Shikoku 9-Day Tour from Australia | Hot Springs, Culture & Food for 40s-50s | JTB Travel
Independent Suggested Itinerary – Explore Shikoku with the JR Shikoku 7- Day All Shikoku Rail Pass
Frequently overlooked by travelers despite its proximity to major tourist destinations, Shikoku is home to incredibly beautiful rural landscapes, ancient pilgrimage sites, world renowned onsen and an escape from the crowds.
Highlights includes:
- Discover the natural beauty and culture of Japan’s least explored region.
- Visit sites alongside pilgrims from the 88 temple pilgrimage
- Bath at Dogo Onsen the bathhouse that inspired the Ghibli Movie ‘SPIRITED AWAY’
- Day
- 1
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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.
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- Day
- 2
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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.
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- Day
- 3
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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.
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- Day
- 4
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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.
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- Day
- 5
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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.
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- Day
- 6
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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
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- Day
- 7
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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.
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- Day
- 8
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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.
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- Day
- 9
| RETURN TO OSAKA / HIROSHIMA |
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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
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| Dates: |
Daily: Subject to accommodation availability. |
| Package Inclusions: |
*8 nights accommodation
* Breakfast / Dinner ( In some locations )
* JR SHIKOKU 7DAY ALL SHIKOKU RAIL PASS
* Sector train tickets / ferry to and from Shikoku
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| Cost |
From $1,725 per person twin share |
| Remarks: |
*This is an independent suggested itinerary package. This independent package is flexible and JTB can add on or change the itinerary around to suite your specific requirements. For more accommodation options, please contact us directly.
*All prices are subject to change until paid in full and accommodation is subject to availability at time of booking.
*Seasonal surcharges and conditions may apply.
*This package is a land only package. JTB can also provide prices for special airfares with any airline. Please contact us directly for more details. |
| ❓ What is the structure of the JTB Shikoku 9-Day Independent Tour? |
| This tour is designed as a self-guided package where JTB arranges your accommodation, transportation, and daily itinerary in advance, while you travel independently without a guide. It combines convenience with freedom, making it perfect for those who want support without the rigidity of a group tour. |
| ❓ Which locations are included in the itinerary? |
| Over nine days, you will travel through several cities and towns across the island of Shikoku, including Takamatsu, Tokushima, Kochi, and Matsuyama. Each location offers its own cultural highlights—from gardens and art islands to castles and traditional hot springs—providing a balanced experience of urban charm and natural beauty. |
| ❓ How are transportation and logistics managed? |
| JTB provides a JR Shikoku Rail Pass that allows you to travel between key cities via the rail network. You’ll receive detailed transport instructions to help you get from place to place efficiently. |
| ❓ Is knowledge of Japanese necessary for this tour? |
| Not really. While Japanese language skills can enhance your experience, they’re absolutely not required to enjoy this tour. Transport, hotel staff, and signage in most tourist-friendly areas usually have enough English to get by. With smartphones, translation apps, and simple phrase tools, travelers can easily navigate, order meals, and check into accommodations. Many past guests with little or no Japanese have had a smooth and rewarding experience—it’s all part of the adventure, and a great way to connect with local culture. |
| ❓ Is the tour suitable for families, seniors, or solo travelers? |
| Yes, this tour is flexible and suitable for a wide range of travelers. Seniors and families may appreciate the slower pace and pre-arranged logistics. However, note that some areas may involve walking or climbing stairs, and traditional accommodations might not have Western-style beds unless requested in advance. |
| ❓ Can the tour be customised or extended? |
| The itinerary is customisable—JTB can help you add extra nights in Tokyo, Osaka, or Hiroshima, or include additional destinations such as Naoshima Island , You can also request hotel upgrades or changes to suit your interests and budget. |
