When the warm spring winds riding the Kuroshio (Black Current) reach Shikoku, the island is at its best for visitors. Shikoku in the spring attracts both tourists and pilgrims. The pilgrims come to visit some or all of the island's 88 temples dedicated to Kobo Daishi, who introduced Shingon Buddhism into Japan 1,200 years ago.
Pilgrims have been visiting Shikoku for over a millennium. Tourists are a more recent phenomenon. Shikoku was off the beaten tourist track until 1988, when completion of the Seto Ohashi Bridge made it possible to reach the island by train, bus and car. Shikoku is now linked with the mainland in three different places, but many areas of this large, rugged island still remain relatively unchanged.
Sights awaiting those who take the time to explore beyond the major cities include thatched farmhouses, secluded fishing villages and towns with streets still lined with traditional architecture. Add to these visual treats a wealth of folk craft and some relaxing hot springs, and you may conclude that circling the entire island, as the pilgrims do, isn't such a bad idea.
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