Index
🍜 Discovering Sanuki Udon: More Than Just Noodles
While ramen and sushi have captured global attention, Japan’s soul food might just be udon.
And if you’re looking for the ultimate udon experience, there’s no better place than Kagawa Prefecture, the birthplace of Sanuki Udon.
Chewy, silky, and served in a variety of regional styles, udon in Shikoku isn’t just a meal—it’s a cultural moment.
Many restaurants offer self-serve experiences, where you choose your toppings and even pour your own broth. It’s affordable, fast, and heartwarming.
Sanuki Udon is originally from Kagawa, but the love for udon noodles spreads across Shikoku.
Whether you’re grabbing a bowl after temple-hopping or starting your day with some warm broth, udon is the taste of Shikoku.
🛤️ Walking the 88 Temples: A Spiritual Loop Like No Other
Shikoku is home to one of the most unique pilgrimages in the world: the Shikoku Henro, or the 88 Temple Pilgrimage.
This spiritual journey, stretching over 1,200 km, has been followed by monks and wanderers for centuries.
You’ll spot pilgrims in white robes, walking sticks in hand, as they slowly make their way from temple to temple.
Some travel on foot, while others use bicycles, cars, or buses. There’s no “correct” way—just your own path.
For many travelers, this journey is a chance to disconnect, reflect, and reconnect with themselves. It’s not just about reaching the end—it’s about what you find along the way.
88 Temple Pilgrimage.
🌊 Nature and Life in Harmony
Beyond the temples and noodles, Shikoku offers breathtaking nature and calm townscapes that feel a world away from Tokyo or Osaka.
- The Shimanto River in Kochi, often called the last clear stream of Japan, invites canoeing and fishing in peace.
- The Naruto Whirlpools in Tokushima are natural marvels caused by powerful tidal currents.
- Dogo Onsen in Ehime, believed to be one of the oldest hot springs in Japan, offers healing waters and history in one place.
You’ll also find quiet fishing villages, orange groves, and welcoming locals ready to chat with curious visitors.
The Naruto Whirlpools
🍊 Hidden Flavors of the Island
Shikoku’s cuisine isn’t just about udon.
Each prefecture has its own signature dishes—often unknown even to some Japanese visitors.
- Kochi: Katsuo no Tataki “lightly seared bonito”, often enjoyed with garlic and yuzu-based sauce.
- Tokushima: Sudachi, a small citrus fruit, adds a fresh zing to noodles and grilled dishes.
- Ehime: Mikan, sweet mandarin oranges, are a local treasure—especially in winter.
You might not find Michelin-star dining here, but you’ll discover food made with heart and rooted in place.
🧘♀️ A Journey into the Soul of Japan
Shikoku isn’t flashy.
There are no mega cities, no Shibuya crossings, no neon skylines.
But that’s what makes it special.
Here, you’ll find the soul of Japan—a place where tradition, simplicity, and spirituality quietly coexist.
Whether it’s slurping udon in a roadside shop, bathing in an onsen, or watching the sun set over the Inland Sea, Shikoku offers a slower, deeper kind of magic.
P.S.
Shikoku is famous for many foods, but the sake is also delicious. The sweetfish from the Shimanto River are also delicious!
またね “Matane”!
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