6-Day Discover Shikoku Cultural Highlights Tour

Visit the charming island of Shikoku for a full cultural and historical experience by setting off on an unforgettable 6-day adventure! Admire the splendor of Tokushima, Kochi, and Kagawa while you learn about the island’s fascinating cultural history, savor its delicious culinary treats, and discover its enchanting scenic beauty. Visit the some of the revered temples of the Shikoku Henro Pilgrimage, walk across the impressive Kazurabashi Bridge, learn to make Sanuki udon noodles and traditional Japanese paper, see popular attractions in Shikoku such as the Naruto Whirlpools, Oboke Gorge, Kochi Castle, Ritsurin Garden, and Konpira Shrine.

Tour Highlights

• Discover the cultural highlights of Shikoku in 6 days

• Take in Shikoku’s breathtaking wonders of nature

• Get a glimpse into the fascinating Japanese culture and history

• Visit some of the historic and notable Shikoku Henro Pilgrimage Temples

• Cross the incredible Kazurabashi Bridge

• See popular Shikoku destinations including Naruto Whirlpools, Oboke Gorge, Kochi Castle, Ritsurin Garden, and Konpira Shrine

• Learn to make Sanuki udon noodles and traditional Japanese paper

• Try delicious regional specialities from Shikoku

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

See the Mesmerizing Naruto Whirlpools

Start the day with a trip to the stunning coastal city of Naruto. One of the gateways into Shikoku. Naruto is 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. Continue to Onaruto Bridge, one of the largest bridges in the world, and head to the Uzunomichi Walkway to view the fascinating swirls of the Naruto Whirlpools. 

Explore the Historic Wakimachi

Travel back in time to the Japanese Edo Period as you walk along the historic streets of Wakimachi lined with well-preserved buildings from the bygone era. Admire the impressive traditional architecture featuring the distinct udatsu on the roofs to prevent fire from traveling to adjacent buildings. Check out the traditional structures converted into gift shops, cafes, and restaurants. Be sure to visit the famous Wakimachi Theater (Odeonza), a wooden theater built to accommodate kabuki performances. Then, head to a small indigo dyeing studio to try dyeing fabrics with indigo, one of the many traditional crafts in Shikoku.

Enjoy a Traditional Awa Odori Dance Performance

Continue with a drive 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.  

Day 3

Walk Across the Incredible Kazurabashi Bridge

Step back in time as you walk across the traditional Kazurabashi Bridge, made from wood and rope-like vines, and experience the rough side of ancient Japan! Get an insight into the significance of the vine bridges for the people in the remote and mountainous Iya Valley, learn how wisteria vines were traditionally weaved together, and hear different stories related to the origin of the vine bridges.

Explore the Historic Ochiai Village

Take a walk up to the Ochiai View Tower for an incredible view over the beautiful Ochiai Village, one of the most scenic mountainside villages of Iya. Check out the restored traditional thatched roof houses around the village and learn about its unique system of sustainable farming. 

Discover the Enchanting Oboke and Koboke Gorges

Make your way through the captivating Oboke and Koboke Gorges situated near the edge of the Iya Valley in the mountains of Tokushima. Board on the Oboke Sightseeing Boat Cruise, enjoy a cruise on the beautiful Yoshino River through the Oboke Gorge, check out a few fascinating rock formations, and appreciate the breathtaking natural landscape. 

See the Notable Kochi Castle

Visit Kochi Castle, one of the few castles to have survived the fires, wars, and other catastrophes of the post feudal age. One of the designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan, check out Kochi Castle’s unique features such as its main tower (donjon) and historical treasures. 

Day 4

Enjoy a Traditional Japanese Paper-Making Experience

Start the day with a trip to QRAUD Tosawashi Kougeimura, a craft village in the Tosa Paper Making Town of Ino. Get an insight into the traditional paper making process and its development as well as learn a traditional craft while taking in the pristine Niyodo River and its beautiful surrounding scenery.

Delight in a Fun Bonito Grilling Experience

Savor a mouth-watering grilled bonito, a medium-sized fish from the same family as mackerel and tuna, for lunch. You will also get to learn how to properly grill a freshly caught bonito from the nearby sea.

See the Tranquil Chikurinji Temple

Continue to the lovely Chikurinji Temple. Here, immerse yourself into the peaceful atmosphere as you take a walk around Chikurinji Temple. See the unique highlights of the 31st Temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage and unravel its magnificent cultural heritage featuring its great National Treasures. You will also hear the fascinating story on how the temple was founded. 

Visit the Beautiful Makino Botanical Garden

Take time to wander through the enchanting flower paths at Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden. One of the best botanical gardens in Japan, Makino Botanical Garden has an incredible selection of beautiful flora from rare exotic flowers to wild endemic varieties. Get to know the father of Japanese botany, Dr. Tomitaro Makino, while you explore the highlights of the garden.

Day 5

Visit the Beautiful Ritsurin Garden

Begin the day by taking a leisure hike up to Ritsurin Garden. One of the largest and most beautiful landscape gardens in Japan, take in the scenic beauty of Ritsurin Garden with each step offering a new perspective on the garden’s breathtaking scenery. 

Enjoy a Traditional Udon-Making Experience

Take part in a fun udon-making experience at Nakano Udon School, a school located just below Konpira Shrine (Kotohira-gu). Learn how to make traditional Sanuki Udon Noodles, get an insight into the history of udon, and discover how locals have made udon noodles throughout the years. 

See the Magnificent Konpira Shrine

Visit the spectacular Konpira Shrine. The largest Shinto Shrine Complex in Shikoku, also known as Kotohira-gu, is a shrine dedicated to protecting sailors and seafaring. Feel the serene atmosphere as you make your way to the shrine, offering amazing panoramic views of Kotohira. You can also check out several souvenir shops, restaurants, and a sake museum at the bottom of the path up to the shrine. 

Day 6

Depart from Takamatsu

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

Inclusions

• 5 Nights Accommodation in High International Standard Hotel 

• Breakfast (5)

• Lunch (2)

• Dinner (4)

• 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

• Trekking Permits

• 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.