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8-Day Experience Shikoku

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Overview

Shikoku may be the smallest of Japan's main islands but it is bursting with hidden gems just waiting to be found. This Shikoku itinerary takes you from the main sites to the hidden gems found deep within the mountains.

Start in Naoshima, the famous art island that is known for showcasing Yayoi Kusama's artwork. Then, it's off to the remote Iya Valley before visiting Kochi to sample some locals snacks. The last days of your trip will be spent relaxing in onsens and following quiet and beautiful nature trails to see what Shikoku is all about; nature and relaxation!
Culture & Arts
Sightseeing
Outdoors & Nature
Cruising

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Takamatsu

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Arrival in Takamatsu

When you arrive in Takamatsu, you'll be picked up by your private driver and taken to your hotel.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    JR Hotel Clement Takamatsu4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Takamatsu Airport to JR Hotel Clement Takamatsu

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    Destinations

    Takamatsu

Day 2

Day Tour of Naoshima

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Day Tour of Naoshima

In the morning, your guide will collect you and take you to the ferry port to go to Naoshima Island. When you arrive, you'll immediately start your tour with the Red Pumpkin by Yayoi Kusama and the Naoshima Pavillion. You'll then go to Honmura Pier for lunch before going to see another of Kusama's pumpkins, you'll finish the day at Chichu Art Museum for an immersive experience.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    JR Hotel Clement Takamatsu4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
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    Activities

    Red Pumpkin

    Naoshima Pavilion

    Yellow Pumpkin

    Chichu Art Museum

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    Transportations

    Ferry from Port of Takamatsu to Naoshima Port Terminal

    Bicycle from Naoshima to Chichu Art Museum〔Online Reservation required〕

    Ferry from Naoshima to Takamatsu

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    Meals

    Breakfast and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Takamatsu

    Naoshima

Day 3

Iya Valley

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Iya Valley

Leave Takamatsu behind once more to go to the Iya Valley where nature creates a resounding air of calm. You'll visit Kazura bridge and take part in a soba-making workshop to learn about the history of the area and the unique flavours of Shikoku cuisine. Finish the day at your ryokan where you'll have dinner and spend the evening in your onsen.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Wanoyado Hotel Iyaonsen4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
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    Activities

    Iya-no-Kazura Bashi

    Soba Making Workshop

    Washi Paper Factory TourOptional Activity

    Ōboke Gorge

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Takamatsu to Iya Valley

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Takamatsu

    Miyoshi

    Yoshinogawa

Day 4

Travel to Kochi

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Travel to Kochi

From the Iya Valley, head to Kochi to arrive in time for lunch at your leisure in the hustle and bustle of Hiromi Market where you'll be free to sample as little or as much as you please, the most popular things to try are Katsuo Tataki and seared tuna with sauces. Head to Kochi Castle, one of Japan's 12 castles that are considered national treasures, and maybe finish the day at Katsurahama Beach for a historical experience rather than a leisurely one.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Jyoseikan

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
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    Activities

    Hiromi Market

    Kochi Castle

    Katsurahama Beach

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Iya Valley to Kochi

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

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    Destinations

    Miyoshi

    Kochi

Day 5

Travel to Matsuyama

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Travel to Matsuyama

Take your time going to Matsuyama today with a stop at Nakatsu Gorge for an hour-long walk to the stunning waterfall, Nikobuchi. This is a beautiful natural experience that shows you the hidden gems of Shikoku. When you arrive in Matsurayama, relax in your accommodations onsens for the remainder of the day.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Dogo Umenoya

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Nakatsu Gorge

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Kochi to Matsuyama

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and dinner

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    Destinations

    Kochi

    Niyodogawa

    Matsuyama

Day 6

Relax in Matsuyama

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Relax in Matsuyama

Begin this day of your Shikoku itinerary with Matsuyama Castle, another of Japan's twelve national treasures. Perched on a mountain, the castle looks out to the Seto Inland Sea. The rest of your day will be spent in the Dogo Onsens, where you'll don your robe and leisurely go between the different temperatures of springs. You may want to pass by the Dogo Onsen Honkan which was the inspiration for the onsen in the film "Spirited Away".

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Dogo Umenoya

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
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    Activities

    Matsuyama Castle

    Dogo Onsen

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

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    Destinations

    Matsuyama

Day 7

Return to Takamatsu

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Return to Takamatsu

In the morning, you'll make your way back to Takamatsu, but not without stopping in Naruto whirlpools to check out this fascinating natural phenomenon that can be seen up-close by boat or from the bridge. You'll head back to Takamatsu and enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure, perhaps doing some last-minute shopping.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    JR Hotel Clement Takamatsu4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Naruto Whirlpools

    Takamatsu Shopping ArcadeOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Tokushima to Takamatsu

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Matsuyama

    Naruto

    Takamatsu

Day 8

Departure Day

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Departure Day

Today marks the end of your Shikoku itinerary. Spend the morning doing any last-minute shopping before you are drive to Takamatsu airport for your flight.

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Takamatsu to Takamatsu Airport

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Takamatsu

Included in Price

  • 7 nights accommodation
  • 14 activities
  • 7 breakfasts and 3 dinners
  • Airport transfer
  • Entrance fees
  • Ground transportation
  • Licensed English speaking guides

Not Included in Price

  • Alcohol beverages
  • Domestic flights
  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Gratuities
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Trekking permits
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