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: Shrines and Culture

Takamatsu & Minetopia Bessi, Japan

8:00AM

Visit Takaya Shrine

Begin your day with a visit to Takaya Shrine, a beautiful site surrounded by nature.
Take a bus from Takamatsu Station.
Free, 2 hours

10:30AM

Lunch at Ajiro Sushi

Enjoy fresh sushi at Ajiro Sushi located near Takaya Shrine.
Short bus ride from the shrine.
JPY 3,000, 1 hour

12:00PM

Travel to Minetopia Bessi

Head to Minetopia Bessi for an insight into mining history in the region.
Take a train to Besshi Station.
JPY 1,500, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Minetopia Bessi

Explore the theme park filled with exhibits about mining history and interactive experiences.
Short walk from the station.
JPY 800, 2.5 hours

4:00PM

Return to Takamatsu

Travel back to Takamatsu to unwind.
Train from Besshi Station.
JPY 1,500, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Kagawa Udon

Savor the iconic udon noodle dish at Kagawa Udon in Takamatsu.
Walking distance from Takamatsu Station.
JPY 1,200, 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: Scenic Views and Departure

Simanada Station, Japan

9:00AM

Travel to Simanada Station

Head to Simanada Station, renowned for its breathtaking coastal views.
JR train from Kochi Station.
JPY 2,000, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore the Scenic Viewpoint

Take in the lovely coastal scenery from the viewpoint near Simanada Station.
Short walk from the station.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Local Café

Enjoy a light meal at a seaside café, sampling local flavors.
Walking distance from the viewpoint.
JPY 2,000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Local Art Gallery

Explore the nearby art gallery showcasing local artists and cultural exhibitions.
A short bus ride from the café.
JPY 500, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Return to Tokushima

Travel back to Tokushima to unwind and reflect on your Shikoku journey.
JR train from Simanada Station.
JPY 2,000, 2 hours

6:30PM

Farewell Dinner at Tokushima

Celebrate the end of your journey with a farewell dinner at a local izakaya.
Near Tokushima Station.
JPY 3,000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Departure from Tokushima

Tokushima, Japan

9:00AM

Last-minute Shopping or Sightseeing

Spend your last hours shopping for souvenirs or visiting any missed attractions.
Walking distance from your hotel.
Varies, 2 hours

11:30AM

Check-out from Hotel

Make your way back to the hotel and check out.
Prepare for departure.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Departure from Tokushima Airport

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