Shikoku Japan

Shikoku, the smallest of Japan s major islands, is famously encircled by a 1,200km, 88temple Buddhist pilgrimage route (henro) honoring the 9thcentury monk Kukai. Shikokus major cities include Matsuyama, home to 8 of the pilgrimage temples, plus feudal Matsuyama Castle (1603) and Dogo Onsen, one of Japan s earliest known hotspring spas. The island s rural, mountainous interior has hiking trails and gorges for whitewater rafting.