Shikoku in Six Days
While many of us dream of long vacations, most of us have a full-time job that limit how long we can travel. I have been fortunate to have flexibility with my jobs or travel for work, but I understand how hard it can be to balance time off. Most itineraries, especially for rural areas, are 10 or more days. Realistically, some people cannot take that much time away. That’s why I created this six-day Shikoku itinerary. While you won’t be able to see everything, it will leave you wanting to return and explore more.
Last summer, I was lucky enough to travel around Shikoku. It’s one of Japan’s most underrated areas. With overtourism increasing in places like Kyoto and Tokyo, Shikoku is a great alternative. It offers beautiful valleys, castles (original ones too!), coastal views, small historic towns, and delicious food. Honestly, I would love to spend a month there just exploring everything.
It always surprises me that many foreign tourists skip the island. English support isn’t everywhere, but you’ll find enough to get by in most areas. On top of that, the locals are incredibly welcoming. Many communities want more visitors, and traveling to Shikoku feels refreshing and authentic. It’s most famously known for the Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage. People follow the journey around the island visiting and praying at 88 different temples along the way.
I have compiled a compact week-long Shikoku itinerary to help you discover some of the areas highlights. I haven’t included many of the temples from the pilgrimage or restaurants and accommodations in this itinerary because I just wanted to create a simple itinerary with highlights that anyone could expand or follow.
Why take a Shikoku road trip?
Because of its flexibility to travel, you can choose to travel by car, public transportation, or a mix. Not all areas are easily accessible by public transportation, but some are. Furthermore, it’s easy to travel around the whole island to see highlights. The itinerary I provided can be stretched into a 10-day or longer version. If you plan to visit, it’s best to rent a car, but be aware that the roads are incredibly narrow and local drivers aren’t always patient.
Day 1-Tokushima
Start your trip in Tokushima. If you are living in or traveling through other parts of Japan, it’s easy to access by plane or public transportation. The area is best known for the Awa Odori, a festival held each year in August. Even if you visit outside of that time, you can learn about the dance at the Awa Odori Kaikan.
In the morning, head to Naruto to see the famous whirlpools or visit local sake brewers. If you are traveling with children or are interested in architecture, also check out the Tokushima Wooden Toy Museum (徳島木のおもちゃ美術館). The building and toys are all beautfully designed, and it is located in the middle of a large park. For something more low-key visit Anan for some nature spots and Omatsu Daigongen. At this shrine, you can see many manekineko and learn about the legend of the nekogami, or cat god.
End the day checking out izakaya or other restaurants in Tokushima City. The local izakaya offer a variety of foods and local sake. Be sure to try a few. It’s a great first experience in Shikoku before heading into the mountains.
Day 2- Nagoro Village and Iya Valley
From Tokushima, drive into the mountains toward Nagoro Village, a rural town with only about 25 residents. What makes it famous are the live-sized scarecrows made by a local woman. The dolls now outnumber people and sit in the school, bus stops, homes, and fields. It serves as a haunting reminder of Japan’s depopulated countryside but also makes the town seem less lonely for those who remain.
After Nagoro, visit Ochiai Village to see stunning views and better understand the local architecture. The area is perfect to wander around and take a break from being in your car. You can also try some local soba at one of the small shops in the area. Not far from the area you’ll find the Rygu Cliffs Park where you can enjoy hiking or relaxing.
Next, head into the Iya Valley which is one of Japan’s three hidden valleys. Don’t miss the kazurabashi (vine bridge) which sways with every step. Now it is reinforced with steel cables to preserve it. If that feels too stressful, enjoy a hike or relax by the river. The valley is also known for its gorges and hot springs too.
Just note: Restaurants and gasoline stands are limited in the area. Make sure you prepare before traveling.
Day 3 – Kochi
From the mountains, drive to the Pacific coast and explore Kochi city. Start with Kochi Castle. It’s one of Japan’s twelve original castles. For an early lunch stop by Hirome Market. At the market, you can try local katsuo no tataki (seared bonito) or other fresh seafood. I really liked the option of buying from multiple vendors since the seating wasn’t tied to each shop.
After lunch, visit Katsurahama Beach, famous for its views and a statue of Ryoma Sakamoto, a local hero from Japan’s feudal era. It’s the perfect place to catch a beautiful sunset too. Plus, the souvenir shops in the area are excellent for finding something special to take home.
For dinner, check out a local restaurant to try some sake or fresh seafood. Walk around the city to check out some of the many Anpanman statues throughout the area. The popular children’s characters were created by Takashi Yanase who is from Kochi.
If you extend your trip or find that you have extra time, visit Nakatsu Gorge just northwest of the city. With its sparkling blue water, hiking trails, and water activities, it’s the perfect escape into nature and one of Kochi’s hidden gems.
Day 4-Shikoku Karst
One of the best drives in Shikoku is across the Shikoku Karst. It’s a plateau that straddles Ehime and Kochi Prefectures. The mix of grasslands and jagged white limestone feels more like Europe that Japan.
If you visit in summer, you’ll notice that the temperature is noticeably lower than the surrounding cities. On clear days, the drive offers views of both the Pacific Ocean and the Seto Inland Sea. Even on cloudy days, the drive is breathtaking because you’ll feel like you are driving through the clouds. It’s one of Shikoku’s best scenic drives and less crowded than other mountain routes across Japan. Plus, you can see many of the free-grazing Karst cows along the way.
Day 5- Ehime
Spend the day exploring Matsuyama, Ehime’s capital. It’s home to Dogo Onsen, which is said to be one of the oldest hot springs in Japan. It’s perfect to visit early in the morning or late in the evening. Take the cable car up the mountain to see Matsuyama Castle, another one of the twelve original castles in Japan. For dinner, visit a local restaurant or izakaya. The seafood in this area is incredible.
If you have extra time, consider trips to Uchiko which is a well-preserved old town or Ozu which has a recently restored castle and Gayru Sanso villa.
Day 6- Marugame and Kagawa Prefecture
Wrap up your trip in Kagawa Prefecture, Japan’s smallest prefecture. Start in Marugame with its historic castle which is another one of the twelve original castles. While it is original, it is quite small and doesn’t require a lengthy visit.
After a quick visit to the castle, try udon which is what the prefecture is known for. From casual self-serve shops to well-known restaurants, each places serves slightly different noodles and sides. Trying more than one shop is part of the fun.
Before leaving visit Ritsurin Garden in Takamatsu to see why it’s one of Japan’s best landscape gardens. It’s a peaceful way to end your Shikoku Journey.
Final Thoughts and Travel Notes
This route works best by car, as public transportation can be limited once you leave major cities. Depending on your pace, you can stretch this itinerary to seven to twelve days by spending more time in areas that interest you. Spring and autumn are ideal for the mountain drives. However, winters can bring heavy snow to the Karst and Iya Valley. Be sure to plan your trip based on the activities you want to do and places you want to see.
Shikoku might not be as famous as Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka, but that’s exactly part of what makes it special. If you are looking for a trip that’s off-the-beaten-path in Japan, this island deserves to be on your list.
Have you been to Shikoku? Which spot would you most like to see? Let me know in the comments.
