Shikoku Cultural Journey

Escorted Small Group

Duration

7 Days

Tour Type

Small Group

From $ 4,599 per person Twin Share Land Only

"Surcharges may apply"

Tour Category

Cultural & Authentic

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Tour Grading

Easy Pace

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Destinations on the tour

Onomichi>Shimanami Kaidō>Shikoku>Naoshima

Shikoku Cultural Journey is a 7-day small-group tour exploring Onomichi, Shimanami Kaidō, Shikoku, Naoshima. The program is designed to introduce the destination through a practical mix of guided sightseeing, local experiences and well-planned travel between each stop. Travel beyond Japan’s major cities and discover the timeless beauty of the Seto Inland Sea and Shikoku.

From historic port towns and sacred pilgrimage temples to gentle island cycling and world-class contemporary art, this carefully paced journey offers cultural depth, scenic beauty and authentic local encounters. The day-by-day itinerary moves from Arrival in Onomichi through Matsuyama to Zentsūji, Kotohira and Takamatsu through Depart Okayama, giving the journey a clear sense of progression while allowing time to appreciate the character of each place. Published inclusions cover 6 nights accommodation; Cycle along the iconic Shimanami Kaidō on Ikuchi and Omishima Islands; Travel with a bilingual driver-guide for a seamless experience
Return airport transfers (shuttle).

With an easy-paced itinerary and experiences centred on cultural and authentic, the tour suits travellers who value an organised holiday without losing sight of the places and experiences that make the region distinctive. The small-group format supports a more personal touring experience, with professional guidance and straightforward arrangements throughout the journey. Selected departure dates are published separately, making it easy to compare the available travel periods with your preferred plans.

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What’s included in the tour

Accommodation

6 nights accommodation

Cycle

Cycle along the iconic Shimanami Kaidō on Ikuchi and Omishima Islands

Transport

Travel with a bilingual driver-guide for a seamless experience
Return airport transfers (shuttle)

Tour Highlights

Dogo Onsen Honkan

Dogo Onsen Honkan is Japan’s oldest hot spring, with a history stretching back more than 3,000 years. This beautifully preserved wooden bathhouse is the spiritual heart of Dogo and one of the most iconic onsen buildings in the country, often compared to a scene from a storybook. Stepping inside is a deeply traditional experience, from the architecture to the bathing rituals themselves. It is an unmissable cultural highlight for visitors to Matsuyama.

Shimanami Kaidō

### SHIMANAMI KAIDŌ

Experience one of Japan’s most spectacular coastal routes, connecting Honshu and Shikoku across the Seto Inland Sea. Cycle or travel between picturesque islands, crossing impressive suspension bridges while enjoying panoramic ocean views, peaceful fishing villages, citrus groves and beautiful island scenery.

Matsuyama Castle

Perched atop Mount Katsuyama in the centre of the city, Matsuyama Castle is one of only twelve original castles in Japan with an intact pre-Edo-period keep. Built in the early seventeenth century, the castle is renowned for its sophisticated defensive design, featuring steep stone walls, hidden gates and layered protection zones. Inside, visitors can explore exhibits showcasing armour, weapons and historical plans, while the top floor rewards them with sweeping views across Matsuyama, the surrounding mountains and the Seto Inland Sea.

Oyamazumi Shrine

Oyamazumi Shrine is one of Shikoku’s most important Shinto shrines and a spiritual landmark of the Setouchi region. Dedicated to the god of the sea, mountains and war, it has long been revered by samurai and seafarers, who left behind an extraordinary collection of armour and weapons, including offerings from legendary warlords. Set among towering camphor trees on Omishima Island, the shrine has a peaceful, timeless atmosphere and offers a powerful connection to Japan’s warrior heritage and maritime history.

Tour Map & Dates

Departure Dates

2026: Daily Departure

Or Call Us On:

AU: 1300 842 688

NZ: 0800 842 688

Tour Itinerary

Upon arrival at Onomichi Station, clients will make their way to the hotel and store their luggage before beginning exploration of this charming hillside port town. The afternoon is spent on a self-guided Onomichi city walk, visiting Ushitora Shrine near the cable car station, ascending Mount Senkō-ji by ropeway, and exploring Senkō-ji Temple with panoramic views over the Onomichi Channel. Guests will continue along the atmospheric hillside paths to Tennei-ji Temple before wandering through the nostalgic shopping streets below. Check-in at the hotel is in the late afternoon. Overnight in Onomichi Green Hill Hotel or similar.

After breakfast, clients will check out and take ferry to Setoda Port on Ikuchi Island. Upon arrival, drop your luggage at the accommodation before joining a guided cycling experience along the Shimanami Kaidō. This relaxed cycling tour lasts approximately two to three hours and showcases coastal scenery, island landscapes, and local villages along one of Japan’s most iconic cycling routes. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure before check-in at the hotel. Overnight on Yubune,Setoda, Ikuchi Island

Following breakfast, clients will check out and travel from Ikuchi Island to Matsuyama with your private English speaking driver guide. Upon arrival in Matsuyama, enjoy a city exploration including a visit to Art Labo Kasuri to learn about traditional Iyo Kasuri textiles and participate in an indigo dyeing experience. The tour continues to Matsuyama Castle, one of Japan’s finest original hilltop castles, followed by a visit to Ishite-ji Temple, an important stop on the Shikoku Pilgrimage. The day concludes in the historic Dōgo Onsen area, where clients can stroll the shopping streets before checking in at the hotel. Overnight in Hotel Lunapark, Dōgo, Matsuyama

After breakfast and check-out, travel by private vehicle to Kagawa Prefecture. The day begins with a visit to Zentsū-ji Temple, the birthplace of Kūkai and one of the most important temples on the Shikoku Pilgrimage. This is followed by a hands-on udon noodle-making experience at a local udon school. In the afternoon, clients visit Kotohira’s renowned Konpira Shrine, famous for its long stone stairway and sweeping views. The journey continues to Takamatsu for hotel check-in. Overnight in JR Hotel Clement Takamatsu

After breakfast, enjoy a full day exploring Takamatsu and its surrounding pilgrimage sites with your guide. The tour includes a visit to the celebrated Ritsurin Garden, where guests enjoy a traditional tea ceremony, followed by visits to several important pilgrimage temples including Yashima-ji, Yakuri-ji, Kokubun-ji etc. The day offers a deeper insight into Shikoku’s spiritual heritage before returning to the hotel in Takamatsu. Overnight in JR Hotel Clement Takamatsu

After breakfast and check-out, travel with your driver-guide by private vehicle and ferry to Naoshima, Japan’s world-famous contemporary art destination. The guided art tour includes visits to the Benesse House Museum, the Naoshima New Museum of Art, selected Art House Project installations, and the Chichū Art Museum, showcasing works by Monet, Turrell and other masters. In the afternoon, depart Naoshima via Uno Port and continue onward to Okayama for hotel check-in and overnight stay.

After breakfast, free at leisure until check out for your onward journey.

Shikoku Cultural Journey