8-Day Shikoku Rail Odyssey: Discovering Tokushima, Takamatsu, Matsuyama, and Kochi

Day 1: Arrival in Tokushima

Tokushima, Japan

3:00PM

Arrive at Tokushima Airport

Welcome to Tokushima! Begin your unforgettable Shikoku experience here.
Take the airport shuttle to Tokushima Station.
JPY 1,200, 1 hour

4:00PM

Check-in at Hotel

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

5:30PM

Dinner at Aonoya

Savor a taste of local cuisine at Aonoya, famous for its Tokushima ramen.
Just a short walk from your hotel.
JPY 1,800, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Visit Bizzan

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

Day 2: Cultural Delights in Takamatsu

Takamatsu, Japan

8:00AM

Train to Takamatsu

Begin your day with a scenic train ride to Takamatsu, known for its gardens and udon.
Take the JR Tokushima Line to Takamatsu Station.
JPY 2,200, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Visit Ritsurin Garden

Discover Ritsurin Garden, a stunning example of Japanese landscape design.
Walking distance from Takamatsu Station.
JPY 410, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Kagawa Udon

Enjoy local Kagawa udon noodles, a specialty of the region.
Nearby Ritsurin Garden.
JPY 1,200, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Takamatsu Castle

Visit the historic Takamatsu Castle and appreciate the scenic landscape surrounding it.
Short walk from the udon shop.
JPY 200, 1.5 hours

3:15PM

Free Time in Takamatsu

Stroll around the city center and enjoy shopping or café-hopping.
Walking distance around Takamatsu.
Varies, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Kagawa Specialty Restaurant

Indulge in traditional Japanese dishes at a restaurant specializing in local ingredients.
Located in the heart of Takamatsu.
JPY 2,500, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Explore New Heights in Matsuyama

Matsuyama, Japan

8:00AM

Train to Matsuyama

Travel to Matsuyama, home to Japan’s oldest hot spring and beautiful views.
JR train from Takamatsu Station.
JPY 3,800, 3 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Eamon

Relish a delicious meal made with local seasonal ingredients at Eamon.
Near Matsuyama Station.
JPY 1,800, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit Dogo Onsen

Soak in the healing waters of Dogo Onsen, a historic hot spring.
Tram ride from Matsuyama Station.
JPY 1,500, 2.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore Matsuyama Castle

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

6:30PM

Dinner at Kumamoto

Finish your day with a meal at Kumamoto, specializing in local flavors.
A short walk from your hotel.
JPY 2,500, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Cultural Exploration in Kochi

Kochi, Japan

8:00AM

Train to Kochi

Travel to Kochi, known for its vibrant markets and scenic coastal views.
Take the JR train from Matsuyama Station.
JPY 3,500, 3 hours

11:30AM

Visit Kochi Castle

Begin your day with a tour of Kochi Castle, a beautiful historic site.
Walking distance from Kochi Station.
JPY 400, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Hirome Market

Explore Hirome Market for a plethora of local street foods and delicacies.
Short walk from Kochi Castle.
JPY 1,800, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Ryugado Cave

Discover the stunning natural formations and unique ambiance of Ryugado Cave.
Bus ride from Hirome Market.
JPY 600, 2 hours

5:30PM

Return to Kochi City

Travel back to Kochi city center for dinner.
Bus back to Kochi city.
JPY 600, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Sakuragichoan

Enjoy fresh local seafood and seasonal dishes at Sakuragichoan.
Located in Kochi city.
JPY 3,500, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Return to Matsuyama

Matsuyama, Japan

8:00AM

Train back to Matsuyama

Head back to Matsuyama to enjoy more of its attractions.
JR train from Kochi Station.
JPY 3,500, 3 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Local Diner

Savor a lunch featuring local favorites at a nearby diner.
Walking distance from Matsuyama Station.
JPY 1,800, 1 hour

1:00PM

Explore Matsuyama City

Take a tour of Matsuyama City, visiting local shops and cafés.
Self-guided tour around Matsuyama.
Varies, 2 hours

3:00PM

Visit Shimanami Kaido

Experience the picturesque coastal scenery along the Shimanami Kaido cycling route.
Bus to the Shimanami Kaido entry point.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Local Restaurant

Wind down the day with a nice meal at a local restaurant known for its relaxing ambiance.
Back in Matsuyama.
JPY 2,500, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Final Adventures in Tokushima

Tokushima, Japan

8:00AM

Train back to Tokushima

Travel back to Tokushima for your final explorations.
JR train from Matsuyama Station.
JPY 3,800, 3 hours

11:30AM

Explore Tokushima

Spend your day visiting local attractions like Awa Odori Kaikan.
Walking distance from Tokushima Station.
JPY 500, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Local Café

Enjoy a light meal at a cozy café featuring artisanal dishes.
Nearby Awa Odori Kaikan.
JPY 1,200, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Yoshinogawa River

Relax by the Yoshinogawa River, enjoying the beautiful natural scenery.
Walking distance from your lunch spot.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Local Restaurant

Conclude your Shikoku adventure with a delightful dinner at a local restaurant.
Close to Tokushima Station.
JPY 3,000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Last Day in Tokushima

Tokushima, Japan

9:00AM

Final Shopping or Sightseeing

Enjoy your last day shopping for souvenirs or visiting any remaining attractions.
Walking distance from your hotel.
Varies, 2 hours

11:30AM

Check-out from Hotel

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

12:30PM

Departure to Tokushima Airport

Conclude your wonderful Shikoku journey by taking the airport shuttle back to Tokushima Airport.
Airport shuttle from Tokushima Station.
JPY 1,200, 1 hour

2:00PM

Depart from Tokushima Airport

Say goodbye to Shikoku with cherished memories of your travels!
Check-in at Tokushima Airport.
Free, Varies
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