8-Day Shikoku Rail Adventure: Discover the Hidden Gems of Japan

Day 1: Takamatsu Highlights

Takamatsu, Japan

9:00AM

Visit Ritsurin Garden

Start your Shikoku adventure with a peaceful stroll in Ritsurin Garden, a masterpiece of landscape gardening.
Take the Takamatsu Station tram to Ritsurin Garden.
JPY 410, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Katsugyu

Savor a delicious bowl of katsu-don at Katsugyu, a local favorite for its crispy pork cutlet over rice.
A short 10-minute walk from Ritsurin Garden.
JPY 1,200, 1 hour

2:00PM

Takamatsu Castle

Explore the historic Takamatsu Castle and enjoy stunning views of the waterfront.
A 15-minute walk from Katsugyu.
JPY 200, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Chinchikurin

Indulge in a traditional shabu-shabu dinner to end your day on a high note.
A short 10-minute taxi ride from the castle.
JPY 3,000, 2 hours
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Day 2: Art Exploration

Naoshima Island, Japan

8:00AM

Ferry to Naoshima

Catch an early ferry from Takamatsu to Naoshima, known for its contemporary art museums.
Walk to Takamatsu Port, about 20 minutes.
JPY 1,400, 1 hour

9:15AM

Visit Benesse House Museum

Immerse yourself in the unique art experience at Benesse House Museum, designed by Tadao Ando.
Take a shuttle bus from the ferry terminal.
JPY 2,300, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Café Takara

Enjoy a light lunch at Café Takara, featuring local ingredients and stunning sea views.
Short walk from Benesse House.
JPY 1,500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Chichu Art Museum

Experience the Chichu Art Museum, blending art and nature in a serene atmosphere.
Shuttle bus back to Chichu.
JPY 2,500, 2 hours

4:00PM

Explore Art House Project

Wander the streets of Honmura and discover the Art House Project with artworks integrated into local houses.
Walk back to Honmura area.
JPY 1,200, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Shioya

Delight in fresh seafood and local cuisine at Shioya, well-known among locals.
Back to the ferry terminal for easy access.
JPY 3,500, 2 hours
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Day 3: Cultural Exploration

Okayama, Japan

7:30AM

Ferry back to Takamatsu

Return to Takamatsu Harbor via ferry to begin the journey to Okayama.
Walk to the ferry terminal.
JPY 1,400, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Okayama

Take the train from Takamatsu to Okayama, enjoying the beautiful landscapes along the way.
JR Shikoku Line train from Takamatsu Station.
JPY 1,800, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Okayama Korakuen Garden

Spend your morning exploring one of Japan’s top three landscape gardens, Okayama Korakuen.
A short 15-minute tram ride from Okayama Station.
JPY 400, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Kokoen

Enjoy kaiseki cuisine at Kokoen, situated beside the Korakuen Garden.
Walk from the garden.
JPY 3,500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Okayama Castle

Explore Okayama Castle, known as the 'Crow Castle' for its black exterior and historical significance.
10-minute walk from the restaurant.
JPY 300, 1 hour

4:00PM

Seto Ohashi Bridge

Take a stroll along the magnificent Seto Ohashi Bridge, connecting Shikoku to Honshu.
Train to Kojima Station, 30 minutes from Okayama.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Goshiki

Feast on seasonal dishes at Goshiki, a local restaurant praised for its ambiance.
Train back to Okayama, then a short walk.
JPY 3,000, 2 hours
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Day 4: Hot Springs Retreat

Matsuyama, Japan

8:00AM

Train to Matsuyama

Board the train from Okayama to Matsuyama, soaking in the scenic views along the journey.
JR Shimanami Line train from Okayama Station.
JPY 4,500, 3 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Saka-no-ue

Indulge in a delicious sushi bento at Saka-no-ue, renowned for its fresh ingredients.
Short walk from Matsuyama Station.
JPY 1,800, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit Matsuyama Castle

Explore the historic Matsuyama Castle and enjoy panoramic city views.
Take the ropeway from the city to the castle.
JPY 1,200, 2 hours

4:00PM

Dogo Onsen Visit

Experience Dogo Onsen, a historic hot spring known for its relaxation and rejuvenation.
Take a tram to Dogo Onsen station.
JPY 1,500, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Yumi

Enjoy a local favorite yakitori dinner at Yumi, known for its cozy atmosphere.
Walk back to Matsuyama City.
JPY 2,500, 2 hours
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Day 5: Relaxing Onsen Experience

Dogo Onsen, Japan

9:00AM

Dogo Onsen Breakfast

Start your day with a traditional Japanese breakfast at your ryokan, enjoying local delicacies.
At your accommodation.
JPY 1,000, 1 hour

10:30AM

Soak in Dogo Onsen

Spend your morning relaxing in Dogo Onsen, known for its beautiful architecture and healing waters.
Continue at Dogo Onsen.
JPY 1,200, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Kadowaki

Savor a hearty lunch bento at the cozy Kadowaki, loved by locals.
Walk to the nearby restaurant.
JPY 1,500, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Isaniwa Shrine

Explore Isaniwa Shrine, a tranquil site with scenic views of Matsuyama.
Tram ride to the shrine.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Evening Soak at Dogo Onsen

Enjoy another relaxing soak in Dogo Onsen before dinner to rejuvenate.
Return to your ryokan.
JPY 1,200, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Kaiseki Dinner at your Ryokan

Indulge in an exquisite kaiseki dinner featuring fresh seasonal ingredients.
Dinner at your accommodation.
JPY 5,000, 2 hours
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Day 6: Nature Adventure

Koboke Gorge, Japan

7:30AM

Train to Koboke Gorge

Take an early morning train to Koboke Gorge, known for its beautiful river views and hiking trails.
JR Yosan Line from Matsuyama Station.
JPY 3,000, 2.5 hours

10:00AM

Hiking Koboke Gorge

Enjoy an invigorating hike along the trails of Koboke Gorge, surrounded by nature's beauty.
Start from the Koboke station.
Free, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Koboke River Restaurant

Refuel with a simple lunch at a nearby riverside restaurant with local flavors.
Near hiking exit.
JPY 1,000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Boat Ride on Iya River

Take a serene boat ride on Iya River, soaking in the calm of the gorge.
Book on-site.
JPY 2,000, 1 hour

5:00PM

Return to Matsuyama

Make your way back to Matsuyama by train to rest and unwind.
Train back to Matsuyama Station.
JPY 3,000, 2.5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Uomen

Treat yourself to a delightful bowl of udon noodles at Uomen, a Matsuyama staple.
A short walk from your accommodation.
JPY 1,500, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Culinary and Historical Day

Kochi, Japan

8:00AM

Train to Kochi

Depart from Matsuyama to Kochi, a city known for its fresh seafood and energetic markets.
Take the JR Yosan Line to Kochi Station.
JPY 3,500, 2.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit Kochi Market

Immerse in the vibrant atmosphere of Kochi Sunday Market, sampling local delicacies.
Short walk from the station.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Hirome Market

Enjoy various delights at Hirome Market, from yaki-tori to fresh sashimi.
Walk to Hirome Market.
JPY 1,800, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Kochi Castle

Explore Kochi Castle, one of Japan's few original castles with a rich history.
Short taxi ride from Hirome Market.
JPY 400, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit Katsurahama Beach

Unwind at Katsurahama Beach and explore the beautiful coastal scenery.
Bus from Kochi Castle to Katsurahama.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Sakuragichoan

Dine on traditional Kochi cuisine at Sakuragichoan, famous for its Sakanazukushi dishes.
Bus back to Kochi City.
JPY 3,500, 2 hours
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Day 8: Back to Takamatsu

Takamatsu, Japan

9:00AM

Train to Takamatsu

Travel back to Takamatsu, reflecting on your Shikoku adventure.
JR Yosan Line from Kochi Station.
JPY 3,500, 2.5 hours

11:30AM

Brunch at Kafū

Enjoy a leisurely brunch at Kafū with a fresh take on traditional breakfast dishes.
Short walk from Takamatsu Station.
JPY 1,800, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Last-minute Shopping

Spend your final hours in Takamatsu picking up souvenirs and gifts.
Nearby shopping districts within walking distance.
Varies, 2 hours

4:00PM

Departure

Bid farewell to Shikoku, cherishing the memories made during this incredible adventure.
Head to Takamatsu Airport or train platform for departure.
Varies, Varies
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