Shikoku & the Seto Inland Sea Travel Guide: Best Season, Weather, Plugs & Itineraries
Dogo Onsen, cycling the Shimanami Kaido, hilly Onomichi, Hiroshima and Miyajima, Okayama’s Korakuen and Kurashiki — in a mild, sunny climate.
🗓 Best time to goMar–May and Oct–Nov are best; avoid midday cycling in summer.
💱 CurrencyJapanese yen (JPY)
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🔌 Plugs & voltage100V | Type A/B (flat pins). US-style plugs fit
🌦 ClimateSunny, mild Seto Inland climate — spring and autumn are best; watch for ferry cancellations in typhoon season.
Monthly average temperatures in Shikoku & the Seto Inland Sea
| City / month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matsuyama & Shikoku High / low | 10° 2° | 11° 3° | 14° 6° | 20° 10° | 24° 15° | 27° 20° | 31° 24° | 32° 25° | 29° 21° | 23° 15° | 18° 9° | 12° 4° |
| Hiroshima High / low | 10° 2° | 11° 3° | 14° 6° | 20° 10° | 24° 15° | 27° 20° | 31° 24° | 33° 25° | 29° 21° | 23° 15° | 17° 9° | 12° 4° |
| Okayama High / low | 9° 1° | 10° 1° | 14° 4° | 20° 9° | 25° 14° | 28° 19° | 32° 24° | 33° 25° | 29° 21° | 23° 14° | 17° 8° | 11° 3° |
°C — top is the average high, bottom the average low. Typical values only; check the forecast before you go. See charts in the climate tool.
Shikoku & the Seto Inland Sea travel tips
- Miyajima charges a small visitor tax; check tide tables for the torii.
- Shimanami buses are infrequent; bikes can be returned at different terminals.
- Naoshima’s museums mostly close Mondays; Chichu needs booking.
Shikoku & the Seto Inland Sea itineraries
Matsuyama, the Seto Inland Sea, Hiroshima & Okayama in 5 Days
JapanHot springsCulture & historyNature
Dogo Onsen, the Shimanami Kaido, hilly Onomichi, Hiroshima’s Peace Park, Miyajima’s floating torii and Kurashiki’s canals along the Seto Inland Sea.
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General travel information — entry rules, e-authorisations, weather and opening details change often, so check official sources.