A Week Discovering Shikoku, Japan's Hidden Gem

Day 1: Explore Takamatsu

Takamatsu, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Matsuya

Start your day with a traditional Japanese breakfast set featuring grilled fish and miso soup at Matsuya to fuel your adventures.
Head to Matsuya, a 10-minute walk from your accommodation.
JPY 800, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Ritsurin Garden

Stroll through Ritsurin Garden, a stunning landscape filled with ponds, trees, and hills, perfect for tranquil sightseeing.
Take a 15-minute tram ride to Ritsurin Koen Station.
JPY 410, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Matsu Takahashi

Indulge in a delicious bowl of sanuki udon noodles, handmade and served hot at Matsu Takahashi, a local favorite.
Walk 10 minutes from Ritsurin Garden.
JPY 1,000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Takamatsu Castle

Discover the history of Takamatsu Castle, its impressive stone walls, and scenic views of the Seto Inland Sea.
A short 10-minute walk from Matsu Takahashi.
JPY 300, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Ferry to Naoshima

Enjoy a scenic ferry ride to Naoshima, the island of art, where you'll immerse yourself in contemporary installations.
Board the ferry at Takamatsu Ferry Terminal (15-minute walk).
JPY 1,000, 1 hour

5:00PM

Check-in at Naoshima Hotel

Settle into your hotel on Naoshima to relax before a night exploring the island.
Hotel is a short walk from Naoshima Ferry Terminal.
JPY 15,000, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Issen

Savor local cuisine at Issen, known for its fresh seafood dishes and warm atmosphere.
Walk 10 minutes from your hotel.
JPY 2,500, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Art Island Adventure

Naoshima, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at your hotel with a view of the Seto Inland Sea.
Dine in the hotel restaurant.
Included in room rate, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Benesse House Museum

Experience art and architecture harmoniously blended at the Benesse House, showcasing works of famous artists.
Take a 10-minute walk from your hotel.
JPY 2,000, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Chichu Art Museum

Marvel at the unique artworks housed within the Chichu Art Museum, set within stunning landscape architecture.
Take a taxi or cycle to the museum (5 minutes).
JPY 2,000, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Café de Benesse

Recharge with a light lunch at Café de Benesse, featuring local flavors and organic ingredients.
Return by taxi or cycle.
JPY 1,500, 1 hour

2:30PM

Discover Art House Project

Wander through the installations of the Art House Project, organic pieces spanning different historical buildings around the island.
Rent a bicycle to explore the island.
JPY 500 for rental, 2 hours

5:00PM

Visit the Yellow Pumpkin

Admire the gigantic yellow pumpkin by Yayoi Kusama, a must-see icon of Naoshima.
Cycle to the beach area (15 minutes).
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Shioya

Enjoy a cozy dinner at Shioya, featuring local seasonal ingredients in creative dishes.
Cycle back to the restaurant (15 minutes).
JPY 2,000, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Visit Matsuyama

Matsuyama, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a delightful breakfast at your hotel on Naoshima before heading to Matsuyama.
Dine in the hotel restaurant.
Included in room rate, 1 hour

9:30AM

Ferry to Takamatsu

Travel back to Takamatsu by ferry for further transportation to Matsuyama.
Ferry terminal is a short walk away.
JPY 1,000, 1 hour

11:00AM

Train to Matsuyama

Catch a train from Takamatsu to Matsuyama, enjoying beautiful rural scenery along the way.
Board the train at Takamatsu Station.
JPY 3,000, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Sakae Sushi

Savor a fresh sushi lunch at Sakae Sushi, known for its delectable catches from the Seto Inland Sea.
5-minute walk from Matsuyama Station.
JPY 2,500, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Matsuyama Castle

Explore Matsuyama Castle, perched high on a hill with spectacular city views.
Take a tram from the restaurant for 15 minutes.
JPY 510, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Relax at Dogo Onsen

Unwind in the historic Dogo Onsen, Japan's oldest hot spring, known for its beautiful architecture.
Take the tram for 20 minutes.
JPY 1,300, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Katsuya

Indulge in a hearty katsu dinner at Katsuya, pairing perfectly with Japanese rice and curry.
Return by tram from Dogo Onsen and walk 5 minutes.
JPY 1,800, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Kochi Coastal Exploration

Kochi, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a fresh breakfast at your hotel before embarking on your journey to Kochi.
Enjoy a buffet at your hotel.
Included in room rate, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Kochi

Take a scenic train ride from Matsuyama to Kochi, offering views of the Shikoku countryside.
Board at Matsuyama Station.
JPY 3,500, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Kochi Castle

Explore the well-preserved Kochi Castle, and climb to the top for panoramic views of the city.
Tram or taxi to the castle (10 minutes).
JPY 350, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Hirome Market

Experience local flavors at Hirome Market, sampling different items from various food stalls.
Walk 5 minutes from Kochi Castle.
JPY 1,500, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Ryoma Sakamoto Statue

Pay your respects to Sakamoto Ryoma, a prominent figure in Japan’s history, at his statue in Kochi.
A short 10-minute walk from the market.
Free, 30 minutes

3:30PM

Explore Katsurahama Beach

Enjoy a stroll along the beautiful Katsurahama Beach, known for its scenic coastline.
Take a bus from Kochi Station for 30 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Katsuobushi Diner

Savor fresh bonito at Katsuobushi Diner, renowned for its flavorful seafood dishes.
Bus back to Kochi and walk 15 minutes.
JPY 2,000, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Explore Naruto

Naruto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Kochi before continuing to Naruto.
In-hotel dining.
Included in room rate, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Naruto

Travel from Kochi to Naruto by train, enjoying the scenic ride through the countryside.
Board at Kochi Station.
JPY 3,000, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit Naruto Whirlpools

Witness the powerful whirlpools of Naruto, a natural phenomenon best viewed from the bridge.
Walk from the station to the observatory (20 minutes).
JPY 300, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Naruto Restaurant

Enjoy local cuisine at the Naruto Restaurant, famous for its delicious seafood.
A short walk from the observation site.
JPY 2,000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Otsuka Museum of Art

Delve into European art at the Otsuka Museum, featuring replicas of famous masterpieces.
Take a local bus from Naruto Restaurant.
JPY 3,200, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Naruto Park

Relax in Naruto Park, offering beautiful views and a scenic environment to unwind.
Bus or walk from the museum.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Takoyaki Shop

Indulge in local takoyaki at a nearby shop, a tasty street food treat.
Return to Naruto town center (20 minutes).
JPY 800, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Discover Tokushima

Tokushima, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up for the day with a hearty breakfast at the local diner in Naruto.
Local diner near Naruto station.
JPY 900, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Tokushima

Travel from Naruto to Tokushima by train, enjoying the beautiful scenery along the way.
Board the train at Naruto Station.
JPY 640, 30 minutes

9:30AM

Visit Awa Odori Kaikan

Learn about the traditional Awa Odori dance at the Awa Odori Kaikan, where performances are held.
Walk 10 minutes from the station.
JPY 600, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Bizan Park

Visit Bizan Park, located on Mt. Bizan, which offers stunning views of the city and nearby mountains.
Take the ropeway from Awa Odori Kaikan (5 minutes).
JPY 1,200, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Konnyaku Park

Delve into a unique experience at Konnyaku Park, known for its konnyaku (cooked yam) cuisine.
Travel via tram from Bizan Park.
JPY 500, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Tokushima Castle

Explore the history of the region at Tokushima Castle, which has lovely gardens.
Take a bus to Tokushima Castle (15 minutes).
JPY 200, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Local Izakaya

Sample local brews and dishes at a welcoming izakaya, immersing yourself in the culture.
Walk from the castle (15 minutes).
JPY 2,500, 2 hours
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Day 7: Return to Takamatsu

Takamatsu, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a fulfilling breakfast before your journey back to Takamatsu.
Dine in the hotel restaurant.
Included in room rate, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Takamatsu

Travel back to Takamatsu, reflecting on your wonderful week in Shikoku.
Board at Tokushima Station.
JPY 2,800, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Takamatsu Symbol Tower

Discover the Takamatsu Symbol Tower, a modern architectural highlight, and enjoy stunning views from the observatory.
Walk 15 minutes from Takamatsu Station.
JPY 600, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Sanuki Kintoki

Taste some tasty sanuki udon before concluding your trip at Sanuki Kintoki, near the tower.
Walk 10 minutes.
JPY 1,000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Shopping at Marugame Castle

Spend some time shopping for souvenirs nearby at the beautiful Marugame Castle.
Tram or bus to Marugame (20 minutes).
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Departure

Reflect on your journey through Shikoku and prepare for your next adventure.
Return to Takamatsu Station.
N/A, 1 hour
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