Shikoku is the smallest of Japan’s major 4 islands (Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu & Shikoku). It is popular among the local Japanese and also for the advance tourists who know Japan well. One of the top thing people visit Shikoku Island is for the 88 temple Shikoku Japan pilgrimage walking tour.
I was here for the natural wonders such as Naruto Whirlpools at Tokushima and historical side of Shikoku such as Matsuyama Dogo Onsen and learn about Natsume Soseki & his famous novel – Botchan.
Besides the magical experience, I also take every opportunity to taste the local food on Shikoku island. These are the top food to try on Shikoku Island.
1. Onomichi Shoyu Ramen Noodles
Onomichi is actually located in Hiroshima Prefecture but I would include in Shikoku Food Guide too because it is located along the Seto Inland Sea, the last city in the main island of Honshu connecting to Shikoku Island. Please have a brief stop here before you enter into Shimanami Kaido for their famous Ramen noodles.
The Onomichi Raman is famous throughout Japan and their broth is specially made with chicken /pork bones and fish stock. There are a different flavor of ramen soup broth but “Shoyu” / Soy sauce broth is the signature flavor in Onomichi. I highly recommend to try out the ramen in Onomichi, it is cheap and tasty.
- Cost: 600-800 yen (USD 5.60 -7.20)
- Where: Ononichi Town in Hiroshima Prefecture, Honshu
- 5/5 star
2. Kirosan Sea Algae Salt Ice Cream
If you happen to go up in Kirosan Observatory Park in Imabari to check out the view for Shimanami Kaido, do remember to try their hand made ice-cream with the sprinkle of algae sea salt. As you can see, the light brown sprinkle is the algae salt and the salt concentration is lower and not as salty as the usual salt we have at home. It goes so well with the hand made ice-cream. Kirosan offers the most spectacular view to see how Shimanami Kaido looks like from the top.
- Cost: 300 yen (USD 2.70)
- Where: Kirosan Observatory Park, Imabari Shikoku
- 5/5 star
3. Botchan Dango Sweet Dessert
Botchan Dango is tasted similar to the ordinary dango/Japanese sweet dumpling. This is the top souvenir in Dogo Onsen to bring back for family and friends. It has 3 colors and 3 different flavors in small balls shape of mochi, coated with bean paste colored with azuki red bean, egg, and matcha natural coloring. They named the dango dessert after the famous novelist – Natsume Soseki (the guy appear in the Japanese 1000 yen paper note)’s most popular masterpiece called “Botchan”. Every Japanese in Japan has read “Botchan” in their school year.
Botchan dango is a must when you visit the thousand years old Dogo Onsen in Matsuyama. It can be seen near the “shotengai” (shopping street) near Dogo Onsen.
- Where: Dogo Onsen Matsuyama Ehime Prefecture Shikoku
- 3/5 star
4. Ponkan Jelly Juice
Shikoku Ehime Prefecture’s climate is ideal for growing citrus fruits and it is known nationwide for their orange-growing region. Ponkan is one type of citrus fruits here.
There are many snacks & desserts which are made from the citrus fruits. You can enjoy the citrus in this area in cans, ice-cream, Jam, cakes, seasonings, and even alcoholic beverages.
- cost: 240 yen (USD 2.20)
- Where: Ehime Prefecture Shikoku, Matsuyama Dogo Shopping Street/”Shotengai “
- 3/5 star
5. Innoshima Lemon Jelly
This cute jelly cost 180 yen ( USD 1.60) is worth to try out and best to eat after chill. The jelly has got the lemon taste and there are fresh “mikan” / mandarin inside. This is another must try in this region and also great for souvenirs as it has lovely packaging to bring back for friends and relatives.
- Cost: 180 yen (USD 1.60) each
- Onomichi & Matsuyama
- 4/5 star
6. Onomichi Lemon Tart
The hand made lemon tart in Onomichi is the “Meibutsu”/(名物) or special thing in this area. It can be found in the bakery store in Ehime Prefecture Shikoku. It is soft with the first bite and with the flavor of lemon fragrance.
- Cost: 200 yen ( USD 1.75)
- Where: Onomichi
- 3.5/5 Star
7. Sanuki Udon, the Soul Food in Kagawa Prefecture Shikoku
Sanuki is the old name for Kagawa Prefecture. The special characteristic of Sanuki Udon is its square shape and flat edges and also their broth is made from a type of dashi/soup base which differs from the rest of the other part of Japan.
If you are a budget traveler then udon won’t cost too much damage on your wallet. With only JPY 210 (USD 1.80) to JPY 600 (USD 5.30), you get to enjoy one of the best Sanuki Udon in Kagawa Prefecture in Shikoku Island, Japan.
- Cost: 210 yen (USD 1.80) onwards.
- Where: Kagawa Prefecture in Shikoku
- 4/5 star
Final thoughts:
These are the top food to taste while you explore Shikoku Island, Bon Appetit!