Shikoku Tours & Trips
Think Shikoku is Japan's forgotten island? It's the smallest of four main islands, known for its 88-temple pilgrimage route. Matsuyama has Dōgo Onsen (Japan's oldest hot spring), Takamatsu offers Ritsurin Garden, and Naruto's whirlpools are wild. The island's quieter than Honshu, and the food is excellent. Shikoku rewards travelers who venture beyond the Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka circuit.
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Darryl • traveled in April
Overall the tour was good. The first day was a little rocky due to both me meeting up after spending a few prior days in Tokyo and also most of the group at that time was Spanish speaking. This resulted in the tour guides for that first day trying their best to remember to translate to English but missing the mark at some points. The rest of the tour after we split into English and Spanish speaking groups was good. The main guide for the tour, Rei was very knowledgeable regarding Japanese history and mythology which kept the tour interesting. He was fun to talk to and a great guide overall. There were a few opinions he shared which even though I did not mind, it did bother some of the other tourists in our group. I'm glad I booked this tour, it covered a lot of the main areas of Japan one should visit for a first trip and the main tour guide made the tour great as well.
Capitals of Japan end Kyoto - S
Sterre • traveled in June, 2025
This Japan tour was really charming. The way modern life intertwines with traditional culture is truly fascinating to see. I highly reccomend Mount Fuji's breathtaking views and Kyoto's magical temples, both left me speechless! Thank you for this beautifully crafted journey!
Iconic Japan: Futuristic Wonders & Timeless Traditions - L
Lettie • traveled in October
I saw so much in so little time and enjoyed the options of activities to participate in while in Japan. My tour guide was very considerate and knowledgeable about Japan ans the history as well as the culture.
Japan Highlights: Karaoke & Katsu
The best Shikoku tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaShikoku travel expert at TourRadar
- Capitals of Japan end Kyoto
- Iconic Japan: Futuristic Wonders & Timeless Traditions
- Discover Japan on a Budget: 8-Day Ultimate Starter
- 5 Day Best of Japan: Tokyo to Kyoto Small Group Tour Package
- Japan's Big Four 11 Days
- Japan Highlights: Karaoke & Katsu
- Classic Japan Experience
- Japan Highlights (3 destinations)
- Japan in a Week
- Tokyo, Osaka & Kyoto Discovery - 9 days
Capitals of Japan end Kyoto
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We were very happy and satisfied with the choice of the hotels, itineraries.”
Aglika, traveled in April
The cable car ascends to Matsuyama Castle, leading to the historic Dogo Onsen bath house. Ishiteji Temple, Kotohira Shrine's 785 steps, and Ritsurin Garden in Takamatsu showcase the region's heritage.
Duration 8 days Destinations Tokyo, Hiroshima, Matsuyama, Kotohira, Takamatsu, Naruto, Kobe, Osaka, Koya-san, Kyoto Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Europamundo From
- NZ$4,449
Iconic Japan: Futuristic Wonders & Timeless Traditions
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The way modern life intertwines with traditional culture is truly fascinating to see.”
Sterre, traveled in June
Duration 10 days Destinations Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka Age Range Ages 99+ Operator Journaway From $2,428
28% Off- NZ$1,740You save $689
Rail connections link Shikoku to major cities, with hop-on-hop-off buses and audio guides available. Centrally located hotels in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka serve as comfortable bases.
Duration 8 days Destinations Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Vio Travel From
28% Off- NZ$2,385
5 Day Best of Japan: Tokyo to Kyoto Small Group Tour Package
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“It was such a great trip! The hotels were in great locations too—after a day of sightseeing, it was so easy to head out for a stroll or some shopping.”
AGUILLON, traveled in July
Duration 5 days Destinations Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator UME Travel Co. Ltd From $2,987
5% Off- NZ$2,837You save $149
Cultural treasures of Shikoku await, with prime access from major cities. Temples, local cuisine, and historic sites abound, including the magnificent Miyajima Island and its floating torii gate.
Duration 11 days Destinations Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Vio Travel From
5% Off- NZ$4,211
Japan Highlights: Karaoke & Katsu
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I loved the Japan Express tour for my first time in Japan! It ticked off all the main spots that I was hoping to see.”
AlexHenley, traveled in April
The b namba-kuromon serves as your Osaka base for Shikoku culture. Kyoto's Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion and Fushimi Inari Shrine precede culinary adventures at Kuromon Market.
Duration 7 days Destinations Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka Age Range Ages 18-39 Operator Topdeck From $2,919
10% Off- NZ$2,627You save $292
Duration 10 days Destinations Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Wanderful Holidays LLC From
10% Off- NZ$7,235
Journey through Shikoku's cultural sites, including traditional tea experiences in Kawane and historic temple visits. Features local homestays, sake tasting at Kyoto's oldest brewery, and exploration of Osaka's renowned food scene.
Duration 9 days Destinations Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From
10% Off- NZ$5,595
Japan in a Week
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Contiki knocked it out of the park 10/10.”
Bryan, traveled in April
Osaka serves as a cultural gateway to the Shikoku region, featuring traditional temples and local cuisine. Universal Studios, Dotonbori's food scene, and regional specialties complement stays in 3-star accommodations.
Duration 8 days Destinations Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Contiki From
10% Off- NZ$2,985
Duration 9 days Destinations Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto Age Range Ages 12+ Operator On The Go Tours From
10% Off- NZ$4,020
What our customers ask about Shikoku Tours & Trips
When is the best time to visit Shikoku Islands for a general sightseeing tour?
Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) provide optimal conditions for exploring the Shikoku Islands with pleasant temperatures and clear skies. During spring the cherry blossoms create natural displays at Matsuyama Castle and Ritsurin Garden. Fall transforms Mount Kotohira with red and gold foliage. According to TourRadar reviews "visiting during spring allowed us to see both the cherry blossoms and experience the traditional bath houses without the intense summer heat." Summer brings high humidity and heat while winter stays mild but may limit some outdoor activities.
What are the must-see highlights during a general tour of Shikoku Islands?
Key attractions across the islands include the hilltop Matsuyama Castle reached by cable car the spiritual Kotohira Shrine with its 785-step ascent and the meticulously maintained Ritsurin Garden in Takamatsu. A TourRadar traveler noted "The suspension bridge crossing at Naruto offers incredible views with its glass floor 45 meters above the sea making it a truly unforgettable experience." The 19th-century Dogo Onsen public bathhouse in Matsuyama draws visitors year-round with convenient stays available at places like the CANDEO OSAKA NAMBA Hotel.
What type of accommodation can I expect on Shikoku Islands tours?
The accommodation mix spans modern 3-4 star properties like the Daiwa Roynet Hotel in Takamatsu and traditional ryokans in quieter areas. Matsuyama's Candeo Hotels blend contemporary comforts with Japanese design elements. As one TourRadar reviewer shared "The mix of Western-style hotels and traditional ryokans gave us a great taste of Japanese hospitality."
How long should I plan for a comprehensive general tour of Shikoku Islands?
A well-paced exploration requires 5-7 days to see the key sites. Most visitors spend 2 days in Matsuyama exploring the castle and Dogo Onsen 2 days discovering Takamatsu's Ritsurin Garden and cultural spots plus time for Kotohira Shrine and the Naruto whirlpools. One TourRadar traveler suggested "spending at least 5 days to properly explore the main cities and still have time to experience local culture and cuisine without rushing." Tours typically connect major locations by train or private coach.
What type of food experiences can I expect in Shikoku Islands?
The local food scene features fresh seafood Buddhist temple dishes and regional specialties with Takamatsu's Sanuki udon noodles being a highlight. Tour packages typically include hotel breakfasts and select traditional Japanese dinners. As shared by a TourRadar traveler: "The local cuisine was a highlight especially the famous Sanuki udon in Takamatsu."