8-Day Shikoku Rail Adventure: From Tokushima to Natural Wonders

Day 1: Arrival in Tokushima

Tokushima, Japan

3:00PM

Arrive at Tokushima Airport

Welcome to Tokushima! Your unforgettable Shikoku adventure begins.
Take the airport shuttle to Tokushima Station.
JPY 1,200, 1 hour

4:00PM

Check-in at Hotel

Settle into your hotel conveniently located near the station.
Walking distance from Tokushima Station.
JPY 8,000, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Aonoya

Experience local flavors at Aonoya, famous for its Tokushima ramen.
Just a short walk from your hotel.
JPY 1,800, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Visit Bizzan

Travel to Mount Bizzan, a scenic spot for evening views of Tokushima City and the Naruto Straits.
Take a local bus from your hotel.
JPY 500, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Explore Iya Valley

Iya, Japan

8:00AM

Train to Iya

Begin your day with a train journey to Iya Valley, a region rich in nature and culture.
Take the JR Tokushima Line to Iya Station.
JPY 2,200, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Visit Iya Kazurabashi (Vine Bridge)

Walk across the iconic Iya Kazurabashi, a traditional vine bridge suspended over a gorge.
Take a local bus from Iya Station.
JPY 500, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Local Eatery

Enjoy a meal at a local eatery, sampling the region’s specialties such as buckwheat noodles.
Nearby Iya Kazurabashi.
JPY 1,200, 1 hour

1:00PM

Explore Ryugado Cave

Discover the stunning natural formations in Ryugado Cave, a site of geological wonder.
Bus from Iya Kazurabashi to Ryugado.
JPY 600, 2 hours

3:30PM

Return to Tokushima

Head back to Tokushima for an evening of relaxation.
Local bus back to Iya Station, then train to Tokushima.
JPY 2,200, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Tsurumi

Enjoy a traditional Japanese dinner at Tsurumi, which features seasonal ingredients.
Walking distance from your hotel.
JPY 3,500, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Naruto Whirlpools and Historical Sites

Naruto, Japan

8:00AM

Train to Naruto

Embark on a journey 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 powerful currents of the whirlpools, ideally viewed from the bridge.
Bus from Naruto Station to the viewing platform.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Lunch at Takarabune

Savor fresh seafood at Takarabune, known for its unique local dishes.
Nearby the whirlpool viewing area.
JPY 2,500, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit Ritsurin Garden

Travel to Takamatsu to stroll through Ritsurin Garden, a landscape masterpiece.
Train from Naruto to Takamatsu Station.
JPY 1,800, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Ritsurin Garden

Roam the beautifully manicured gardens, reflecting traditional Japanese aesthetics.
Walking distance from Takamatsu Station.
JPY 410, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Kagawa Udon

Indulge in the famous Kagawa prefecture udon noodles at Kagawa Udon.
Walking distance from Ritsurin Garden.
JPY 1,200, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Cultural Riches in Takamatsu

Takamatsu, Japan

8:00AM

Visit Takaya Shrine

Start your day with a visit to Takaya Shrine, nestled in a lush forest.
Local bus from Takamatsu Station.
Free, 2 hours

10:30AM

Lunch at Udon Specialty Shop

Relish more delicious udon at a unique specialty shop popular among locals.
Return to Takamatsu.
JPY 1,500, 1 hour

12:00PM

Train to Besshi

Travel to Minetopia Bessi, where you can discover Japan's mining history.
JR train from Takamatsu to Besshi Station.
JPY 1,500, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Minetopia Bessi

Explore the theme park filled with mining exhibitions and learning opportunities.
Short walk from Besshi Station.
JPY 800, 2.5 hours

4:00PM

Return to Takamatsu

Travel back to Takamatsu to unwind and explore further.
Train from Besshi Station.
JPY 1,500, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Somen Restaurant

Enjoy a meal at a local restaurant specializing in somen noodles and other dishes.
Walking distance from Takamatsu Station.
JPY 1,800, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Relaxation in Matsuyama

Matsuyama, Japan

8:00AM

Train to Matsuyama

Head to Matsuyama, the capital of Ehime Prefecture, rich in history and thermal springs.
JR Shimanami Line.
JPY 3,800, 3 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Eamon

Indulge in a delicious meal at Eamon, known for its local seasonal ingredients.
Near Matsuyama Station.
JPY 1,800, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit Dogo Onsen

Relax at Dogo Onsen, Japan’s oldest hot spring, with its beautiful and historic bath facilities.
Tram ride from the station to Dogo Onsen.
JPY 1,500, 2.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore Matsuyama Castle

Visit Matsuyama Castle to enjoy stunning city views from its hilltop location.
Walking distance from Dogo Onsen.
JPY 300, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Kumamoto

Wind down with a meal at Kumamoto, specializing in locally produced dishes.
A short walk from your hotel.
JPY 2,500, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Cultural Discoveries in Kochi

Kochi, Japan

8:00AM

Train to Kochi

Travel to Kochi, celebrated for its lively cultural scene and fresh seafood.
JR train from Matsuyama Station.
JPY 3,500, 3 hours

11:30AM

Visit Kochi Castle

Start your day with a visit to the beautiful and historic Kochi Castle.
Walking distance from Kochi Station.
JPY 400, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Hirome Market

Enjoy a wide variety of local street food and specialties at Hirome Market.
Short bus ride from Kochi Castle.
JPY 1,800, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Kochi Market

Wander through the vibrant Kochi Sunday Market, filled with fresh produce and local crafts.
Just a short walk from Hirome Market.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Sakuragichoan

Savor local favorites at Sakuragichoan, known for its fresh ingredients and seafood dishes.
Bus back to the city center.
JPY 3,500, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Scenic Views and Departure

Shimonada Station, Japan

9:00AM

Travel to Shimonada Station

Head to Shimonada Station, a scenic location along the coast that offers picturesque views.
JR train from Kochi Station.
JPY 2,500, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore the Scenic Viewpoint

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

12:30PM

Lunch at Local Café

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

2:00PM

Return to Tokushima

Travel back to Tokushima to prepare for your flight home.
JR train from Shimonada Station.
JPY 2,000, 2 hours

4:30PM

Dinner at Local Izakaya

Indulge in your farewell dinner at a local izakaya, cherishing the flavors of Shikoku.
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 final hours shopping for souvenirs or exploring any nearby attractions.
Walking distance from your hotel.
Varies, 2 hours

11:30AM

Check-out from Hotel

Prepare for your departure and check out from your hotel.
Near Tokushima Station.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Departure to Tokushima Airport

Conclude your amazing Shikoku journey by taking the airport shuttle to Tokushima Airport.
Airport shuttle from the city center.
JPY 1,200, 1 hour

2:00PM

Depart from Tokushima Airport

Say goodbye to Shikoku, taking with you unforgettable memories!
Check-in at Tokushima Airport.
Free, Varies
View Hotel Availability