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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Aglika • traveled in May, 2025
It was great as always. We were very happy and satisfied with the choice of the hotels, itineraries and our guides were great.
Capitals of Japan end Kyoto - J
JOSELITO • traveled in September, 2025
UML did good but we are disappointed with TOUR RADAR. This will our last trip with you.
5 Day Best of Japan: Tokyo to Kyoto Small Group Tour Package - M
Matilda • traveled in September, 2025
We’d always wanted to visit Japan and this trip really made our dream come true. Meeting the locals and experiencing their culture was definitely one of the highlights. Everything ran smoothly from the accommodation to the transport and it was all really well organised. Whenever we had a question, journaway got back to us straight away. Overall, it was an amazing trip and we’d highly recommend it!
Iconic Japan: Futuristic Wonders & Timeless Traditions
The best Shikoku tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaShikoku travel expert at TourRadar
- Capitals of Japan end Kyoto
- 5 Day Best of Japan: Tokyo to Kyoto Small Group Tour Package
- Discover Japan on a Budget: 8-Day Ultimate Starter
- Iconic Japan: Futuristic Wonders & Timeless Traditions
- Japan's Big Four 11 Days
- Japan Highlights: Karaoke & Katsu
- Japan Highlights (3 destinations)
- Japan in a Week
- Japan Highlights by Bullet Train: Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka | 8 Days
- Capitals of Japan end Kyoto GO
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 All Ages Welcome Operator Europamundo From
- US$2,573
5 Day Best of Japan: Tokyo to Kyoto Small Group Tour Package
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“This trip was one of the best experiences I've ever had. She made this trip exceptional for us.”
Barbara, traveled in July
This 5-day small group tour takes you from Tokyo's iconic Senso-ji Temple and Tsukiji Fish Market to Kyoto's UNESCO-listed Golden Pavilion and Fushimi Inari Taisha's thousands of vermillion torii gates. The bullet train connects cities, and you'll stay at 4-star hotels like Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu and KYOTO TOKYU HOTEL, both in downtown locations perfect for evening walks. Groups limited to 6-16 travelers get personalized attention from expert English-speaking guides while visiting Kiyomizu-dera Temple's nail-free wooden stage and strolling Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka's preserved historic streets.
Duration 5 days Destinations Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator UME Travel Co. Ltd From $1,673
5% Off- US$1,589You save $84
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 $1,384
5% Off- US$1,315You save $69
Iconic Japan: Futuristic Wonders & Timeless Traditions
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Everything ran smoothly from the accommodation to the transport and it was all really well organised.”
Matilda, traveled in August
High-speed Shinkansen connections link Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka throughout this 10-day trip through Japan's Shikoku and southern regions. The golden Kinkaku-ji pavilion and serene Zen gardens at Tenryu-ji Temple come first, then you'll ride to Uji's elegant Byodoin Temple with your included Kyoto Sightseeing Pass. Authentic street food like takoyaki waits in Osaka's neon-lit Dotonbori district, and the tranquil Heian-jingu Shrine with its vermillion gates rounds out the highlights.
Duration 10 days Destinations Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka Age Range Ages 99+ Operator Journaway From $1,484
29% Off- US$1,051You save $433
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 $2,530
5% Off- US$2,404You save $127
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
5% Off- US$1,669
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
5% Off- US$3,895
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 $1,795
10% Off- US$1,616You save $180
Duration 8 days Destinations Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Wanderful Holidays LLC From $3,199
21% Off- US$2,527You save $672
Duration 8 days Destinations Tokyo, Hiroshima, Matsuyama, Kotohira, Takamatsu, Naruto, Kobe, Osaka, Kyoto Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Europamundo From
21% Off- US$2,717
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."