Best time to walk the Shikoku Pilgrimage

Each season on the Shikoku Pilgrimage has its unique appeal. Spring is the most popular, with its blooming cherry blossoms and mild temperatures attracting pilgrims and tourists alike. Summer, though challenging with its high temperatures and rainy season, rewards you with quieter accommodations and lively summer festivals. Autumn offers pleasant temperatures and stunning fall foliage, while winter, though mild, brings its own set of challenges.

Discover all the details about Shikoku's weather, holiday seasons, special events, and annual highlights to better understand the pros and cons of each season.

Climate in Different Regions of Shikoku

Shikoku's mountainous terrain divides the island into two regions. The northern region includes Kagawa Prefecture, northern Ehime Prefecture, and areas north of the Yoshino River in Tokushima. The southern region encompasses southern Ehime, Kōchi Prefecture, and areas south of the Yoshino River in Tokushima.

Seto Inland Sea vs. Pacific Coast

Shikoku’s northern side faces the Seto Inland Sea, while its southern region borders the Pacific Ocean, creating slight climate differences between the two areas. The southern region experiences earlier springs and milder winters, although the temperature difference is minimal. The north, especially around Takamatsu, is drier, with fewer rainy days compared to Kōchi in the south.

The southern parts of Shikoku, particularly during spring and summer, receive significantly more rainfall—almost double that of the northern areas, where Takamatsu enjoys notably fewer rainy days.

Mountain Weather

Weather and temperatures in Shikoku’s mountains can vary significantly from lower regions, with several degrees of difference being quite common. Be prepared for cooler and sometimes inclement weather if you're heading into higher elevations.

Climate Data for Tokushima

Most pilgrims begin their journey in Tokushima, and since this city straddles Shikoku's climatic divide, its temperatures are a useful reference.

Spring in Shikoku

Spring is the most popular time for pilgrims on Shikoku. Mild temperatures and blooming cherry blossoms attract not only pilgrims but also many domestic and international tourists. Spring in Shikoku starts in March and lasts through May.

March: Spring Awakening

Early March can be quite chilly, with average daytime temperatures around 10°C and nighttime temperatures occasionally dropping to freezing. By mid-March, temperatures rise up to 15°C, and the weather becomes more pleasant, encouraging many pilgrims to start their journey.

Plan your first accommodations in advance

Accommodations near the first 25 temples of the Shikoku Pilgrimage can get fully booked early, especially from late March to late April, as many pilgrims start in Tokushima. It's best to book a few days in advance if you're starting during peak season.

Cherry Blossoms in Shikoku

Shikoku’s cherry blossoms usually start blooming in late March and reach their peak in early April. The southern region, including Kōchi and Matsuyama, sees the first blooms around March 23, while Takamatsu and Tokushima follow around March 28.

The cherry blossom season lasts only about two weeks, from the first buds opening to the full bloom, which holds for roughly a week before the petals begin to fall.

Cherry Blossom 2024 & Average Year

Cherry blossom forecasts can vary from year to year. In 2024, for example, the blossoms were slightly delayed due to a cold snap.

In general, the blossoms can be expected a few days earlier. The table below shows the average blooming periods for Shikoku.

Tip: On Instagram (@inakajp), I regularly keep you updated on how the forecast for the current cherry blossom season is developing across Japan. The first forecast is usually published in February.

Peak season in April

In April, you can expect average temperatures of around 15°C, with warmer days reaching over 20°C. Night temperatures generally don't drop below 5°C, although it can still be cold at higher altitudes.

April offers mild temperatures and few rainy days, making it one of the best months for pilgrimages. At the beginning of April, cherry blossoms are in full bloom, attracting many tourists to Shikoku. At the end of April, the Golden Week begins, bringing even more travelers.

The Golden Week

The so-called Golden Week (ゴールデンウィーク) consists of several national holidays that occur close together.

The Golden Week includes at least the following holidays:

• April 29: Shōwa Day
• May 3: Constitution Day
• May 4: Greenery Day
• May 5: Children's Day

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If a holiday falls on a Sunday, it is moved to the next working day. With substitute holidays, weekends, and paid leave, the vacation period can be extended to up to 10 days.

Higher prices & traffic chaos

For many Japanese, the Golden Week is the longest holiday of the year, and some companies even close entirely. While overseas travel is popular, many Japanese also travel within their own country.

During Golden Week, you should expect significantly higher traffic, crowded trains, overrun tourist attractions, and higher prices.

Book as early as possible

Book your accommodations as far in advance as possible. The same applies to everything that can be reserved: tickets, night buses, Shinkansen tickets, ferries, or special restaurants.

First signs of summer in May

In May, temperatures rise again, with daily averages around 20°C. Along with the rising temperatures, humidity also increases, and by the end of May, it becomes humid and sticky as the rainy season approaches.

May also marks the beginning of typhoon season, which lasts through October. However, typhoons in the spring are sporadic and shouldn't greatly affect your pilgrimage.

Summer in Shikoku

Japanese pilgrims tend to avoid summer, while some foreign pilgrims brave the sweltering heat. In addition to high temperatures, there is also high humidity and strong UV radiation, making the pilgrimage difficult.

You should not underestimate the risk of dehydration, sunburn, or heatstroke. Tropical storms are another summer challenge that could disrupt your plans.

The rainy season begins in June…

Summer in Shikoku begins in early June with the rainy season, which lasts until mid-July. It rains about every other day. While the rain is not necessarily heavy, it can last for several hours. Temperatures average around 20 to 25°C and only drop a few degrees at night.

…which gives way to humid summer heat in July

July starts off rainy, but by mid-month, the rainy season clears and gives way to oppressive heat. Temperatures rise up to 30°C with very high humidity. If you undertake your pilgrimage under these conditions, you’ll be rewarded with vibrant summer festivals, which primarily take place in July and August.

Peak summer & typhoon season in August

In August, temperatures peak with averages above 30°C, both day and night. The typhoon season also reaches its peak in August and September. It's almost certain that you will experience a typhoon if you travel to Shikoku during this period.

Few typhoons hit Japan directly, but they bring heavy rainfall and stormy weather. Landslides may occur in the mountains, while extreme waves can be expected along the coast. Walking or hiking during a typhoon is life-threatening!

Prepare for sudden plan changes

Especially in southern Shikoku, typhoons can severely impact transportation and tourist attractions. You should prepare for spontaneous plan changes and take a day off when a typhoon passes. So, it’s best to include a few extra days in your pilgrimage schedule during the summer.

Obon Festival: Honoring the ancestors

In mid-August, Obon, a traditional Buddhist festival for honoring ancestors, takes place. After New Year, Obon is the second most important festival in Japan, and almost all Japanese return to their hometowns.

Traditionally, Obon takes place from the 13th to the 15th day of the 7th month, which corresponds to August in the lunar calendar. Many Japanese also use the days around Obon for a short vacation.

Note: As with Golden Week, accommodation prices increase during Obon. Hotels and trains should be booked as early as possible. The same applies to weekends when major summer festivals take place.

Autumn in Shikoku

Autumn is also a very popular time for pilgrimages. Temperatures gradually decrease, and with the end of typhoon season, rainy days become less frequent.

Deep red maple trees and bright yellow ginkgo trees transform the temples and mountains on the pilgrimage route into a magical atmosphere that captivates both pilgrims and tourists alike.

Last days of summer in September

In September, summer begins to fade, and temperatures start to drop slowly while humidity decreases. However, by German standards, it remains warm with temperatures around 22 to 27°C.

The peak of typhoon season continues, and nearly a third of the days in September are rainy. Impacts on your travel plans are still very likely.

Falling temperatures in October

October truly ushers in autumn. While daytime temperatures remain comfortable at around 22°C, nights become cooler, dropping to just above 10°C. As typhoon season ends, the likelihood of rain also decreases significantly.

October is also a popular time for local festivals, primarily held to pray for a good harvest. These festivals are comparable to those in midsummer and are a great alternative if you prefer cooler weather.

Vibrant autumn colors in November

In November, daytime temperatures range between 10 and 17°C. The days become noticeably shorter, and at night, as well as in the early morning, it gets cold, with temperatures dropping below 10°C. As the cold approaches, the trees begin to change color.

Autumn leaves in Shikoku

The autumn foliage season begins in most parts of Shikoku in mid-to-late November and can last into December. At higher altitudes, like at Unpen-ji Temple, it starts as early as the end of October, but the leaves begin to fall by mid-November.

Unlike the short-lived cherry blossoms, the peak of autumn foliage lasts at least two weeks, often even longer. The ginkgo trees are usually the first to turn, changing from vibrant green to brilliant yellow, followed one to two weeks later by the iconic deep red maple leaves.

Autumn leaves 2024 & Average year

Depending on the weather and temperature, the peak of autumn foliage shifts each year. For 2024, the vibrant colors of autumn are expected to appear slightly later than usual. Here is the current 2024 autumn foliage forecast for all of Japan (planned). For Shikoku, the current forecast (as of September) is as follows:

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The following table shows the average peak dates for autumn foliage in Shikoku. Please note that at higher altitudes, the leaves may begin to change color earlier.

Tip: On Instagram (@inakajp), I regularly keep you updated on how the forecast for the current autumn foliage season is developing across Japan. The first forecast is usually published in September.

Popular travel time for tourists

The colorful autumn foliage is a very popular travel time for both Japanese and foreign tourists. Popular autumn foliage spots can get crowded, and many accommodations are booked in advance. You should, therefore, reserve accommodations near popular spots early.

Winter in Shikoku

Winter in Shikoku is relatively mild. Temperatures generally do not drop below freezing, and snow is rare, mostly occurring in the mountains. However, icy winds along the coast can make it feel several degrees colder.

Access to temples high in the mountains can be challenging due to snow and ice, and public transportation is limited in winter, with some routes not operating or schedules significantly reduced.

Additionally, note that some accommodations, especially from December to February, may close. Check in advance and plan your stages accordingly.

In winter, there are few other pilgrims taking on the challenge. The pilgrimage route can sometimes be not only lonely but also more dangerous, as you might face problems alone in case of issues.

Holiday atmosphere in December

In December, you can expect daytime temperatures between 5 and 10°C, with very little rain or snow. At night, temperatures are mostly just above freezing. The days are the shortest of the year, with less than 10 hours of daylight.

End-of-year holidays as a logistical challenge

If you are traveling over the New Year, your route must be well planned. As with Obon, many Japanese return to their hometowns, and many companies, restaurants, and small accommodations close from December 29 to January 3. Plan ahead and check if enough accommodations are available.

January is the coldest month of the year

January is the coldest month of the year, with daytime temperatures ranging from 3 to 8°C. At night, it can freeze, and the mornings are icy. However, January has the least precipitation.

The landscape is bare and bleak, offering little appeal for pilgrimages. Regular baths in hot springs and fresh fish are the highlights of winter.

Plum blossoms begin in February

In February, temperatures slowly rise again. Daytime temperatures are around 5 to 10°C, while it can still freeze at night and in the mornings. Days get longer, and precipitation increases.

Significantly earlier but no less impressive than cherry blossoms, plum trees begin to bloom in early February. The blooming period varies slightly by region but generally lasts several weeks.

The Ideal Time for Your Pilgrimage is Personal

The Shikoku Pilgrimage offers unique experiences in every season. Ultimately, the best time to travel depends heavily on your personal circumstances and preferences. Whether you prefer mild weather or enjoy walking in the warmth, whether you'd like to meet as many other pilgrims as possible or seek the peace of the off-season – each season has its own pros and cons that you need to weigh for yourself. Hopefully, this guide helps you weigh your options.

No matter when you decide to start, careful planning and preparation for the Shikoku Pilgrimage is essential. Not sure where to begin? Here you can find everything about the Shikoku Pilgrimage, all my posts about pilgrimage in Japan, traditional pilgrim gear, my packing tips for pilgrims, SIM card options for pilgrimage in Japan, and my personal gear list for the Shikoku Pilgrimage.