Shikoku 9 Days

Begin your journey from Kyoto or Osaka, and take a train to Shikoku’s northernmost city Takamatsu. Takamatsu is home to Ritsurin, one of Japan’s best landscape gardens – a must see when visiting Takamatsu. Afterwards visit Shikokumura, an open-air museum exhibiting traditional buildings from the island before heading up to Yashima Shrine for a panoramic view of the city and Seto Inland Sea.

Today is the day to commence your JR Shikoku Pass, so start your morning with a side trip to Kotohira Mountain Temple or Shodoshima Island for a slice of the Mediterranean in Japan – an island filled with olive groves. Before leaving Takamatsu, be sure to grab a bowl of the famous Sanuki udon noodles. Next catch a train to nearby Tokushima City and stop by the Awa Odori Museum, a museum dedicated to the popular summer festival, on most days visitors can catch a performance of the traditional dances performed at the festival here at the museum.

Shikoku is known nationwide for its 88-Temple Pilgrimage, so be sure to visit one of the many temples in Tokushima – Ryozenji Temple No.1 and Gokurakuji Temple No.2 are the first stop for most pilgrims completing the multiweek walk. After visiting the temples, continue to Naruto and see the natural wonder of the Naruto Whirlpools. Visitors can even take a boat ride over these whirlpools to see them up close.

Head into the unexplored wilderness of the Iya Valley, deep in the mountains of Shikoku. Hike to one of the Iya Valley’s many vine-rope bridges, take a boat ride down the Monobe River and unwind and enjoy the serenity off the tourist trail at a ryokan with your own onsen overlooking the river and forest.

Travel by express train to the seaside city of Kochi, before catching a bus to Mount Godaisan, a mountain with the charming Chikurinji Temple No.31 and Makino Botanical Garden to learn about the native flora of Shikoku with great views of the city. Continue onwards to Katsurahama Beach, a scenic beach abundant with Japanese pine-trees perfect for an afternoon stroll. Try some Katsuo-no-tataki (sliced skipjack tuna), Kochi’s most famous dish at a nearby restaurant.

Start your day early and head to the Kochi Morning Market (Sundays only) for fresh produce and dishes from local farmers and vendors. Kochi provides a great base for day trips to southern Shikoku including the Monet Garden, inspired by the gardens painted by the famous French painter, or head westwards to the freshwater Niyodo River where you can ride bikes over the submersible bridges that cross the river or try you hand at making your own traditional Washi paper. Return to Kochi City for sunset at Kochi Castle and dine at Hirome Market Hall, a hawker-like food hall with various local cuisines

Catch a morning train to Matsuyama, famous for its beautiful onsen Dogo Onsen, which was an inspiration for Studio Ghibli movie ‘Spirited Away’. Be sure to catch the chairlift up to the top of Matsuyama Castle, located in the centre of the city for a fantastic view or stop by one of Matsuyama’s many art museums.

Take a short day trip by train to the small town of Iyo-Ozu and visit the beautiful riverside villa Garyu Sanso. The preserved old town connects Garyu Sanso with the nearby Ozu Castle perched above the river. When returning to Matsuyama, consider stopping by Shimonada Station – another inspiration for ‘Spirited Away’ overlooking the ocean.

It’s time to leave Shikoku, take a train to Kyoto or Osaka or consider taking a short ferry ride to Hiroshima to continue your journey