on my to-do list for a while, but now realise that there's so much to explore on Shikoku. As always, the mountains have my attention... Shikoku Karst and Mt. Ishizuchi. Thank you for sharing these recommendations and looking forward to the Ehime Wellness Itinerary. Am starting to think I need to scrap my existing Japan travel to-do list, and just do a dedicated long stay on Shikoku :)
The impression I get of Shikoku is of a landscape and climate that is somewhat mediterranean in character, would that be accurate?
If you do the Shimanami Kaido do consider cycling more than just the direct route. Yes I know it's further (so maybe stay an extra day?) but there are plenty of things to see that are not on the main blue line.
One good place to stop and visit is on Omishima Island. The Ōyamazumi Shrine (大山祇神社) with an big old camphor tree. There are various ryokan and minshuku nearby and more to see than just the shrine
The climate is more or less mediterranean, but that doesn't mean summer all year! just as on the Riviera, it can be chilly in winter and there may (rarely) be snow
Including the Shimanami Kaidō is definitely in my top 3 favorite places in Japan—I really want to go again too! Shikoku surprised me with how much it offers beyond the usual routes. The mountains, the calm pace of life, the hidden onsens… it’s such a gem.
And yes, you're not far off—the southern parts especially (like parts of Kochi and Ehime) do have a mild, almost Mediterranean feel: lots of sunshine, citrus farms, and dramatic coastal views.
Ehime Prefecture looks like an amazing place to explore. It makes me realise how much there is to see in Japan. On my past trips to Japan I have mostly stayed in Tokyo and Kyoto because I am celiac and finding gluten free food is VERY difficult. There are some dedicated restaurants in these cities but when I have ventured further afield I have not had much luck. Perhaps I need to keep working on my Japanese skills and be braver when trying to communicate my needs. I don't cycle but my husband does and I know he'd love Ehime Prefecture so I hope we can get there one day. Thank you for your article. 🙂
Thank you so much for your kind comment! You're not alone—several of my readers have mentioned how challenging it can be to maintain a gluten-free diet in Japan. I'm actually planning to write a post with tips on staying gluten-free here, including how to search for restaurants and communicate dietary needs, so I’ll definitely let you know when it’s up.
I really hope Japan becomes more accommodating to gluten-free travelers—not just in Tokyo and Osaka, but in rural areas too. And yes, if your husband enjoys cycling, the Shimanami Kaidō in Ehime would be perfect for him! I hope you both get to explore it one day. 🙂
Thank you for your reply. I'd definitely be keen to read your post about gluten free in Japan when you write it. I'd love to be able to explore more of Japan next time I visit.
Dr.Miki/Xhoni,
it is a pleasure about Ehime Province. I would love to see,feel,smell,taste and listen more about this area. I am a passionate MTB cycler, whilst my movement to Kosovo even kicked me onto a gravel-bike for a 277 km / 5200 m elevation trip to Puke (Albania) in three days...Hiking is another Nature related Love I share with my team here in Kosovo (Three Peaks of The Balkan). It takes leveled nutrition. Japanese Kitchen is my favourite as you already know. Fish and vegs adding rice...
I have been Cross Triathlon Athlete in years, and wonder if there are trails available. Away from Asphalt and humanly concreting over...? I would add another trip to Kyoto sanctuaries for meditative assimilation.
When would be the best time,...spring or autumn/winter, when onsen trips may be added?
Love to read and wish you good success on your way of Health fostering for others.
Namaste, Xhoni
Thank you for your comment—and wow, I’ve actually been doing triathlon since 2nd grade of elementary school too! For cycling, I’d recommend the Shimanami Kaidō in Shikoku (though it’s mostly asphalt), and Lake Biwa is another beautiful option. If you’re looking for onsen experiences, winter is the best time—but it can get quite cold, so early autumn might be the perfect balance!
Miki/Xhoni,
thank you, Miki. I feared Japan is not an ideal place for cross triathlon, and I do respect that. Onsen, here in my virtual liveliness,... quiet and peace are common ground for meditative sessions, as well.
Ever thought of glacir bathing...
There are few limits you may encounter if you try...
Namste, Xhoni
Thank you for sharing this. You're right—Japan may not be the easiest place for cross triathlon, but it certainly offers other kinds of richness.
I've actually never heard of glacier bathing—what is it exactly? It sounds very intense.
I lived in Uwajima-shi many years ago. Everything from bull fighting to the Taga Shrine, a difficult dialect and wonderful people. I loved being so close to the ocean.
Thank you for the comment! I’ve actually never been to Uwajima City yet, but I’d love to visit someday—especially since I heard it’s the birthplace of Ehime’s famous mikan. It must’ve been such a unique experience living there!