Shikoku Tours & Trips
4.6 stars on(8,567 reviews)- Choose from 23 Shikoku tours
- 30 verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
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The best Shikoku tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaShikoku travel expert at TourRadar
- Discover Japan on a Budget: 8-Day Ultimate Starter
- Classic Japan Experience
- Japan Highlights (3 destinations)
- Capitals of Japan end Kyoto
- Japan's Big Four 11 Days
- Japan in a Week
- Delve Deep: Intro to Japan
- 5 Day Best of Japan: Tokyo to Kyoto Small Group Tour Package
- Iconic Japan: Futuristic Wonders & Timeless Traditions
- Independent Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka City Stays
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 up to 99 year olds Operator Vio Travel From
- NZ$2,310
Duration 10 days Destinations Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Wanderful Holidays LLC From
- NZ$7,009
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 8 days Destinations Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From $5,325
15% Off- NZ$4,526You save $799
Capitals of Japan end Kyoto
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This tour was essential for people who want to know the most important cities in Japan and to understand the basic history, culture, and traditions of Japan.”
jmoczar, 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 3 to 85 year olds Operator Europamundo From
15% Off- NZ$4,195
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 up to 99 year olds Operator Vio Travel From
15% Off- NZ$4,080
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 up to 35 year olds Operator Contiki From
15% Off- NZ$3,074
Delve Deep: Intro to Japan
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I saw so much in so little time and enjoyed the options of activities to participate in while in Japan.”
Lettie, traveled in October
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 18 to 39 year olds Operator Topdeck From $3,219
20% Off- NZ$2,575You save $644
Duration 5 days Destinations Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka Age Range 5 to 85 year olds Operator UME Travel Co. Ltd From $3,512
20% Off- NZ$2,810You save $702
Iconic Japan: Futuristic Wonders & Timeless Traditions
2 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 99 to 99 year olds Operator journaway From
20% Off- NZ$1,561
Independent Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka City Stays
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Excellent local guides in each city. No hiccups only one small issue as instructions in Kyoto said to meet in the lobby and the driver was downstairs outside the lobby.”
Michael, traveled in March
An expert guide leads visitors to iconic Shikoku landmarks via public transport. Tokyo Skytree offers panoramic views, while the 200-mph bullet train speeds to Kyoto's Sanjusangendo Temple with its 1,001 golden Kannon statues. Premium stays at Hilton Tokyo and Imperial Hotel Osaka include breakfasts and local delicacies like okonomiyaki.
Duration 9 days Destinations Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka Age Range up to 80 year olds Operator Globus From $9,159
7% Off- NZ$8,476You save $683
What people love about Shikoku Tours
- Capitals of Japan end Kyoto
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.
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.
Delve Deep: Intro to Japan
- Japan in a Week
Contiki knocked it out of the park 10/10
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."