5 Day Shikoku Tour Itinerary | Private Guided Package

Booking Overview Highlights Includes/Excludes Cancellation Faqs Services Reviews

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Overview

Duration:5 days 4 nights
Travelers:2 - 8 guests
Tour Type:Package tour, Private tour
Language:English, Japanese

This 5-Day Shikoku Tour Itinerary focuses on a lot of Shikoku’s highlight experiences and interaction with the locals. It starts in Okayama’s beautiful Bikan district, one of the most beautifully preserved merchants’ quarters in Japan, dating to the Edo Period.
It continues to Takamatsu, which is a compact city with a happening shopping street, beautiful Ritsurin Garden, Bonsai trees, and many workshops. Iya Valley is Shikoku’s one-of-the-must-go places in Shikoku, connected to the history of Japan, preserving old thatched houses as well as prehistoric bridges and wide nature. Next, at the southern shore of Shikoku is Kochi, full of its nature, gorgeous valleys, sea beaches, delicious fish, and smiling people, where we wrap up the trip by coming back to Kurashiki and then catching the bullet train back to Tokyo / Osaka.

5 day Shikoku Tour Itinerary- visit the best and most popular yet not crowded spots of Shikoku
Local Experience - Meet with the locals and take part in craft and cooking experiences
Scarecrow Village Visit - Visit one of Japan's most iconic village with hundreds of scarecrow dolls
Spiritual Experiences - Cover some of Shioku's most spiritual temples
Unspoiled Nature - Reach some of Shikoku's hidden highlights with unspoiled nature

Includes/Excludes

All the accommodation for the trip on twin sharing basis
Transportation by private vehicle as mentioned in the itinerary.
Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner as per the itinerary.
English speaking guide for the entire tour
Sightseeing entrance fees and experience fees

Itinerary

Day 1: Okayama - Kurashiki – Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter – Takamatsu

Start your 5-day Shikoku Tour at Okayama.

Our office representatives will pick you up at the bullet train station in Okayama. In your private vehicle, transfer to Kurashiki’s Bikan District to explore the historical quarter. Boating options are also available before you have lunch and start transferring to Takamatsu. The way through the Seto-Ohashi bridge is wonderful, bringing you beautiful nearby sea views.

Day 2: Takamatsu – Ritsurin Garden – Bonsai Experience.

Start the day by visiting Ritsurin Garden, the iconic figure of Takamatsu. Inside Ritsurin Garden, you will experience a tea ceremony inside old thatched house called Kikugetsutei. Then, interact with the locals by entering a local self-service Udon noodle shop for your lunch.

Then, travel to the western part of Takamatsu and take part in years-old bonsai culture experience. You will be doing moss-ball making or bonsai making experience based on availability. Overnight in Takamatsu.

Day 3: Transfer and Visit Iya Valley

After Takamatsu’s experiences, drive to Iya valley, visit the wonderful valley with Hi-No-JI and the peeing boy.

Which is always in the color of the season, with mountains peeking through the mist. Drive inside the deep Iya valley to reach Negoro Village, where there are more dolls than people residing. Explore how schools, libraries, sports halls, farm are filled with dolls. Then, visit the double Vine Bridge and try Yaen, a monkey cart, to cross the river.

Then, drive to a small local restaurant where the local Obaachan will teach you how to make Soba Noodles. This Soba Noodle is going to be your lunch. Overnight in Iya Valley.

Day 4: Transfer to Kochi, visit Kochi city.

Transfer from Iya Valley to Kochi. Begin your exploration at Chikurinji Temple, one of the 88 temples on the Shikoku Ohenro Pilgrimage route. This hillside temple offers serene grounds and sweeping views of the city below. Transfer to Harimaya Bridge by private vehicle. Stop for photos at this iconic red bridge, famous for its romantic local legend and charming traditional atmosphere. Walk to the Yosakoi Information Center to learn about Kochi's vibrant dance festival that brings the city to life each summer. Transfer to Kochi Castle, one of Japan's finest original castles. Explore the beautifully preserved structure and climb to the top for panoramic city views. Transfer to your hotel in Kochi.

Day 5: Kochi – Nakatsu Gorge – Kure Taisho Market – Kochi.

Start your morning by visiting Kochi’s most beautiful Nakatsu Gorge. Nakatsu Gorge is said to be the origin of the Niyodo River, regarded as Japan’s most beautiful river. Hiking through unique rock sculptures to Uryu-No-Taki falls is a wonderful nature bath. Drive to Kure Taisho market for lunch. Kure Taisho market is this area’s local market where people buy local fish caught on that day. The old ambience of this small market is a must-see. Drive back to Kochi and visit Chikurinji Temple, one of the 88 temples of the Shikoku Ohenro Pilgrimage route. We will drop you off at Kochi station, from where you can take a train to Okayama for your onward journey. Your 5-day Shikoku Tour ends.