A Road Trip Through Shikoku
5 days ・ Takamatsu, Naruto, Tokushima, Iya Valley, Kochi & Matsuyama
A 5-day road trip through Shikoku’s coastlines, hidden valleys, and deeply local Japan.
Discover Shikoku, Japan’s Quiet Frontier
A perfect blend of natural beauty, historical sights, and unique experiences.Get ready for your off-the-beaten-path adventure and try Shikoku's delicious and diverse cuisine. From beautiful beaches to luscious forests and hidden valleys, this island has it all.
Start your roadtrip in Takamatsu, often called Japan’s “Udon Kingdom.” Beyond the bowls, the city offers a quieter kind of beauty—most notably at Ritsurin Garden, one of Japan’s finest landscape gardens. If time allows, step into Shikoku Mura, an open-air museum that brings the region’s past to life, with sweeping views over Takamatsu and the Seto Inland Sea.
Just an hour from Takamatsu, witness the powerful Naruto Whirlpools—best experienced up close by boat or from above along the Onaruto Bridge. Continue to Ryozenji Temple, the starting point of the Shikoku pilgrimage, before heading into Tokushima City. End the day with a ride up Mount Bizan, where sweeping views stretch across the city and coastline.
Leave the coast behind and head deep into the mountains of the Iya Valley—one of Japan’s most remote and striking landscapes. Cross the famous vine bridges, suspended high above the river, and take in the quiet rhythm of village life. The area moves at its own pace—whether you unwind in a hillside onsen, explore the dramatic Oboke Gorge, or simply take in the stillness of the valley.
Leave the mountains behind and return to the coast in Kochi, a laid-back city known for its beaches and bold food culture. The heart of it all is Hirome Market, where locals gather over fresh seafood and regional specialties at shared tables. It’s lively, a little chaotic, and one of the easiest places in Japan to strike up a conversation.
End your journey in Matsuyama, the cultural heart of Shikoku. Here, tradition slows things down—whether you’re soaking in the historic Dogo Onsen, exploring one of Japan’s few original castles, or simply enjoying the city’s relaxed pace. It’s a fitting final stop, where everything comes together before the journey home.
The starting point of this adventurous roadtrip is Takamatsu, also known as 'The Udon Kingdom'. Here you can take a visit to one of Japan's most beautiful gardens: Ritsurin Koen. If you wish to fill your fist day up even more; the Shikoku Mura Museum is definitely worth a visit. Here you get to see how the people of Shikoku lived in the past - you will also be rewarded with a wonderful view of the Takamatsu area!
With just an one hour drive from Takamatsu, you can admire the natural phenonemon of the Naruto Whirlpools. You can get on a sightseeing boat to see the whirlpools from close-by, or you can take a walk across the Onaruto bridge. If you get hungry after your visit, why not enjoy a bowl of ramen topped with narutomaki - a kind of fish cake inspired by the Naruto Whirlpools. One other unique place to visit is the starting point of the famous Shikoku pilgrimage: Ryozenji Temple. In the evening, it's time for a relaxing stroll through Bizan park, located in Tokushima city. You can reach the mountaintop by using the ropeway, providing you with scenic views along the way.
On the third day, you drive through the high mountains towards the once hidden Iya Valley. The valley is known for its beautiful nature, unique culture, and natural hot springs. Enjoy the local specialty dekomawashi (grilled skewers) while visiting the famous Iya Valley vine bridges, relax in onsen, or go sightseeing (or rafting if you're feeling adventurous) on the nearby Oboke gorge. The options are endless, and the area is quite big, so if you're in for deeper exploration, you can add an extra night to your stay in the valley.
After your mountain adventure, you return to the sea: it's about a 2-hour drive to the city of Kochi. Here you can enjoy beautiful beaches (and delicious seafood). The area around the city is very diverse, leading to many locally grown specialties. A good place to find these specialties is the Hirome market; here you can buy your food wherever you like and eat it at communal tables. There is a cozy atmosphere and the place is filled with laughter - it's a great place to talk to Kochi locals.
On the last day of the roadtrip, you'll drive on to Matsuyama, the biggest city of Shikoku. The city is known for one of Japan's oldest hot springs (Dogo Onsen), one of Japan's twelve original castles, and the locally grown mikan fruit. The Dogo Onsen is said to have been the inspiration for the famous Studio Ghibli movie 'Spirited Away', so if you're a true Ghibli fan you should definitely check it out.
The starting point of this adventurous roadtrip is Takamatsu, also known as 'The Udon Kingdom'. Here you can take a visit to one of Japan's most beautiful gardens: Ritsurin Koen. If you wish to fill your fist day up even more; the Shikoku Mura Museum is definitely worth a visit. Here you get to see how the people of Shikoku lived in the past - you will also be rewarded with a wonderful view of the Takamatsu area!
With just an one hour drive from Takamatsu, you can admire the natural phenonemon of the Naruto Whirlpools. You can get on a sightseeing boat to see the whirlpools from close-by, or you can take a walk across the Onaruto bridge. If you get hungry after your visit, why not enjoy a bowl of ramen topped with narutomaki - a kind of fish cake inspired by the Naruto Whirlpools. One other unique place to visit is the starting point of the famous Shikoku pilgrimage: Ryozenji Temple. In the evening, it's time for a relaxing stroll through Bizan park, located in Tokushima city. You can reach the mountaintop by using the ropeway, providing you with scenic views along the way.
On the third day, you drive through the high mountains towards the once hidden Iya Valley. The valley is known for its beautiful nature, unique culture, and natural hot springs. Enjoy the local specialty dekomawashi (grilled skewers) while visiting the famous Iya Valley vine bridges, relax in onsen, or go sightseeing (or rafting if you're feeling adventurous) on the nearby Oboke gorge. The options are endless, and the area is quite big, so if you're in for deeper exploration, you can add an extra night to your stay in the valley.
After your mountain adventure, you return to the sea: it's about a 2-hour drive to the city of Kochi. Here you can enjoy beautiful beaches (and delicious seafood). The area around the city is very diverse, leading to many locally grown specialties. A good place to find these specialties is the Hirome market; here you can buy your food wherever you like and eat it at communal tables. There is a cozy atmosphere and the place is filled with laughter - it's a great place to talk to Kochi locals.
On the last day of the roadtrip, you'll drive on to Matsuyama, the biggest city of Shikoku. The city is known for one of Japan's oldest hot springs (Dogo Onsen), one of Japan's twelve original castles, and the locally grown mikan fruit. The Dogo Onsen is said to have been the inspiration for the famous Studio Ghibli movie 'Spirited Away', so if you're a true Ghibli fan you should definitely check it out.
What Your Trip Could look Like
Takamatsu Udon
Takamatsu’s famous udon—simple, perfectly textured noodles served the way locals have enjoyed for generations. Included as part of your custom Shikoku journey.
Takamatsu’s famous udon—simple, perfectly textured noodles served the way locals have enjoyed for generations. Included as part of your custom Shikoku journey.
Taste the most iconic dish Takamatsu has to offer. *exclusively available in custom tours/trip
Tastefully Selected
Highlights You’ll Experience Along The Way
Seared Bonito
Kochi’s famous seared bonito—lightly grilled over an open flame and rooted in the region’s long fishing tradition. Included as part of your custom Shikoku journey.
Kochi’s famous seared bonito—lightly grilled over an open flame and rooted in the region’s long fishing tradition. Included as part of your custom Shikoku journey.
Taste Kochi's ancient fishing traditions for yourself and try some lightly seared bonito fish. *exclusively available in custom tours/trip
Dekomawashi
*Exclusively available on custom tour/trip
Iya Valley’s signature dish—grilled dekomawashi skewers made with locally grown ingredients, cooked slowly over charcoal. Included as part of your custom Shikoku journey.
*Exclusively available on a custom tour/trip
Iya's traditional delicacy: try dekomawashi screwers, full of locally grown grilled ingredients. *exclusively available in custom tours/trip
An indulgent tour of must-eats through Osaka's iconic street food scene.
*exclusively available in custom tours/trip
Iya Valley’s signature dish—grilled dekomawashi skewers made with locally grown ingredients, cooked slowly over charcoal. Included as part of your custom Shikoku journey.
