The Perfect 7-Day Shikoku Japan Itinerary By Train | Tokushima, Kochi, Ehime, Kagawa

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Explore Shikoku's four prefectures over seven days, from Tokushima's whirlpools to Kagawa's udon, all accessible by train. This guide covers nature, history, and local culture, perfect for All Shikoku Rail Pass users.

5 days · 18 places · 13 experiences

Day 1 · 3 places · Tokushima, Japan

Day 1: Tokushima Whirlpools & Pilgrimage Start

“For Day 1, we start in Tokushima City, known for the Naruto whirlpools, the Awa Odori dance, and the official start of the Ohenro pilgrimage at Ryozen-ji Temple. After a day full of whirlpools and temples, it's great to wind down and grab some local ramen to end the day.”

Experience · 1 place
Witness the Naruto Whirlpools up close
You absolutely have to take a boat to get up close to the Naruto whirlpools. It's an incredible experience to see these massive natural formations from the water, giving you a closer look at their power and beauty.
1
Naruto Whirlpools
Tourist attraction · Naruto
4.5 (1,560)Closed
Creator's voice
The Naruto whirlpools are a natural phenomenon where boats can get up close to the massive whirlpools, offering passengers a unique perspective. It's a must-see in Tokushima.
Naruto Whirlpools, Naruto, Tokushima 772-0000, Japan
Experience · 1 place
Start the Shikoku 88-Temple Pilgrimage
Begin your spiritual journey at Ryozen-ji, Temple Number One of the Ohenro pilgrimage. This is the official starting point of the 88-temple route, a truly profound experience that sets the tone for the entire Shikoku region.
2
Ryozen-ji Temple
Buddhist temple · Naruto
4.3 (2,059)Closed · opens Monday 8 AM
Creator's voice
Ryozen-ji is Temple Number One of the 88-Temple Shikoku Pilgrimage, also known as Ohenro. It marks the official start of this spiritual journey, which totals 1,200 km (750 miles) and typically takes two months on foot. It's a significant spiritual marker for the region.
Ryozenji Temple, Tsukahana-126 Oasacho Bando, Naruto, Tokushima 779-0230, Japan
3
Awa Odori Kaikan
Local history museum · Tokushima
4.2 (1,880)Closed · opens tomorrow 9 AM
Creator's voice
The Awa Odori is a traditional dance performed for the biggest local festival in Tokushima. The dance is a community event with a great saying: "The dancer is a fool, the watcher is a fool. If we're all fools anyway, you might as well dance." You can experience this vibrant dance at the Awa Odori Kaikan.
Awa Odori Kaikan, 2 Chome-20 Shinmachibashi, Tokushima, 770-0904, Japan

Day 2 · 2 places · Tokushima, Japan

Day 2: Oboke Gorge & Iya Valley

“For Day 2, our destination is the Oboke area. Once you are there, a beautiful gorge is waiting for you, and it's also well known for the Ivy Bridge. After our time in Oboke, we're going to head to Kochi City, which is about an hour away, and we will end our day there.”

4
Oboke Gorge
Scenic spot · Miyoshi
4.3Closed
Creator's voice
Oboke Gorge is a stunning natural gorge in Tokushima, known for its beautiful scenery. It's highly recommended to take a boat ride to fully appreciate the gorge up close.
Ōboke Gorge, Yamashirocho Shigezane, Miyoshi, Tokushima 779-5322, Japan
5
Iya Vine Bridge
Bridge · Miyoshi
4.3Closed · opens tomorrow 8 AM
Creator's voice
The Iya Vine Bridge is a unique bridge entirely made of vines, located in the Oboke area. It's a marvel of traditional engineering and is remade every couple of years to maintain its structure.
Iya Valley Vine Bridge, 162-2 Nishiiyayamamura Zentoku, Miyoshi, Tokushima 778-0102, Japan

Day 4 · 4 places · Kochi, Japan

Day 4: Kochi Castle, Katsuo Tataki & Temples

“For Day 4, we're going to spend most of our day in Kochi, but we're going to head our way to Matsuyama. We'll visit Kochi Castle, have katsuo tataki for lunch, and explore Chikurin-ji Temple and Katsurahama Beach.”

6
Kochi Castle
Castle · Kochi
4.3Closed · opens tomorrow 9 AM
Creator's voice
Kochi Castle is one of only 12 original castles still standing in Japan, a significant historical landmark given that many castles were demolished after the samurai era. The castle grounds are beautiful, and you can even visit in a kimono.
Kochi Castle, 1 Chome-2-1 Marunouchi, Kochi, 780-0850, Japan
Experience · 1 place
Witness Katsuo Tataki prepared with a column of fire
For lunch, you absolutely must try katsuo tataki, which is basically grilling fish with a dramatic column of fire. We purposely sought out a place with the biggest fire, and it's an amazing spectacle to watch the fish being prepared right in front of you. Just be careful with your hairspray!
7
Hirome Market
Market · Kochi
4.1 (4,401)Closed · opens tomorrow 9 AM
Creator's voice
Hirome Market in Kochi City is a vibrant market where the tables are big, the plates are colorful, and everyone is open for a chat. It's a fantastic place to meet locals and fellow travelers, embodying the social aspect of travel beyond just sightseeing.
Hirome Market, 2 Chome-3-1 Obiyamachi, Kochi, 780-0841, Japan
8
Chikurin-ji Temple
Buddhist temple · Kochi
4.4 (1,777)Closed · opens Monday 8 AM
Creator's voice
Chikurin-ji is Temple Number 31 of the Shikoku Pilgrimage. It features a beautiful pagoda and is a great place to visit for its serene atmosphere and architectural beauty.
Chikurin Temple, 3577 Godaisan, Kochi, 781-8125, Japan
9
Katsurahama Beach
Beach
4.4 (81)
Creator's voice
Katsurahama Beach is a perfect place to visit if you're looking for an ocean fix in the Kochi area. It offers beautiful coastal views and a relaxing atmosphere.
Katsurahama Beach, Kurahashicho, 737-1377, Japan

Day 5 · 2 places · Matsuyama, Ehime, Japan

Day 5: Matsuyama's Dogo Onsen & Shopping

“For Day 5, it'll be a relaxing morning. We're finally at Dogo Onsen, and after a slow morning, we'll go to the shopping district.”

Experience · 1 place
Relax and soak in Japan's oldest onsen
After all the adventures, it's time for some leisure. Take a slow morning at Dogo Onsen, the oldest onsen in Japan. It's so nice to have a dedicated place to soak and relax, especially on a journey through all of Shikoku. Plus, they allow tattoos, which is a big plus!
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Dogo Onsen Honkan
Onsen · Matsuyama
4.2 (279)Closed · opens tomorrow 6 AM
Creator's voice
Dogo Onsen is the oldest onsen in Japan, offering a dedicated place to soak and relax. A useful tip is that Dogo Onsen allows people with tattoos to enter its facilities, which is not common in all Japanese onsen.
Dogo Onsen Main Building, 5-6 Dogoyunomachi, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-0842, Japan
11
Ishite-ji Temple
Buddhist temple · Matsuyama
4.1 (2,619)Closed
Creator's voice
Ishite-ji is Temple Number 51 of the Shikoku Pilgrimage. It's a great place for a refresher on the Ohenro pilgrimage and features a cool cave-like tunnel that you can walk through.
Ishite Temple, 2 Chome-9-21 Ishite, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-0852, Japan

Day 6 · 3 places · Ehime, Japan

Day 6: Temples, Cycling & Shimanami Kaido

“For Day 6, before we head north to Imabari, we will go to Temple 51, Ishite-ji. Then after the temple, we are in Imabari, known for the Shimanami Kaido. We'll combine cycling and pilgrimage, stopping at Temple 55 in Imabari via bike.”

Experience · 1 place
Walk through Ishite-ji Temple's cave tunnel
Visit Ishite-ji Temple, Temple Number 51, and make sure to walk through its cool, cave-like tunnel. It's a unique part of the temple experience and a great refresher for the Ohenro pilgrimage.
12
Shimanami Kaido
Creator's voice
The Shimanami Kaido is a massive 70-km cycling road that connects Ehime and Hiroshima prefectures, offering stunning views and a unique way to travel between islands.
Shimanami Expy, Japan
Experience · 1 place
Cycle a section of the Shimanami Kaido
In Imabari, you can experience a section of the Shimanami Kaido, a massive 70-km cycling road that bridges Ehime and Hiroshima. It's a fantastic way to see the region and combine it with temple visits.
13
Nankobo Temple
Buddhist temple · Imabari
4.3 (484)Open · until 5 PM
Creator's voice
Nankobo is Temple Number 55 of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, located in Imabari. It's a great temple to visit, especially if you're combining cycling the Shimanami Kaido with the pilgrimage.
Nankobo Temple, 3 Chome-1 Bekkucho, Imabari, Ehime 794-0026, Japan
14
Kotohira-gu Shrine
Shinto shrine · Kotohira
4.5 (12,745)Open · until 6 PM
Creator's voice
Kotohira-gu Shrine, also known as Kompira-san, is one of Japan's most prominent shrines, famous for its 785 steps, which take roughly 45 minutes to climb. It's dedicated to maritime safety. Historically, some people even used dogs to carry offerings up the steps!
Kotohiragu, 892-1, Kotohira, Nakatado District, Kagawa 766-8501, Japan

Also in this video

Experience · 1 place
Experience the Niyodo Blue at Nakatsu Gorge
Head to Nakatsu Gorge to see the Niyodo River in all its glory, famous for its amazing clear blue color, known as 'Niyodo Blue.' When a color is named after a river, you know it's something special to witness firsthand. It's a truly breathtaking natural sight.
15
Nakatsu Gorge
Country park · Niyodogawa
4.5Closed
Creator's voice
Nakatsu Gorge is where the Niyodo River showcases its famous 'Niyodo Blue' color, an amazing crystal-clear teal. It's a must-visit to witness nature at its best, especially when the river is in its full glory.
Nakatsu Gorge, Takeyashiki, Niyodogawa, Agawa District, Kochi 781-1742, Japan
Experience · 1 place
Climb the 785 steps of Kotohira-gu Shrine
I recommend an early morning outing to Kotohira-gu Shrine, also known as Kompira-san. It's famous for its 785 steps, which take about 45 minutes to climb. Go early to experience 'shinki,' the crisp air that hasn't been weighed down by the day's energy. Just remember, it's not recommended to visit after 5 PM, or you'll make the gods do overtime!
16
Sanuki Udon Workshop
Udon noodle restaurant · Higashikagawa
4.0 (1,146)Open · until 3 PM
Creator's voice
Kagawa Prefecture is famous for its Sanuki Udon noodles. A workshop here is a must-do gourmet experience where you can have a hand in creating your own lunch.
Sanuki Udon-ya, 236-1 Sakamoto, Higashikagawa, Kagawa 769-2904, Japan
Experience · 1 place
Make your own Sanuki Udon noodles
Since Kagawa is famous for udon, you absolutely have to do a Sanuki Udon making workshop! It's a must-do gourmet experience where you get to create your own lunch. It's a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the local food culture.
17
Ritsurin Garden
Park · Takamatsu
4.5 (933)Closed · opens Monday 5:30 AM
Creator's voice
Ritsurin Garden is a beautiful garden where you can walk at your leisure. It's a massive garden that even offers boat rides, which is a great way to see it from a different perspective.
Ritsurin Garden, 1-chome-20-16 Ritsurincho, Takamatsu, Kagawa 760-0073, Japan
Experience · 1 place
Stroll or boat through Ritsurin Garden
After lunch, find yourself in Ritsurin Garden. You can walk through this beautiful, massive garden at your leisure, or even take a boat ride to see it from a different perspective. It's definitely a great way to experience the garden's beauty.
18
Okubo-ji Temple
Buddhist temple · Sanuki
4.3 (2,303)Closed · opens Tuesday 8 AM
Creator's voice
Okubo-ji is Temple Number 88, the final temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, located in Kagawa Prefecture. It's a bit of a trek to reach, but it offers a fantastic way to experience the culmination of the Ohenro journey.
Okubo Temple, 96 Tawakanewari, Sanuki, Kagawa 769-2306, Japan
Experience · 0 places
Complete the Shikoku Pilgrimage at Okubo-ji
Make the trek to Okubo-ji, Temple Number 88, the final temple of the Ohenro pilgrimage. It's a fantastic way to experience the culmination of the spiritual journey that we've been sprinkling throughout our 7-day course.

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