Best Motorcycle Rides
in Shikoku
The road to Shikoku begins not with engines roaring but with the soft toll of temple bells. For centuries, pilgrims have walked the legendary 88-temple route, seeking spiritual enlightenment under the watchful eye of Kobo Daishi. From there, the island unfolds like a storybook: Dogo Onsen, Japan’s oldest hot spring, where weary riders trade helmets for yukata; the thundering whirlpools of Naruto, twisting like mythic sea serpents; and the vine bridges of the Iya Valley, swaying gently over emerald gorges as though daring you to cross into another era.
But Shikoku saves its wildest magic for the road. The UFO Line clings to razor-thin ridgelines where the sky seems to open forever, while the Tengu Highlands, the Shikoku Karst, unfold in windswept grandeur. Beyond these lie endless curves and coastal byways waiting to be explored. Somewhere along the way you might find a cliffside peeing boy statue daring the valley below, stumble into a scarecrow village where silent figures outnumber the living, or arrive at a quiet beach where sea turtles return each summer to bury their eggs in the sand. The joy is in discovering these places for yourself, letting the road reveal its secrets one turn at a time. Pack light, ride far, and bring me that horizon. Shikoku is waiting.
Map of Shikoku
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Shikoku Karst (Tengu Highlands): The Shikoku Karst road, one of Shikoku’s top three rides, winds up to the Tengu Highlands, named for the mischievous mountain spirits of Japanese legend. The ride climbs to nearly 1,500 meters where the air cools, the meadows open, and views reach from the Pacific to the Seto Inland Sea. After miles of twisting curves and endless sky, you might begin to suspect the Tengu set this all up just to remind riders that heaven has better roads than Earth.
UFO Line (12): The Ishizuchi Skyline, nicknamed the UFO Line, is ranked among the top three rides in Shikoku and climbs toward Mt. Ishizuchi along 27 kilometers of ridgeline at elevations up to 1,700 meters. The road delivers sweeping views of jagged peaks, deep valleys, and the distant Pacific, with its name coming from rumored UFO sightings that added a touch of legend to its high-altitude curves. The ride itself is so good it feels completely out of this world.
Shimanami Kaido: The Shimanami Kaido, ranked among the top three rides in Shikoku, is a 60-kilometer route linking Honshu and Shikoku across the Seto Inland Sea by bridges and islands. Popular with riders, it offers coastal scenery, local seafood, and small-town culture. Leave the highway for local roads, especially around Omishima Island, where curves feel like a personal racetrack.
Shimanto River Run: The Shimanto River run in western Shikoku follows one of Japan’s clearest rivers through quiet valleys and farmland. Along the way are the chinkabashi, low submersible bridges with no side rails so floodwaters can flow over them without washing the structure away. Found only in Shikoku, these bridges give the ride a distinctive character as you cross the wide, calm river just above the surface before the road twists back into the hills.
55 & Muroto Skyline: Route 55 and the Muroto Skyline trace the Pacific coastline through the Muroto UNESCO Global Geopark, where cliffs, rock formations, and sweeping ocean views dominate the ride. A stop at the cave where Kukai, founder of Shingon Buddhism, trained and attained enlightenment adds spiritual weight to the journey. The crash of waves below, one of the Top 100 Soundscapes of Japan, sets the mood as if the ocean itself is sharing its secrets with those who ride here.
Minami Awa Sunline: The Minami Awa Sunline delivers some of Shikoku’s most spectacular coastal views, so impressive that four observation decks were built along the route because one glance is never enough.
195: Route 195 runs east to west from Tokushima to Kochi, a long stretch of smooth, flowing tarmac that winds through mountains and valleys with easy rhythm. Riding it feels like spreading butter on warm toast.
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Where the Seto Inland Sea squeezes into the Naruto Strait, nature puts on a show as whirlpools swirl below. Walk out over the water on the 510-yen Uzu no Michi walkway with glass floors or hop on a 2,400-yen boat ride to feel the whirlpools rumble beneath you.
Tokushima’s famous Awa Odori dance happens every August, but here you can join the fun year-round. Watch high-energy performances, learn the steps, and ride the ropeway to Mt. Bizan for views over the city.
Strung high over the Iya River, these vine-woven bridges sway underfoot as you cross. Once lifelines for villagers, they now give travelers a thrill and sweeping views of one of Shikoku’s most remote valleys.
Muroto UNESCO Global Geopark & Cape Muroto
At the southeastern tip of Shikoku, rugged cliffs rise where land and ocean meet with raw force. Walk trails past strange rock formations, learn about shifting tectonic plates, and stand at Cape Muroto where Japan truly feels like it touches the edge of the world.
Shimanto River & Submersible Bridges
Nicknamed the “last clear stream of Japan,” the Shimanto River winds past farmlands and forests with its famous chinkabashi bridges built low with no railings so floods flow right over them. Ride across slowly—you’re skimming just above the water.
One of Japan’s few original castles, Kochi keeps both its main keep and palace intact from the 17th century. Climb the towers, stroll the grounds, and step into a slice of samurai-era history.
Kanamaruza (Konpira Grand Theatre)
Japan’s oldest kabuki theater still stands in Kotohira. Built in 1835, its wooden stage, tatami seating, and hidden trapdoors bring Edo-period drama to life even when the curtains are closed.
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Held in late July to early August, this festival revives the traditional craft of Ippon-nori in Tokushima. Participants ride a single cedar log as part of a competition rooted in the historic practice of transporting timber.
From June 1 to mid-September you can experience cormorant fishing on the Hiji River in Ōzu for about 4,000 yen per person. Torchlit boats glide over the water as trained cormorants catch fish in a tradition dating back centuries.
Shimanto River Traditional Fishing Techniques
Fishermen along the Shimanto River still practice hiburi, where fire torches at night attract sweetfish, and shibazuke, where submerged leaf bundles catch eels and shrimp. These methods preserve the river’s living heritage.
Board a traditional wooden boat and drift along one of Japan’s clearest rivers for 45 to 50 minutes. Trips cost around 2,500 yen per adult and offer peaceful scenery of rural Shikoku.
Watch Sea Turtles Lay Eggs on Ohama Beach
From May to late August, loggerhead turtles come ashore at Ohama Beach to lay eggs. The area is a national natural treasure and a center for turtle conservation in Japan.
One of Japan’s three great limestone caves, Ryugado offers adventure tours that take you deeper into its underground passages and dramatic rock formations beyond the regular sightseeing route.
In Yusuhara, Washi Studio Kamikoya offers workshops to make postcards and artwork from handmade Japanese paper. Run by a renowned Dutch papermaker, the classes range from beginner to advanced.
Make Your Own Knife
At Workshop Kurogane near the Shimanto River, you can forge your own kitchen knife in a one-day class with English-speaking instruction. Tosa Uchi-hamono in Susaki City also offers a traditional blacksmithing experience.
Make Sanuki Udon at Nakano Udon School
Sanuki Udon is Kagawa’s famous noodle known for its firm texture and simple broths. At Nakano Udon School you learn to knead, roll, cut, and cook the noodles before eating your own creation.