Shikoku's four prefectures—Kagawa, Ehime, Tokushima, and Kochi—are rising in popularity as relocation destinations, offering a warm climate, abundant nature, and affordable rents. This article provides detailed insights into rental areas across Shikoku, with a focus on Takamatsu and Matsuyama.
![Takamatsu, Matsuyama & Shikoku Rental Area Guide [2026 Edition]—Comprehensive Guide to Rent Prices, Livability, and Relocation Trends Across Shikoku's 4 Prefectures](https://img.sumuie.jp/column-images/shizuoka-hamamatsu-chintai-area-guide/hero-1777757413864.jpg)
Shikoku (Kagawa, Ehime, Tokushima, and Kochi) is gaining attention as a remote work relocation destination thanks to its warm climate, rich food culture, and affordable rents. This article provides detailed insights into rental market conditions and relocation tips for Shikoku's four prefectures.
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Nagasaki, Saga, and Oita are compelling relocation destinations in Kyushu known for their unique cultures and abundant natural beauty. We'll explain in detail the rental situation in Oita with its deep-rooted hot spring culture of Beppu and Yufuin, Nagasaki famous for Dejima and Nagasaki Champon, and Saga known for Arita Ware and Yoshinogari.
Reviewed by: Nobuyuki MoriPresident, M-Assets Co., Ltd. / Licensed Real Estate Transaction Specialist (Miyagi #018212)
Takamatsu, the prefectural capital of Kagawa, forms Shikoku's largest metropolitan area and enjoys excellent access to Okayama and Osaka via the Seto Ohashi Bridge connecting Shikoku to Honshu. Shopping facilities and medical institutions are concentrated in its compact downtown, earning high marks for balancing livability with convenience.
Takamatsu City Rent Prices (2026 Edition)
Within Takamatsu, areas around Takamatsu Station and Kawaramachi Station offer the best convenience and command higher rents. Conversely, suburban areas like Ota, Kita, and Furutatkamatsu offer more affordable rents and comfortable living if you have a car. Convenient neighborhoods are scattered along the Tokushima and Takahoku train lines.
Kagawa Prefecture offers relocation support through the "Kagawa Relocation & Settlement Promotion Guide," which informs newcomers from outside the prefecture about various subsidy programs. The appeal lies in its rich food culture centered on udon and the warm Seto Inland Sea climate.
Matsuyama, the central city of Ehime Prefecture, is known for Dogo Hot Spring and Matsuyama Castle and boasts Shikoku's largest population. As a castle town served by streetcars (Iyo Railway), it features a compact urban layout with historic charm.
Matsuyama City Rent Prices (2026 Edition)
In Matsuyama, areas around Matsuyama Station and Matsuyama Castle are highly convenient and popular with singles and couples. The Dogo and Beppu areas maintain a hot spring atmosphere while functioning as residential neighborhoods. Southern and suburban areas of the city offer lower rents and are preferred by families.
Ehime Prefecture operates the "Ehime Relocation & Settlement Portal Site," providing integrated information on jobs, housing, and childcare. Beyond Matsuyama, cities like Imabari, Niihama, and Saijo have thriving industries with many factory and manufacturing job opportunities.
Tokushima City benefits from good access to Honshu (approximately 1.5 hours to Kobe via the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge) and relatively easy access to the Kansai region. It's also known as a cultural hub famous for the Awa Odori dance festival.
Tokushima City Rent Prices (2026 Edition)
Tokushima Prefecture stands out for offering the most affordable rents among Shikoku's four prefectures and has garnered national attention as a satellite office hub in towns like Kamiyama and Minami. The "Kamiyama Model," which has gained prominence through IT company satellite offices and relocation initiatives, has become a role model for regional migration and remote work practices.
Kochi City is known as the birthplace of Sakamoto Ryoma and features a warm climate facing the Pacific Ocean and abundant nature. It stands out among Shikoku regions for its warm weather and rich food culture, including dishes like seared bonito.
Kochi City Rent Prices (2026 Edition)
In Kochi City, the areas around Obi-ya-machi and Harimaya Bridge serve as the commercial hub and offer high convenience, with streetcars (Tosa Electric Railway) serving as the main transportation. Kochi Prefecture has Shikoku's smallest population and the most affordable rents. It offers a "Kochi Relocation Information Center" for newcomers, providing initial cost support and employment assistance.
Advantages
Disadvantages and Considerations
Checking for Earthquake and Tsunami Risks
Shikoku is an area of concern regarding major Nankai Trough earthquakes. Particularly along the coasts of Kochi and Tokushima, properties may fall within tsunami inundation zones, so be sure to check hazard maps when selecting a rental.
Typhoon Preparation
The Pacific side (Kochi and southern Ehime) is prone to direct typhoon strikes. We recommend selecting properties with rain shutters or storm shutters, or properties with structures and equipment designed to resist flying debris in typhoon-prone areas.
Leveraging Relocation Support Programs
All four Shikoku prefectures prioritize relocation support and offer the following programs:
Shikoku's four prefectures (Kagawa, Ehime, Tokushima, and Kochi) are attractive relocation destinations combining affordable rents, a warm climate, and rich food culture. The prefectural capitals (Takamatsu, Matsuyama, Tokushima, and Kochi) all have solid infrastructure, with an established track record as destinations for remote work relocation and second homes after retirement. Why not consider a new lifestyle in Shikoku while taking advantage of relocation support programs offered by local governments?
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