Discover the unexplored wonders of Shikoku on this guided tour, blending cultural experiences and natural beauty.
This multi-adventure tour of Shikoku offers a unique opportunity to explore hidden gems that remain undiscovered by international visitors. With activities ranging from cycling through beautiful satoyama landscapes to experiencing the rich culture and cuisine of Japan, travelers will immerse themselves in authentic Japanese experiences. From the historic Matsuyama Castle and rejuvenating Dogo Onsen to the breathtaking natural beauty of Ashizuri-Uwajimakai National Park, each day of the tour promises unforgettable adventures.
Moreover, the tour provides a perfect balance of guided exploration and free time for relaxation, ensuring that travelers can fully appreciate the wonders of Shikoku at their own pace. Whether cruising along the Ashizuri coastline, cycling along the Niyodo River, or indulging in freshly caught bonito at Taisho Market, guests will create cherished memories while discovering the essence of Japanese culture and hospitality. With expert guides leading the way, this journey promises an enriching and unforgettable experience in the heart of Japan's hidden treasures.
Highlights of the Shikoku Island Nature and Food Highlights Tour
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Shikoku Island Nature and Food Highlights Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Matsuyama
On the first day, after arriving in Matsuyama, your guide will meet you at the airport or the train station. Then, the adventure begins with a guided visit to Matsuyama Castle, with beautiful views of the city and a cable car ride to the top. Afterwards, you can experience the legendary Ishiteji temple, the 51st temple of the famous Buddhist pilgrimage, the Shikoku Henro.
Later, enjoy the architecture and relax in the healing waters of Japan’s oldest hot spring, Dogo Onsen. The inspiration for the famous animation “Spirited Away”, the recently restored hot spring boasts a history stretching back 3,000 years.
In the evening, you can enjoy a meal of fresh seafood from the Seto Inland sea paired with local sake and craft beer brewed just down the street from the famous hot spring.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Ozu
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 Explore Ozu and Uchiko on E-Bike
Today you will ride an e-bike to explore the towns of Ozu and Uchiko. There are still many traditional buildings, such as Ozu Castle, and you’ll have the chance to tour around the beautiful architecture. The natural scenery that changes with the seasons is also wonderful, and during the spring season, you can feel the breath of spring as fresh mossy greenery invites you to enjoy the lively chirping of birds!
Uchiko, a neighboring town of Ozu City, prospered for about 100 years in the hunting and paper manufacturing industries, and we will cycle around the beautiful architecture, culture, and nature of the surrounding area, with Uchiko-za, a symbol of the entertainment of the townspeople in those days, as the centerpiece. On this day, there will be free time to relax and recover from a busy start to the trip as well!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Ozu
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 3 Experience Satoyama Life and Sightseeing in Shikoku Karst
You will go from Ozu City to Yusuhara City in Kochi Prefecture this morning (1 hour). The headwaters of the Shimanto River, said to be the last clear stream in Japan, has vast mountain villages and steep terrain with elevations ranging from 220 m at the lowest point to 1,455 m at the highest point. Shikoku Karst, one of the three major karsts in Japan, is also called the "Switzerland of Japan" for its idyllic scenery of white limestone rocks, green grass and grazing cattle. Here, you will also switch to e-bikes and enjoy the magnificent highland scenery and rare highland plants while cycling this magical landscape.
Overnight Location: Hotel Kumonoue
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 4 Trekking in Nametoko Gorge
Today you will head further south in Kochi to a part of the Ashizuri-Uwajima Sea National Park which has a richly varied archipelago of seascapes. Visitors can experience natural landscapes such as cliffs and caves caused by sea erosion, subtropical marine life, coral communities and vegetation. First, in the morning, you will head by private car for about an hour to participate in the Nametoko Gorge Nature Tour. On this tour, you will trek about 3 km along the Nametoko Gorge, where a clear stream glides over a huge monolith. You can see beautiful valley scenery with waterfalls, rapids, and pools with beech and maple trees along the riverbanks.
In the afternoon, you’ll head for Cape Ashizuri, the southernmost cape on Shikoku Island. The private car will take you about 2.5 hours to the hotel for the day. This is one of the largest resort areas in Shikoku, with panoramic ocean view rooms overlooking the Pacific Ocean, allowing you to enjoy the luxury of the magnificent natural surroundings. There will be time for stargazing at night – enjoy!
Overnight Location: TheMana Villag
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 5 Walking in Ashizuri-Uwajimakai National Park
Following breakfast at your hotel, you’ll join a Cape Ashizuri exploration cruise at Cape Ashizuri Isa Fishing Port. Afterwards, go cycling to experience the rias coastline that characterizes the Ashizuri-Uwakai National Park's Ashizuri area. You’ll enjoy the spectacular scenery of the cliffs and the local people who live in harmony with the sea here. Lunch will be served at SODABUSHI Café. Here in Tosashimizu City, which accounts for 80% of the national share in the production of Soda-bushi, it is used by professional chefs as dashi for udon and soba noodles. At the SODABUSHI Café, visitors can taste freshly shaved Soda-bushi rice, dashi chazuke and dashi soup.
In the afternoon, a guide will lead you through its attractions, and then you will explore the area with ebikes, including an observation tower where you can see underwater. Afterwards, you will change to a private car for a 2-hour drive along the Pacific Ocean, and check in at today's hotel. You can relax in the hot spring baths after an adventure-filled day!
Overnight Location: Kuroshio Honjin
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 6 Enjoy Kochi's Food Culture
Visit the site of bonito landings and auction, a representative of Kochi Prefecture's food culture. Afterwards, you will enjoy a freshly caught bonito breakfast. Taisho Market is the place to taste the freshest bonito caught in the neighboring waters of Kochi Prefecture, which is famous for its bonito. You will then head to the Niyodo River, the clearest river in Japan.
Take a walk along the Nakatsu Gorge Trail to enjoy the natural scenery of the river, which is so clear that it is called "Niyodo Blue”. After a one-hour drive in a private car, check in at Yunomori, an inn with hot spring baths for the day.
Overnight Location: Yunomori
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 7 Cycling Along the Niyodo River Basin
You will head to a Chinkabashi Bridge, a symbolic scenic spot in Kochi, and cycle along the clear Niyodo River on ebikes. After the cycling tour, go to Ino-cho, Kochi Prefecture, one of the three major paper production centers in Japan, to participate in a workshop to make Tosa washi paper and to learn and experience the history and culture of Tosa washi, which boasts more than 1,000 years of history. Afterwards, finally head to Kochi City, the final destination of the trip. After a 30-minute drive in a private car, you will check into a hotel in Kochi City. In the evening, you will join guide team for a free participation party to celebrate Kochi's unique party culture, "Okyaku".
Overnight Location: Hotel in Kochi
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Final Day and Departure
On your final day, visit the center of Kochi to experience the history and culture of the city. You will end the tour with a visit to Kochi Castle, the History Museum, the Yosakoi Pavilion. It’s then time to say goodbye as the adventure comes to an end.
Overnight Location: None
Meals: Breakfast
Shikoku Island Nature and Food Highlights Tour Price and Dates
This guided tour is always run as a private tour for your group only.
- Group of 4-8: from $3,975 USD*
*-Pricing for this tour depends on the dates of your trip and all the prices are per person sharing a double room. Please click the booking button below to get the exact pricing for your trip dates.
Book NowAccommodation on Shikoku Island Nature and Food Highlight Tour
This tour is based in hotels. Hotels on this trip are 3-star and offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hotel in Ozu ★★★
Stay in a 3-star hotel that offers tranquility and modern conveniences to make your stay more pleasant.
Hotel Kumonoue ★★★
This hotel offers proximity to attractions and diverse dining options and it is equipped with facilities to enhance the quality and enjoyment of your stay.
TheMana Village ★★★
Enjoy panoramic ocean views from Italian restaurant, and unwind in diverse guest rooms, all boasting stunning ocean views.
Kuroshio Honjin in Nakatosa
A hot springs inn in Nakatosa. Relax in outdoor seawater bath, savor local seafood delights, and explore nearby attractions.
Yunomori in Niyodogawa
Indulge in comfort at the hotel, offering cozy rooms, complimentary WiFi, a rejuvenating sauna, a delectable restaurant, and convenient parking.
Hotel in Kochi ★★★
Charming 3-star hotel with cozy rooms, exceptional service, and local cuisine.
What’s Included in the Shikoku Island Nature and Food Highlight Tour?
Meals
7 breakfasts and 6 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights are included. Accommodations before the tour are not included but can be added as a supplement.
Transportation during the Tour
Transport for you and your luggage is included in the tour. This does not include your flights but you will be picked up from the airport and transferred at no additional cost.
Also included
- English-speaking guide
- Excursions mentioned in the itinerary
- All activity fees included in the itinerary
- E-Bike rental
Not included
- Flights
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Visits not mentioned and personal expenses
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Optional activities or excursions
Frequently Asked Questions about Shikoku Island Nature and Food Highlights Tour
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