5-Day Best of Shikoku Cultural Highlights Tour

Venture out on an exciting 5-day excursion to the charming island of Shikoku for a rich cultural and historical experience! Take in the magnificence of Tokushima, Ehime, and Kagawa Prefectures as you immerse yourself into the island’s enthralling scenic beauty, interesting cultural heritage, and excellent collection of the finest works of art. Learn to appreciate art while exploring Shikoku’s renowned art museums such as Otsuka Museum of Art and Kagawa Prefectural Higashiyama Kaii Setouchi Art Museum as well as the celebrated Setouchi Triennale Art Festival, and discover Shikoku’s must-see attractions including the Naruto Whirlpools, Ritsurin Garden, Matsuyama Castle, and so much more!

Tour Highlights

• Discover Shikoku’s impressive cultural highlights in 5 days

• Get a glimpse into the fascinating Japanese culture and history

• Learn to appreciate the finest works of art while visiting well-known art festival and museums

• See popular Shikoku attractions including Naruto Whirlpools, Ritsurin Garden, and Matsuyama Castle

• Try some exquisite local culinary specialties

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Tokushima

Greet your driver at the designated pick up location, taking you to the hotel. Take time to freshen up before meeting your local guide for a short orientation. Then, enjoy the rest of the day at your own leisure. 

Day 2

Enjoy a Traditional Awa Odori Dance Performance

Start the day with a visit to Awa Odori Museum to witness one of the greatest traditional performing arts in Japan. Discover the story behind the establishment of Awa Odori Museum and learn more about the culture and history of Awa Odori.  

See the Mesmerizing Naruto Whirlpools

Take a trip to the stunning coastal city of Naruto. Best known for its natural whirlpools in the Naruto Strait, take a closer look at the world-class Naruto Whirlpools on board a Whirlpool Sightseeing Boat. 

Day 3

Tour the Magnificent Otsuka Museum of Art

Begin the day with a wonderful visit to Otsuka Museum of Art. Home to the largest exhibition space in Japan, see the impressive full-size ceramic reproductions of works of arts including the Sistine Chapel, Scrovegni Chapel, and Guernica. 

Visit the Striking Onaruto Bridge

Continue to Onaruto Bridge, one of the largest bridges in the world, and head to the Uzunomichi Walkway to observe the fascinating swirls of the Naruto Whirlpools, offering an incredible view through glass viewing panels.

See the Beautiful Ritsurin Garden

Take a leisurely hike up to Ritsurin Garden. One of the largest and most beautiful landscape gardens in Japan, check out the impressive features of Ritsurin Garden and take in its scenic beauty with each step offering a new perspective on the garden’s breathtaking scenery.

Day 4

Visit the Outstanding Setouchi Triennale

Start the day with a trip to the impressive Setouchi Triennale, a contemporary art festival held every three years on several islands in the Seto Inland Sea and the coastal cities of Takamatsu and Tamano. Check out over 150 exceptional artworks by celebrated artists, learn to appreciate the finest works of art, and discover how the festival transformed the region into a Sea of Hope. 

Explore the Impressive Kagawa Prefectural Higashiyama Kaii Setouchi Art Museum

Visit the stunning Kagawa Prefectural Higashiyama Kaii Setouchi Art Museum, an art museum dedicated to one of Japan’s painting masters, Kaii Higashiyama. Admire the spectacular museum designed by famed architect Yoshio Taniguchi while you see the finest works of Kaii Higashiyama.

Day 5

See the Historic Matsuyama Castle

Travel back in time as you visit the remarkable Matsuyama Castle, one of the few original surviving castles in Japan. A designated Important Cultural Property, discover the unique features of the castle highlighting the architectural style of the Momoyama period and hear the interesting stories related to the consequential castle.

Discover the Spectacular Ishiteji Temple

Continue with a visit to the mysterious Ishiteji Temple, the 51st Temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage. With several of its structures having been designated as National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties, learn about the historic and religious significance of Ishiteji Temple. Explore the legendary temple and learn more about its association to the foundational legend of the Shikoku Pilgrimage. 

Depart from Takamatsu

Take a convenient transport to Takamatsu Airport or Station for your onward journey.

Inclusions

• 4 Nights Accommodation in High International Standard Hotel 

• Breakfast (4)

• Dinner (2)

• English-Speaking Local Guide

• Transportation as Per Itinerary

• Admission Fees and Activities as Per Itinerary

Exclusions

• Local and International Flights to and from Shikoku

• Airport Transfers

• Local Hotel Tax

• Meals Not Mentioned

• Drinks

• Visas

• Travel Insurance

• Personal Expenses

• Gratuities (Optional)

Additional Information

• The tour operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.

• Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level.

• A moderate amount of walking is involved; Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

• Arrival time at each location may vary depending on the season and the day of the week due to traffic conditions.

• If there is insufficient time for all attractions on the itinerary, the tour guide will adjust the length of time spent at other attractions. 

• Delays, shortening of the tours, or omissions to the itinerary due to traffic, weather, or other unforeseen circumstances are not subject to refund.

• Itinerary is subject to change and the attractions may be closed due to traffic, weather, and force majeure. An alternative itinerary may also be omitted depending on road conditions.

• Please note that on days in which no activities are planned, you are free to explore at your leisure; all activities and purchases will be at your own expense. You will have your tour guide's mobile number in case of emergency.