Trip Overview
Shikoku may be the smallest of Japan's main islands but it is bursting with hidden gems just waiting to be found. This Shikoku itinerary takes you from the main sites to the hidden gems found deep within the mountains.
Start in Naoshima, the famous art island that is known for showcasing Yayoi Kusama's artwork. Then, it's off to the remote Iya Valley before visiting Kochi to sample some locals snacks. The last days of your trip will be spent relaxing in onsens and following quiet and beautiful nature trails to see what Shikoku is all about; nature and relaxation!
Start in Naoshima, the famous art island that is known for showcasing Yayoi Kusama's artwork. Then, it's off to the remote Iya Valley before visiting Kochi to sample some locals snacks. The last days of your trip will be spent relaxing in onsens and following quiet and beautiful nature trails to see what Shikoku is all about; nature and relaxation!
Customise this trip for a perfect match
Private, Personalised TravelNo generic group tours. Just the activities you love, and nothing you don't.
Insider Local KnowledgeAccess insider tips, hidden gems and authentic experiences known only to locals.
End-to-end ServiceFrom the initial planning to full support while travelling, Designer Journeys provides seamless service every step of the way.
Travel With ConfidenceFeel assured travelling with an accredited Australian company with comprehensive financial guarantees and a local emergency system.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Takamatsu
Close
When you arrive in Takamatsu, you'll be picked up by your private driver and taken to your hotel.
Accommodation
JR Hotel Clement Takamatsu★4 star
Transportations
Private Driver from Takamatsu Airport to JR Hotel Clement Takamatsu
Destinations
Takamatsu
Day 2
Day Tour of Naoshima
Close
In the morning, your guide will collect you and take you to the ferry port to go to Naoshima Island. When you arrive, you'll immediately start your tour with the Red Pumpkin by Yayoi Kusama and the Naoshima Pavillion. You'll then go to Honmura Pier for lunch before going to see another of Kusama's pumpkins, you'll finish the day at Chichu Art Museum for an immersive experience.
Accommodation
JR Hotel Clement Takamatsu★4 star
Activities
Red Pumpkin
Naoshima Pavilion
Yellow Pumpkin
Chichu Art Museum
Transportations
Ferry from Port of Takamatsu to Naoshima Port Terminal
Bicycle from Naoshima to Chichu Art Museum〔Online Reservation required〕
Ferry from Naoshima to Takamatsu
Meals
Breakfast and dinner
Destinations
Takamatsu
Naoshima
Day 3
Iya Valley
Close
Leave Takamatsu behind once more to go to the Iya Valley where nature creates a resounding air of calm. You'll visit Kazura bridge and take part in a soba-making workshop to learn about the history of the area and the unique flavours of Shikoku cuisine. Finish the day at your ryokan where you'll have dinner and spend the evening in your onsen.
Accommodation
Wanoyado Hotel Iyaonsen★4 star
Activities
Iya-no-Kazura Bashi
Soba Making Workshop
Washi Paper Factory TourOptional Activity
Ōboke Gorge
Transportations
Private Driver from Takamatsu to Iya Valley
Meals
Breakfast and dinner
Destinations
Takamatsu
Miyoshi
Yoshinogawa
Day 4
Travel to Kochi
Close
From the Iya Valley, head to Kochi to arrive in time for lunch at your leisure in the hustle and bustle of Hiromi Market where you'll be free to sample as little or as much as you please, the most popular things to try are Katsuo Tataki and seared tuna with sauces. Head to Kochi Castle, one of Japan's 12 castles that are considered national treasures, and maybe finish the day at Katsurahama Beach for a historical experience rather than a leisurely one.
Accommodation
Jyoseikan
Activities
Hiromi Market
Kochi Castle
Katsurahama Beach
Transportations
Private Driver from Iya Valley to Kochi
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Miyoshi
Kochi
Day 5
Travel to Matsuyama
Close
Take your time going to Matsuyama today with a stop at Nakatsu Gorge for an hour-long walk to the stunning waterfall, Nikobuchi. This is a beautiful natural experience that shows you the hidden gems of Shikoku. When you arrive in Matsurayama, relax in your accommodations onsens for the remainder of the day.
Accommodation
Dogo Umenoya
Activities
Nakatsu Gorge
Transportations
Private Driver from Kochi to Matsuyama
Meals
Breakfast and dinner
Destinations
Kochi
Niyodogawa
Matsuyama
Day 6
Relax in Matsuyama
Close
Begin this day of your Shikoku itinerary with Matsuyama Castle, another of Japan's twelve national treasures. Perched on a mountain, the castle looks out to the Seto Inland Sea. The rest of your day will be spent in the Dogo Onsens, where you'll don your robe and leisurely go between the different temperatures of springs. You may want to pass by the Dogo Onsen Honkan which was the inspiration for the onsen in the film "Spirited Away".
Accommodation
Dogo Umenoya
Activities
Matsuyama Castle
Dogo Onsen
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Matsuyama
Day 7
Return to Takamatsu
Close
In the morning, you'll make your way back to Takamatsu, but not without stopping in Naruto whirlpools to check out this fascinating natural phenomenon that can be seen up-close by boat or from the bridge. You'll head back to Takamatsu and enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure, perhaps doing some last-minute shopping.
Accommodation
JR Hotel Clement Takamatsu★4 star
Activities
Naruto Whirlpools
Takamatsu Shopping ArcadeOptional Activity
Transportations
Private Driver from Tokushima to Takamatsu
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Matsuyama
Naruto
Takamatsu
Day 8
Departure Day
Close
Today marks the end of your Shikoku itinerary. Spend the morning doing any last-minute shopping before you are drive to Takamatsu airport for your flight.
Transportations
Private Driver from Takamatsu to Takamatsu Airport
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Takamatsu
Share With Your Partners
Download this trip itinerary as a PDF and start planning your next trip offline!
What’s included?
- 7 nights accommodation
- 14 activities
- 7 breakfasts and 3 dinners
- Airport transfer
- Entrance fees
- Ground transportation
- Licensed English speaking guides
What’s not included?
- Alcohol beverages
- Domestic flights
- Entry visas / airport departure tax
- Gratuities
- International flights
- Laundry
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Trekking permits
Starting From
AU$ 11,452/ per traveller sharing
Get a fully customised trip plan today
Benefits of this trip
Japan in 8 days
4-star accommodation
24/7 in-destination support from your local designer
Unique local experiences you can’t find elsewhere
More Inclusions
Designed by
All the activities you love, and nothing you don't
Inspiration for you
Explore the authentic activities in Japan
Chichu Art Museum, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan|Naoshima Pavilion, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan|Red Pumpkin, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan|Yellow Pumpkin, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan|Iya-no-Kazura Bashi, Tokushima Prefecture, Japan|Soba Making Workshop, Tokushima Prefecture, Japan|Ōboke Gorge, Tokushima Prefecture, Japan|Kochi Castle, Kōchi Prefecture, Japan|Hiromi Market, Kōchi Prefecture, Japan|Katsurahama Beach, Kōchi Prefecture, Japan|Nakatsu Gorge, Kochi, Japan|Matsuyama Castle, Ehime, Japan|Dogo Onsen, Ehime, Japan|Naruto Whirlpools, Tokushima Prefecture, Japan
As seen on
Partners
