3 Best Sights in Shikoku, Japan

According to legend, this shrine, which is also known as Kotohira-gu, was founded in the 1st century. It's stood on top of Mt. Zozu ever since, protecting sailors and seafarers. Visiting requires some effort; you'll have to climb 785 steps to the impressive main shrine and 583 more to the final lookout. It's also possible to travel by taxi to the upper gate, or even hire two sturdy locals to carry you up in a straw basket (look for them at the base of the mountain). The first half of the climb is crowded with souvenir shops, but after that the setting is more peaceful. You'll glimpse the ocean as you climb, and the noise of the town gives way to the sounds of rustling trees and birdsong. The Treasure House, on your right after you pass through the stone gate, displays masks used in Noh and Kabuki theater. The Shoin, sometimes closed for maintenance, is an Edo-period hall with artifacts and screens painted by Okyo Maruyama (1733–95), celebrated in his day and now for his realistic style.

Omishima, three islands over from Imabari, is home to this expansive shrine. Founded in the 6th century, it honors the Shinto god of mountains, sea, and war. In the 8th century, victorious warriors started leaving their weaponry here after battle as thanks for divine favor. The museum on the shrine's grounds holds more than two-thirds of the nation's designated National Treasures in swords, spears, breastplates, and helmets.

Visitors flock to this Shinto fertility shrine not far from the train station, though not necessarily to pray: Uwajima's infamous sex museum is located here. You can tell when you've arrived—no, that sculpture is not a giant squid. Just beyond it is the museum, called Deko Boko Jindou (literally, a shrine honoring "things that poke out, things that go in"). The three-floor collection is astonishing. It's best to leave the kids at the castle for this one, as they won't be admitted.