Gastronomic Guide to Shikoku, Japan! Unveiling the Top 10 Must-Try Dishes

Shikoku, nestled between Honshu, Kyushu, and the Seto Inland Sea, consists of four prefectures: Kagawa, Ehime, Kochi, and Tokushima. While you might be familiar with popular spots like Kotohira Shrine and Dogo Onsen, there's a whole world of hidden culinary treasures waiting to be explored. Sure, Sanuki Udon is the star of the show, but have you heard about the other delectable delights this region has to offer? Join us on a mouth-watering journey through Shikoku with this list of the top 10 must-try dishes. Get ready to uncover the authentic snacks, souvenirs, and desserts that make this charming area of Japan a food lover's paradise!

When you're exploring the culinary delights of Shikoku in Japan, you simply can't miss out on Sanuki Udon from Kagawa Prefecture. This udon is celebrated as one of Japan's top three udon varieties, and it's easy to see why. Sanuki Udon is known for its thick, chewy handmade noodles that are typically served in a broth made from bonito flakes, giving it a subtly sweet flavor that's hard to resist. Beyond the classic clear broth udon, there are plenty of variations to try, like cold udon, tempura udon, and tantan udon, each bringing its own twist to the table. If you find yourself in Kagawa, make sure to visit popular spots such as Yamayoshi, Yamashita, and Kamatama to savor the incredible taste of Sanuki Udon.

When you think of Kagawa Prefecture, Sanuki Udon might be the first thing that comes to mind. But let me tell you, there's another culinary gem you shouldn't miss: "Bone-In Chicken." Just as the name implies, this dish features chicken grilled with the bone still in. The locals prefer using smaller chickens, which are marinated to perfection and then grilled over charcoal. The result? Tender, juicy meat that's bursting with flavor. So, when you're in Kagawa, make sure to hit up an izakaya, order a drink, and savor a plate of this aromatic Bone-In Chicken. Trust me, it's an experience you won't forget.

If you think Osaka's takoyaki is the only iconic Japanese snack, think again! In Tokushima Prefecture, you'll find Naruto Taiyaki, a delightful twist on the traditional treat. Instead of the usual octopus, Naruto's version is stuffed with real sea bream meat, sweet onions, ginger, and tempura. This mouthwatering snack is finished off with a drizzle of bonito soy sauce, giving it an irresistible aroma and flavor. While you're exploring the Naruto Strait, make sure to stop by local favorites like Naruto Taiyaki Honpo, Naruto Kintoki, and Awaodori Chicken to indulge in this must-try delicacy.

If you're a ramen enthusiast looking to try something different, Tokushima Ramen is a must-try! This unique dish hails from Tokushima Prefecture and sets itself apart from the usual tonkotsu or miso broths. The star of the show here is a soy sauce-based broth, rich with the goodness of vegetables like spinach and onions. The soup has a distinct brown hue and a light, sweet flavor that vegetarians will love. The medium-thick noodles have a delightful chewiness, and when topped with chashu and chikuwa, the result is a visually stunning and delicious bowl of ramen.

When it comes to Kochi Prefecture, its reputation for a thriving fishing industry is well-deserved, especially with its plentiful bonito catch. This abundance of bonito has naturally made its way into the local culinary scene. One standout dish you absolutely must try is bonito tataki. Imagine fresh slices of bonito, lightly seared to perfection, and paired with a special wasabi soy sauce. The result? A delightful combination of fresh and sweet flavors that let you truly appreciate the natural taste of the bonito. It's a culinary experience you won't want to miss!

Ehime Prefecture is famous for its citrus fruits, especially the Iyo oranges, which are at their best from December to February. These oranges are quite large, with a thin skin and thick, juicy flesh that offers a delightful mix of sweetness and a slight bitterness. You can enjoy them fresh or try them in various forms like jams, cakes, and puddings. If you're on a road trip in Ehime, why not stop by a local orchard to pick some Iyo oranges yourself? It's a fun and refreshing experience. Plus, products made from Iyo oranges make for great gifts to bring back for your loved ones.

If you're in Ehime Prefecture on a Sunday, make sure to drop by the "Sunday Market" at Dogo Onsen. This vibrant market is a fantastic place to dive into authentic local flavors. Run by the local farmers themselves, you'll find an array of fresh produce, from juicy fruits and crisp vegetables to tangy pickles and delightful homemade breads and cookies. The food stalls are a highlight, serving up freshly made Ehime specialties like yakisoba, oden, and sushi that are sure to satisfy any food lover. The lively atmosphere of the Sunday Market is perfect for soaking up the rich culture and traditions of Ehime.

If you're a fan of Japanese sweet potatoes, the Naruto Kintoki from Tokushima is an absolute must-try. Grown in the Naruto Strait, this variety stands out with its incredibly soft texture and delightful sweetness. You can enjoy it raw, but it also shines in sweet potato cakes, taro paste, ice cream, and other desserts. Plus, it's a fantastic filling for rice balls and shumai.

When you think of Kagawa Prefecture, Sanuki Udon might be the first thing that comes to mind. But there's another local gem you shouldn't miss – Wasanbon sugar. This delicate sugar is crafted from premium granulated sugar, which is meticulously refined and kneaded into ultra-fine grains. It has a beautiful snowy white color and a texture that melts in your mouth, with a gentle hint of cane sugar aroma. You can savor Wasanbon sugar on its own, but it also shines as an ingredient in traditional Japanese sweets like wagashi and daifuku. Kagawa is dotted with famous shops such as Toraya and Rokkatei, where you can explore and purchase Wasanbon sugar and its delightful products. These shops are definitely worth a visit when you're in the area.

Welcome to Kochi Prefecture, a sun-kissed region in Japan that's famous for its yuzu. This citrus fruit, with its generous size, thin skin, and juicy flesh, is a staple here. The fragrance of Kochi yuzu is simply irresistible! Locals love to use the peel to make "yuzu vinegar," which is believed to be a great remedy for fatigue. The flesh of the yuzu is incredibly versatile too, perfect for making jams, cakes, jellies, and other delightful treats that are both tangy and refreshing. If you find yourself in Kochi, don't miss the chance to pick yuzu at a local orchard. Afterwards, visit specialty shops to buy some yuzu products and truly enjoy the fresh, vibrant taste of this wonderful fruit.

Welcome to Kochi Prefecture, where the warm climate makes it an ideal place for growing yuzu, one of Japan's most beloved citrus fruits. Kochi yuzu stands out with its large size, thin skin, juicy interior, and wonderfully fragrant aroma. The Japanese love to use yuzu peel to create "yuzu vinegar," a refreshing concoction that can help ease fatigue. But that's not all – the zesty yuzu flesh is perfect for making jams, cakes, jellies, and an array of other mouthwatering treats. When you visit Kochi, don't miss the chance to pick yuzu at local orchards. Afterward, stop by specialty shops to buy yuzu products and fully enjoy the invigorating flavor of this unique fruit.

Shikoku, Japan, isn't just celebrated for its famous Sanuki Udon; it's also home to a treasure trove of hidden culinary delights waiting to be discovered. In this specially curated list, Kinnso brings you the authentic tastes from the four prefectures of Kagawa, Ehime, Kochi, and Tokushima. Whether it's snacks, desserts, or local souvenirs, each item has its own unique appeal. So, the next time you're in Shikoku, make sure to check out these must-try dishes for a truly delightful and satisfying experience!