8-Day Shikoku Rail Journey: Discover the Wonders of Japan from Tokushima

Day 1: Arrival at Tokushima

Tokushima, Japan

3:00PM

Arrive at Tokushima Airport

Touch down in Tokushima, beginning your 8-day journey through Shikoku.
Take the airport shuttle to Tokushima Station.
JPY 1,200, 1 hour

4:00PM

Check-in at Hotel

Get settled in your hotel to refresh and prepare for your adventure.
Hotel is walking distance from the station.
JPY 8,000, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Kaikyo

Indulge in delicious local cuisine at Kaikyo, known for its fresh seafood.
Short walk from your hotel.
JPY 3,200, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Discover Oboke

Oboke, Japan

8:00AM

Train to Oboke

After breakfast, take a morning train to Oboke for breathtaking views of the gorge.
JR Tokushima Line to Oboke Station.
JPY 2,000, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Explore Oboke Gorge

Spend the day exploring the stunning hiking trails and breathtaking views of Oboke Gorge.
Direct access from Oboke Station.
Free, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Oboke River Restaurant

Enjoy a local meal overlooking the serene river.
Restaurant is within walking distance.
JPY 1,500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Boat Ride on Iya River

Take a scenic boat ride on Iya River, soaking in the picturesque scenery.
Book the tour on-site.
JPY 2,500, 1 hour

4:00PM

Return to Tokushima

Travel back to Tokushima to unwind after a day of adventure.
JR train from Oboke Station.
JPY 2,000, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Maruko

Savor grilled chicken at Maruko, known for tasty yakitori dishes.
Short walk from your hotel.
JPY 2,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Whirlpools and Gardens

Naruto & Takamatsu, Japan

8:00AM

Train to Naruto

Take a morning train to Naruto to witness the famous Naruto Whirlpools.
JR Tokushima Line to Naruto Station.
JPY 1,500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Naruto Whirlpools

Experience the majestic whirlpools in action, best viewed from the bridge.
Bus or taxi from Naruto Station.
Free, 1 hour

11:30AM

Lunch at Naruto Fishery

Enjoy local seafood at a popular restaurant featuring fresh catches.
Short walk from the viewing area.
JPY 2,500, 1 hour

1:00PM

Train to Takamatsu

Head to Takamatsu to visit Ritsurin Garden, a masterpiece of traditional landscaping.
JR train from Naruto Station.
JPY 1,800, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Ritsurin Garden

Stroll through Ritsurin Garden, soaking in its beauty and tranquility.
Short tram ride from Takamatsu Station.
JPY 410, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Ritsurin Restaurant

Wrap up the day with a meal overlooking the beautiful gardens.
Inside Ritsurin Garden.
JPY 3,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Gateway to the Sky

Takamatsu, Japan

8:00AM

Visit Great Seto Bridge

Start your day with a train ride to the Great Seto Bridge known as the Gate to the Sky.
Take the JR train from Takamatsu Station.
JPY 1,600, 1 hour

9:30AM

Walk the Seto Ohashi Bridge

Enjoy a scenic walk across the bridge, taking in panoramic views of the surrounding islands.
Access points are well marked.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Sukiyaki Restaurant

Savor a delicious sukiyaki lunch at a nearby restaurant after your walk.
Return to Takamatsu and find a local spot.
JPY 2,500, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Minetopia Bessi

Head to Minetopia Bessi, known for its mining tours and interesting exhibitions.
Train from Takamatsu to Besshi Station.
JPY 1,500, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Besshi Kuro-curry

Try the specialty Besshi black curry at a quaint local eatery.
Near Minetopia Bessi.
JPY 1,800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Relaxing Retreat

Matsuyama, Japan

8:00AM

Travel to Matsuyama

Board a morning train from Takamatsu to Matsuyama, entering the heart of Shikoku.
JR Shimanami Line.
JPY 3,800, 3 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Matsuyama Station

Grab a quick yet tasty lunch at a station bento shop before exploring the city.
Located at Matsuyama Station.
JPY 1,200, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit Dogo Onsen

Experience the charm of Dogo Onsen, Japan's oldest hot spring, renowned for its beautiful architecture.
Tram ride from the station to Dogo Onsen.
JPY 1,500, 2.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore Matsuyama Castle

After relaxing, visit the historic Matsuyama Castle for panoramic views of the city.
Walking distance from Dogo Onsen.
JPY 300, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Yumi

Indulge in delicious local izakaya-style dishes at Yumi to complete your day.
A short walk from your hotel.
JPY 2,500, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Cultural Experience in Kochi

Kochi, Japan

8:00AM

Train to Kochi

Travel to Kochi, known for its lively markets and rich culinary offerings.
JR Shimanami Line heading to Kochi Station.
JPY 3,500, 3 hours

11:30AM

Visit Kochi Market

Explore the vibrant Kochi Sunday Market, filled with local produce and crafts.
Just a five-minute walk from the station.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Hirome Market

Enjoy a variety of local dishes at Hirome Market, perfect for sampling Kochi's food scene.
A short walk from the Sunday Market.
JPY 1,800, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Kochi Castle Visit

Visit the historical Kochi Castle and explore its well-preserved grounds.
Walking distance from Hirome Market.
JPY 400, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Relax at Katsurahama Beach

Unwind at Katsurahama Beach, enjoying the sun and sea breeze.
Bus from Kochi Castle.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Sakuragichoan

Savor Kochi specialties at Sakuragichoan, famous for its local fish and fresh ingredients.
Bus back to the city center.
JPY 3,500, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Back to Tokushima

Tokushima, Japan

9:00AM

Return to Tokushima

Head back to Tokushima, enjoying your final day exploring this unique island.
JR train from Kochi Station.
JPY 3,500, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Brunch at Awa Odori Kaikan

Savor a traditional Japanese brunch with local specialties at Awa Odori Kaikan.
Nearby Tokushima Station.
JPY 2,000, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Last-minute Shopping

Spend your last hours shopping for souvenirs and local crafts in Tokushima.
Walking distance from the restaurant.
Varies, 1 hour

2:30PM

Departure from Tokushima Airport

Conclude your incredible Shikoku adventure returning to the airport for your flight home.
Airport shuttle from the city center.
JPY 1,200, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability