By TSUKASA FUKE/ Staff Writer
December 10, 2021 at 07:00 JST
Pilgrims walk through a pastoral landscape in Anan, Tokushima Prefecture, in 2014 on their way to sacred temples. (Asahi Shimbun file photo)
TAKAMATSU—Shikoku, one of Japan’s four main islands, was ranked sixth in the Top Regions category of Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2022 list.
The region, which comprises Kagawa, Kochi, Tokushima and Ehime prefectures, was described as one of the “lesser-known gems” in Japan on the official website of the world-class travel guidebook.
The site mentions 80 sacred temples along the “o-henro” pilgrimage route, the town of Kamikatsu in Tokushima Prefecture that has set a goal to achieve zero waste, the Iyakei valley also in the prefecture, and other attractions.
Westfjords in Iceland followed by the U.S. state of West Virginia topped the list in the category.
According to the Organization for Promotion of Tourism in Shikoku, Shikoku was ranked second on a Lonely Planet list for the Asia-Pacific region in 2019.
This marks the first time the island has been included among the world’s top regions.
“Using the momentum, we want to make efforts to promote the Shikoku brand and raise its international profile as an advanced region for sustainable tourism,” said Shinji Hani, representative director of the promotional organization.
The travel guidebook, published in Australia, annually ranks the top 10 countries, regions and cities to visit, which are selected by its panel of experts from destinations recommended by writers and other staff.
The lists are published on its website and in the guidebook.
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