Complete Guide to Recommended Areas to Stay in Shikoku

Introduction

Choosing the right accommodation is one of the most important parts of a trip. It is where you rest well and prepare for the next day.

Shikoku’s cities are not very large, so areas around stations and main shopping streets are usually within walking distance. However, if you do not consider your itinerary and your personal stamina, the travel route can feel inconvenient.

Below, we have organized recommended areas to stay in each Shikoku city and representative hotels in those areas, so you can choose based on your travel style.

Matsuyama

1. Around Matsuyama Station

This is the most convenient area for traveling by JR to other major cities in Shikoku. If your itinerary includes frequent trips to Takamatsu, Kochi, Uwajima, and more, staying near the station is efficient.

It also connects well with the airport limousine bus and highway buses, so your check-in and check-out route stays simple. Since it is not the main downtown area, you can enjoy a quieter and calmer atmosphere at night.

However, the facilities and street atmosphere may feel a little older, so it may be less ideal if you prefer a new, modern-style property.

2. Around Okaido Shopping Street (city center)

This is the practical center of Matsuyama. Most shops and services, such as shopping, restaurants, cafes, and drugstores, are concentrated in this area, so you can handle most needs on foot.

3. Hotels with onsen around Okaido

There are several hotels around Okaido with an onsen or public bath, so you can enjoy both the convenience of the city center and a relaxing stay. In particular, Candeo Hotels Okaido and Dormy Inn Matsuyama are popular for their onsen/public baths. Some business hotels also have small public baths, which is convenient if you want an easy bath without going to a separate onsen area.

4. Around Dogo Onsen

This is the main onsen area where you can enjoy Dogo Onsen Honkan, annex buildings, and the retro onsen town atmosphere comfortably on foot. It is the most representative core area of Matsuyama’s onsen town.

With many traditional ryokan and onsen hotels, you can fully enjoy the atmosphere and experience of an “onsen stay.” At night, the area is quieter with fewer people, making it especially suitable for a peaceful relaxation trip.

Takamatsu

1. Around Takamatsu Station

This is a transport hub where JR, buses, and the ferry terminal are located, making travel to Shodoshima and Naoshima the easiest. The airport limousine bus also connects well, so arrivals and departures are simple. The seaside is nearby, and the area is quiet and good for a short walk.

It is especially suitable for travelers who want a family trip and a stable route.

2. Around Kawaramachi

This is Takamatsu’s main downtown area, with many restaurants, cafes, and shops, making evening activities easy. Access to Kotoden transfers is excellent, so getting around the city is simple. It is a good match for travelers who prefer a lively atmosphere.

3. Kotohira area

This traditional sightseeing area is centered around Kotohira-gu Shrine. With onsen ryokan and quiet streets, it is a great area for a traditional and relaxing trip.

Compared to onsen ryokan in other areas, many properties here offer reasonable prices with good facilities, so it is also a satisfying choice if you want an onsen stay without a high cost.

Tokushima

Around Tokushima Station

The Tokushima Station area is the city center where JR and buses gather, and it offers stable access both within the city and to nearby areas. Shopping streets, restaurants, and convenient facilities are close together, so your dining and shopping route is easy. Overall, it is quiet but well-equipped for travel, making it a well-balanced area.

It is also a good base for visiting places such as Awa Odori Kaikan and the Mt. Bizan Ropeway.

Kochi

1. Around Kochi Station

The Kochi Station area is a transport hub where JR and buses are concentrated, offering the most stable access to the city and nearby sights.

Restaurants, cafes, and convenient facilities are spread out around the station, and Kochi Castle and Hirome Market are also reachable on foot, so your main route can often be covered with simple walking.

2. Around Hirome Market

The Hirome Market area is a popular spot and central area in Kochi. It is a great place to enjoy local dishes, including katsuo no tataki (seared bonito), and izakaya culture freely on foot.

It stays lively until late, making it especially suitable for a trip focused on evening activities. However, it can be more crowded than the station area, so it is best for travelers who want to enjoy local atmosphere and food rather than quiet surroundings.