7-Day Ultimate Shikoku Pilgrimage Cultural Heritage Tour

Embark on a fantastic 7-day journey to the lovely island of Shikoku for a full cultural and historical experience! Discover the mesmerizing natural scenic beauty of the island, gain insight into its intriguing cultural legacy, and savor the delicious culinary delicacies while admiring the splendor of Tokushima, Kochi, and Kagawa!

Tour Highlights

• Experience the ultimate highlights of Shikoku Pilgrimage in 7 days

• Marvel at the breathtaking wonders of nature

• Get a glimpse into the fascinating Japanese culture and history

• Visit historic and notable Shikoku Henro Pilgrimage Temples

• See popular Shikoku destinations including Cape Muroto, Monet’s Garden Marmottan, and Naruto Whirlpools

• Taste Shikoku’s delightful local 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

Stop by the Historic Tokushima Castle

Travel back in time as you explore the ruins of Tokushima Castle, the historic residence of the Hacisuka Clan. A designated National Historic Site, Tokushima Castle is known as one of the top 100 castles in Japan with beautiful gardens. Admire the enchanting scenic gardens, spot the statue of the first lord Hachimusa Lesaka, and learn more about the history of the castle through the exhibits in Tokushima Castle Museum.

Visit the Notable Ryozenji Temple

Head to the 1st Temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage. Ryozenji Temple is the starting point on Shikoku for the famous pilgrimage where you can purchase all the paraphernalia required to walk the entire pilgrimage. Check out the Matchmaking Kannon which is believed to be beneficial not only for love matches but also for health, work, and happiness. 

See the Magnificent Byodoji Temple

Continue to the 22nd Temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage. Byodoji Temple is said to have been founded by Kukai who dug a well that is believed to produce healing water. See the image of Yakushi Nyorai, also known as the Temple of Equality, carved by Kukai and enshrined as the principal image of the temple with the wish of equal happiness of the people. 

Day 3

See the Impressive Tairyuji Temple

Begin the day with a delightful breakfast with the other pilgrims in the temple before hopping on the scenic Tairyuji Ropeway, an aerial tram taking you up to the magnificent Tairyuji Temple. Take in the sacredness of the 21st Temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, experience an ethereal retreat in the midst of tall trees, historic structures, and pillars of rock. You will also learn about the fascinating legend on how a great dragon protected Kukai.

Visit the Wonderful Saba Daisha Temple

Continue to the amazing Saba Daisha Temple, one of the additional 20 temples of the Shikoku Pilgrimage known as Bangai Temples. Hear the fascinating story on how Kukai brought back to life a wagonload of mackerel as you explore the temple’s cave and inner-mountain sanctuary. 

Explore the Awe-Inspiring Cape Muroto

Admire the spectacular Muroto Global Geopark, a recognized UNESCO Global Geopark in Shikoku. Be amazed at the breathtaking landscapes and seascapes as well as the unique geological features of the park. Do not forget to drop by the historic Cape Muroto Lighthouse, built in the Meiji Period, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. 

Stop by the Beautiful Hotsumisakiji Temple

Journey to the 24th Temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, located overlooking the breathtaking Cape Muroto. Hotsumisakiji Temple represents the start of the “Austerity and Discipline” Stage of the Shikoku Pilgrimage. Check out the amazing musical stones in the temple grounds and try to hit a larger rock to produce different musical tones.

Day 4

Journey to Charming Kochi

Start the day with the trip to Kochi, a small quaint city with a friendly and relaxing atmosphere and a touch of southern flair. Experience the city’s majestic scenic nature and exquisite Japanese culinary cuisine. You will also get a glimpse into the local culture and an insight into its rich history.

Explore the Fascinating Muroto Global Geopark

Continue to the amazing Muroto Global Geopark, a recognized UNESCO Global Geopark in the Kochi Prefecture. Get an in-depth understanding on how Muroto has been shaped by the seismic activity resulting to a series of astonishing rock formations. 

Take in the Beguiling Views at Monet’s Garden Marmottan

Step into the mesmerizing world of Claude Monet as you explore the beautiful Monet’s Garden Marmottan in Kitagawa Village. Enjoy the serenity of the garden as you walk along the scenic trails, take in the spectacular beauty of the gardens, and admire the rare and exquisite selection of flowers. Monet’s Garden Marmottan is a reimagined version of Claude Monet’s most cherished gardens in Giverny that inspired his finest masterpieces.

Visit the Notable Zentsuji Temple

Head to the 75th Temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage to see the birthplace of Kukai. The first Shingon temple in Japan, Zentsuji Temple is also the largest temple complex in Shikoku. Take time to tour around the complex and see its wonderful shrines and pagoda as well as its majestic treasures including the relics of Kukai. 

Explore the Bustling Takamatsu Shopping Arcade

Take in the vibrant scenes and lively atmosphere of the popular Takamatsu Shopping Arcade, a long, covered shopping arcade stretching from Takamatsu Castle to Ritsurin Garden. Takamatsu Shopping Arcade is deemed as the longest shopping arcade network in Japan. Spend some time exploring the shopping arcade brimming with a variety of shops, restaurants, and department stores suitable for a wide range of budgets. 

Day 5

Stroll Around the Beautiful Ritsurin Garden

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

Marvel at the Incredible Scenic Views from Yashimaji Temple

Journey up to Mount Yashima of Kagawa Prefecture and head to the 84th Temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage. One of the last stops of the pilgrimage, legend says that Kukai carved a one thousand-armed Buddha statue as the Yashimaji Temple’s main image. Catch sight of a number of stone Tanuki statues and feel free to offer your prayers for good marriages, relationships, and happiness. You will also get to enjoy incredible views over Takamatsu and the Seto Inland Sea. 

Admire the Grandeur of the Yakuriji Temple

Visit the 85th Temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, founded by the famous Chinese monk Chin’en-chen (Ganjin). Spot the fascinating Welcoming Daishi, a seated statue of Kukai, offering a stunning view over the Sanuki Plain. Yakuriji Temple is sacred to the deity of Bliss, Kangiten. Take the chance to offer your prayers and wish for academic achievement, business prosperity, and good marriage. 

Visit the Beautiful Okuboji Temple

Take a look around the picturesque Okuboji Temple, the 88th Temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage. Pilgrims who make it to the last temple are considered to have fulfilled their vows. Admire the charming landscapes of the last and final temple and learn the history behind its founding.

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 6

Explore the Spectacular Naruto

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. Then, see the impressive full-size ceramic reproductions of works of arts at the Otsuka Museum of Art, including the Sistine Chapel, Scrovegni Chapel, and Guernica. Take a relaxing stroll around the scenic Naruto Park and appreciate the beautiful scenes from the observation decks before heading back to Tokushima. 

Day 7

Depart from Tokushima

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

Inclusions

• 6 Nights Accommodation in High International Standard Hotel 

• Breakfast (6)

• Lunch (2)

• 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

• 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.