Shikoku Tours

17/06/2025

Shikoku is a top destination for those looking for an outdoor adventure. Visitors can explore this compact region in just a week, enjoying activities from trekking Mt. Ishizuchi to cycling the scenic Shimanami Kaidō, which connects several islands and provides essential amenities for all levels.

With Shikoku Tours, immerse yourself in specially crafted itineraries that showcase the island's diverse landscapes and rich food culture, all underscored by fascinating local history. As the world opens back up, Shikoku invites you to experience its natural splendor.

Learn more: https://shikokutours.com/blog-posts/adventure-travel-island-shikoku/

Shikoku is the ideal destination for adventure in Japan.

12/06/2025

Every June 10, Matsuyama's Jogan-ji Temple becomes the site of the Doll Funeral, an annual event that honors the spirits of discarded dolls. This poignant ceremony invites attendees to reflect on the memories tied to their dolls, as monks chant prayers and share heartfelt stories. The ritual culminates in a sacred pyre where participants release their dolls, marking a symbolic farewell.

At Shikoku Tours, we connect you with authentic moments like the Doll Funeral, offering a deeper understanding of Japan's rich narrative beyond the main tourist hubs.

Learn more: https://shikokutours.com/blog-posts/jogan-ji-temple-doll-funeral/

A Buddhist service for unwanted dolls before they go on their funeral pyre.

06/06/2025

If you are a culinary enthusiast eager to delve into Japan's gastronomic landscape, the Ehime Gourmet and Sake tour awaits you.

This four-day tour is crafted to immerse participants in the rich food and sake offerings of Ehime Prefecture. Engage hands-on with local producers, explore traditional sake breweries, and savor fresh produce, including dense white fish and an array of citrus fruits.

What sets this experience apart is the intimate interaction with local flavors and the opportunity to stay in onsen ryokan, where you can enjoy the comforts of authentic Japanese hospitality. Each day blends tastings, visits to farms, and the chance to fish or pick fruits, making your culinary journey both engaging and flavorful.

Start your culinary adventure today:
https://shikokutours.com/trip/ehime-gourmet-and-sake/

Explore the wonderful food and sake of Ehime

05/06/2025

Shikoku is renowned for its hospitality shaped by centuries as a pilgrimage destination, offering an array of accommodations for all types of visitors. From budget-friendly guesthouses bustling with camaraderie to serene ryokan where you can indulge in exquisite local cuisine, each lodging option reveals a different facet of Shikoku's charm. Whether you seek a communal experience or the tranquility of a traditional inn, Shikoku provides memorable stays that immerse you in local culture.

At Shikoku Tours, we facilitate these authentic escapes and help you uncover hidden gems across the island.

Learn more: https://shikokutours.com/blog-posts/shikoku-accommodation
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28/05/2025

Cycling the amazing UFO Line with a couple celebrating a mid-life birthday. It was a magnificent ride with lots of happy smiles.

27/05/2025

Begin your culinary adventure in Shikoku, where diverse chicken dishes define the region's gastronomic landscape. Experience the fast-cooked Imabari yakitori, which features succulent chicken prepared on a hotplate, alongside the region's renowned sake or cold beer. Don't miss Kagawa's famous honetsukidori, a grilled chicken thigh delicacy served with scissors for easy enjoyment, and delve into the rich flavors of Kōchi's shamo, a chicken breed known for its chewy texture.

At Shikoku Tours, we can guide you through these culinary highlights with curated itineraries focused on authentic local dining.

Learn more: https://shikokutours.com/blog-posts/shikoku-chicken-dishes/

Taking a hungry look at the delicious regional chicken dishes of Shikoku.

23/05/2025

Hirome Market, located near Kōchi Castle, serves as Kōchi's dining epicenter, reflecting the community's enthusiasm for local fare. This lively venue hosts a multitude of food stalls offering specialties like katsuo no tataki, where patrons can observe artisans sear fish over burning straw. The market’s atmosphere fosters connections, welcoming locals and visitors alike, making it a vibrant social hub.

Beyond delicious cuisine, Hirome Market also features stalls selling local produce, souvenirs, and more, providing a window into life in Shikoku. For non-Japanese speakers, English pamphlets enhance accessibility, ensuring everyone can enjoy this culinary delight.

To learn more about this must-see destination, click here: https://shikokutours.com/points-of-interest/kochi/hirome-market/

Kōchi’s best-known place to eat.

21/05/2025

Ritsurin Garden, one of Japan's top three gardens, has captivated visitors since its creation in 1625 under feudal lord Ikoma Takatoshi. This remarkable landscape, featuring six ponds, thirteen hills, and over 1,400 fragrant pines, was meticulously completed in 1745 and opened to the public in 1875, becoming a sanctuary for nature enthusiasts.

Today, Ritsurin Garden offers a tranquil retreat where visitors can stroll along scenic paths, savor tea at the Kikugetsu-tei pavilion, and immerse themselves in the seasonal changes of the landscape. Whether framed by cherry blossoms in spring or draped in winter’s snow, the garden reveals a different facet of its charm throughout the year.

Discover more about this historic gem: https://shikokutours.com/points-of-interest/kagawa/ritsurin-garden/

Dating back to 1625, Ritsurin Garden is one of the three most renowned gardens in Japan.

20/05/2025

Shikoku offers a surprisingly mild summer despite typical Japanese seasonal heat. Our inviting region, with its lush greenery and low density, features the Shimanto, Yoshino, and Niyodo rivers, perfect for activities such as swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, and canyoning—collectively referred to as kawa-asobi. Along the coast, diverse beaches provide both lively atmospheres and peaceful retreats. Inland areas like the Shikoku Karst and Mt. Ishizuchi offer cooler climates for exploration. Summer also brings vibrant festivals showcasing traditional dances and fireworks. Captivating cloud formations and refreshing rains enhance the scenery, making Shikoku a captivating summer destination.

Learn more about what awaits you in Shikoku in Summer: https://shikokutours.com/blog-posts/is-shikoku-hot-in-summer/

Why summer is a good time to visit Shikoku.

17/05/2025

A visit to Masaki Brewery in Matsuno, home of the Nobushi ‘wandering samurai’ brand. This wonderful old brewery stands in an idyllic town in Ehime, close to the border with Kochi. If you visit with us, they’ll even show you the tunnel dug into the side of the nearby castle mount where the brewery’s spring wells up.

15/05/2025

Embark on a distinctive pilgrimage through 88 temples in Shikoku, culminating at Mt. Kōya, offering travelers a chance to connect with history and spirituality across the region’s sacred landscape.

The 88 Temple Pilgrimage and Mt. Kōya is a 18-day tour that prioritizes temple visits while ensuring your comfort with private transportation and a variety of accommodations ranging from modern hotels to traditional ryokan.

Expect well crafted itinerary where your days will include fulfilling temple explorations with opportunities to engage with local cuisine along the way.

Learn more about your pilgrimage experience: https://shikokutours.com/trip/88-temple-pilgrimage-koya/

Visit all 88 temples of the Shikoku Pilgrimage in a comfortable private vehicle, finishing your Ohenro journey at Mt. Kōya.

14/05/2025

Miyoshikiku Shuzō stands out in Ikeda, Shikoku, as a distinctive sake brewery with deep historical roots dating back to 1891. Run by the fifth-generation master brewer, Mamiya Ryōichirō, this establishment embodies a fusion of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary practices, particularly through its renowned unpasteurized sake that attracts a diverse clientele, including younger drinkers.

By highlighting sustainable sourcing methods, including the use of local rice varieties, and an innovative brewing process, Miyoshikiku not only preserves its legacy but also enriches the local community by engaging with high school students in its production. For visitors, the brewery offers a unique chance to sample its distinctive brews at the Mai-Mai bar, where local dishes complement the sake experience.

To delve deeper into the fascinating world of Miyoshikiku Shuzō, click here: https://shikokutours.com/points-of-interest/tokushima/miyoshikiku-shuzo-brewery/

Take a walk on the wild side in Ikeda with Miyoshikiku’s counterculture sake.