10 Tours in Shikoku That You Shouldn't Miss

October 20, 2021 Stefan Strunk

Discover the best top things to do in Shikoku, Japan including Make your own kitchen knife with a master blacksmith in Shimanto, Ikeda Reservoir Brompton Bicycle Tour, Enjoy the whole Omishima cycling, [Virtual Tour] Ghibli Spots in Japan, Iya Valley Private Taxi Full-Day Tour with English Driver, Stay at 250 year old Japanese House in the Mountainous Countryside in Kochi, Kochi - Athirapally Package, Experiential Tours of Pearl Culturing Farm , Mount Kameo & Kurushima Strait Cycling Tour, Awesome Guided Matsuyama Local Food Tour.
Restaurants in Shikoku

1. Make your own kitchen knife with a master blacksmith in Shimanto

Workshop KUROGANE, Japan, 〒787-1324 Kochi, Shimanto, Nishitosakuchiyanai, 天王山944 OMAKASE
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

In this activity you can experience traditional Japanese craft culture through "Kaji". In a contemporary society that emphasizes digital networks, old handicraft techniques have become far from everyday life. Imagine crafting your own knife or scissors from steel, using fire and ancient Japanese techniques. You can commemorate your wedding, or remember your trip, through engraving.

Inclusions: Training experience., Teaching in English., A set of equipment necessary for the experience (work clothes, protective glasses, raw materials, a set of tools)

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transportation to/from attractions

Reviewed By lenorer9950

Tomomi, our tour guide was so well informed. Plus gave us great tips on other things to do & places to visit - great bonus!

2. Ikeda Reservoir Brompton Bicycle Tour

Funaiatochi Parking Lot, Ikedacho Machi, Miyoshi, Tokushima 778-0002, Japan AWA-RE BROMPTON BICYCLE(Pottering) TOUR
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On this tour, you cycle around the Ikeda Reservoir formed in the middle of the Yoshino River. The town of Ikeda, known as “the navel of Shikoku” has always prospered as a center of trade. After cycling through the retro shopping street, you come to a row of old merchant houses with ornamental ‘udatsu’ firewalls. A slight rise brings you to the Yoshino River, which has the largest flow of Japan’s rivers. The deep reservoir and the man-made structures create a beautiful contrast. This tour takes you through a historic town, along the magnificent Yoshino River, with a thrilling wire suspension bridge and a pretty submersible bridge. The route takes you along the Median Tectonic Line, one of the world’s biggest faults. If the surface of the water is calm, the reservoir becomes a huge mirror.

Inclusions: Use of bicycle, Tour Insurance, Local guide fee

Exclusions: Lunch, Snacks

Reviewed By Janejane68

Wow! Our group of 4 adults and 3 teenagers had the most fabulous day with Takashi-san, Miwa-san and Hajime-san cycling through the Iya Valley on Brompton Bicycles. We had such fun with our lovely guides who thought of every detail and made sure we saw the most beautiful spots throughout the day. I recommend this tour so highly. It is a day we will remember fondly forever. Thank you so much, Takashi-san, Miwa-san and Hajime-san!

3. Enjoy the whole Omishima cycling

9181 Kamiurachō Inokuchi, Imabari, Ehime 794-1402, Japan WAKKA
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This tour is a cycling tour to enjoy "Omishima" all around the island. It is a recommended course for cycling on e-bikes because there are hill climbs everywhere. With E-bikes, beginners, women and seniors can enjoy it easily and comfortably. * If you are uneasy, please choose a rental E-bike plan. [Highlight] 1. The largest island on the Shimanami Kaido Omishima has many scenic points! Let's fully enjoy the scenery rich in nature! 2. There are plenty of recommended drop-in points and shops, including a cafe where you can dine while watching the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge! A guide will guide you! 3. For the tour climax, visit Oyama Gion Shrine, which has been worshiped for a long time. Drop in at the Okunoin's 3,000-year-old Kusunoki "Ikikinogomon"! [Support contents] ・ You can select options such as “Rental E-bike plan” and “Drone shooting plan (specific cut)” as you wish. ・ With experienced guide. Introducing many recommended spots! It is safe for first-time people by responding to troubles such as punctures! [Itinerary] (Time required: 6 hours, distance: 30㎞)  9:30 Tatara Shimanami Park (or Shenggang) ・ Start cycling ↓ 11:00 Bubuka ラ ン チ ・ Lunch Relax while watching the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge ※ If the holiday, the shop will be changed. ↓ 12:30 Omishima hometown rest house, Omishima winery brewery (tour) 宿 泊 ・ A renovated former elementary school by architect Toyo Ito ・ Omishima completely original wine brewery ↓ 14:00 Oyama Gion Shrine 参 ・ Oyama Gion Shrine visit ・ Green tree tour ・ Walk around the approach ↓ 15:30 Tatara Shimanami Park (or Shenggang) ・ Cycling end ・ Dissolution In addition, if you have any requests, custom tours are also possible, so please consult with WAKKA.

Inclusions: Cycling guide, Additional options (E-bike rental, drone shooting)

Exclusions: Coffee and/or Tea, Sweets etc., Lunch

Reviewed By karenh698

I stayed at the fabulous and grand new inn for cyclists called Wakka. The next day it was raining so I too this taxi service back to catch a ferry out of Setoda. Great service when you need a lift.

4. [Virtual Tour] Ghibli Spots in Japan

Tokyo, Japan Japan Wonder Travel
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***The tour time below is Japan Standard Time.*** A great birthday/ surprise gift for Ghibli fans *If you can't find the convenient time slot, please send me a request. * This online experience will take you to the places in Japan which are said to be the inspirations of seven Ghibli films. It's about 1hour experience via Zoom and operated in the hope of expanding the wishlist places of your next visit to Japan. Let's explore Ghibli-related places throughout Japan without leaving your home! Starting from Tokyo where the animations are being created, we will explore many places which are said to be inspirations of some of the scenes of the films such as a bathhouse where Chihiro worked at(Spirited Away), the enchanted forest(Princess Mononke), etc.. We will explore virtually from the north(Hokkaido) to the south (Kagoshima) of Japan. *If you do not show up on the tour time, we will not reschedule and refund you.

Inclusions: English speaking online guide, Consulting service for your future travel, Q & A session about Ghibli and Japan

Exclusions: Real guide

Reviewed By littlenootsy

My husband and 2 sons (ages 11 and 13) loved our virtual tour of Tokyo. Nino was a fantastic guide and filled the hour with historical, cultural and fun facts! She was able to keep all of us at all ages engaged. It was a welcome diversion for this time of no-travel and very few experiences in the world because of the pandemic. We all can't wait to book our trip when the time allows!

5. Iya Valley Private Taxi Full-Day Tour with English Driver

Japan Guide Agency
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For a more efficient way to explore Iya Valley, take a private taxi on a one-day tour! Your tour driver will customize your six-hour tour according to your interests. To start your day, meet your driver at your hotel, or anywhere at your convenience. Potential stops on a six-hour tour include the Manikin Peeing Boy Statue, with stunning views of the steep surrounding mountains and turquoise Iya River; Iya Kazurabashi vine bridge, Ochiai Village, a small hamlet in the heart of Iya Valley with farm houses from the mid-Edo era; and Oku-Iya Kazurabashi double vine bridges. Let us know what you would like to experience, what time you would like to start your tour, and where you are staying. Your guide will customize a tour that's best for you! Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary. Note*2: Please let us know if baby or kids will be seated in your group.

Inclusions: Professional Local Guide, Hotel Pick up and Drop off, Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle, Fuel expenses

Exclusions: All Fees and Taxes, Lunch

Reviewed By Cwshaman

The flexibility to chose locations that suited our wants and abilities was great. Hiro San was very quick to put together an itinerary that accommodated a family with a stroller-baby (no monkey park due to long unpacked walking paths). Taking in the beautiful temples and view of the Kyoto from the west was breath taking and the guide was able to explain many things we as new Japanese learners could not read or know through cultural knowledge. Overall a great experience, a wonderful and lively guide, and some great memories.

6. Stay at 250 year old Japanese House in the Mountainous Countryside in Kochi

Beauty of Japan

With this tour you will be able to stay at traditional Japanese house with over 250 years of history and also explore a Japanese paper making workshop. When you enter your stay you will notice immediately the traditional vibes. You will see a huge Irori (old fashioned Japanese sunken hearth) a samurai armor, Goemonburo (metal bathtub heated from beneath, that was used in Japanese home), and a Iwafuro (Rock bath). During your stay you will experience the great natural beauty, and experience living like the olden times of Japan. For dinner, you will gather around the Irori, where you can enjoy cooking the fresh seasonal ingredients with the hostesses. Lastly you will be able to visit the workplace of where they make Japanese paper. You will be able to take part in the paper making process and also learn about the traditional technique of the Tosa Japanese paper making!

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English speaking guide, Transportation fee during tour, Paper making workshop fee, Minshuku inn fee (Dinner and Breakfast included)

Exclusions: Transportation fee to the meeting point, Transportation fee back after the tour ended

Reviewed By Glenn B

We cancelled the tour in advance and have NEVER been refunded the payment, my advice to anybody is to avoid at all costs this tour

7. Kochi - Athirapally Package

Sherlys Tours and Travels, 20/191, Kochupally Rd, Thoppumpady, Kochi, Kerala 682005, India Sherlys Tours & Travels

This three-day package covers the scenic beauty of Kochi and Athirapally. The trip starts from Kochi, also known as the Queen of Arabian Sea. This metropolitan city has a lot to explore and it will be worth it in the end. The heart-stirring beauty of Kochi allows you to experience its art, culture, lifestyle and tradition. Beautifully painted walls, graffiti artworks, streets and art galleries add a certain grace to the place. The beach, colonial settlements, churches with beautiful altar works and temples are central to its beauty. After spending a day at Kochi, your expedition takes a turn to Athirapally. It's a nest of forest, waterfalls and rivers. The major tourist attraction of this place is Athirapally and Vazhachal waterfalls. It's these waterfalls that make this place a must-visit one. You will spend the second day sightseeing the magnificent waterfalls of Athirapally. The journey ends with your departure to Kochi. On the final day of the trip, we will drop you back at Kochi.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: GST (Goods and Services Tax)

8. Experiential Tours of Pearl Culturing Farm

Doi Pearl, 5121-9 Miuranishi, Uwajima, Ehime 798-0102, Japan Doi Pearl

Uwajima City of Ehime Prefecture is Japan's top producer of Akoya pearls. Our shop offers you the experience of observing the pearl culturing process, broaden your knowledge of pearls, and learn how to distinguish the quality of pearls. Taking a pearl out of the shellfish that you pick out on a raft is an experience exclusive to a culturing site. The people working in our shop are always engaged in pearl culturing, so they have a profound knowledge of the pearls. Moreover, you'll be able to make your own accessories, such as a strap broach with the pearls which you extracted and take it home as a souvenir. Come and feel the charm of a peaceful, calm sea on a raft at our culturing farm.

Inclusions: guide

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Reviewed By GLKLLCIO

I loved my time at Doi Pearl. You might need to use a translate app to send an email to make the reservation. It is not close to anything and this part of Shikoku is out of the way in general. It has been a while since I have been out there but I still have the pearl I caught as a pendant. I will never forget eating the clam meat after retrieving my pearl too. The owner is so kind and because the weather was bad he drove me to the train station. I had such a lovely experience as a solo traveler. Totally worth it and you can get a discount on the jewelry they sell directly if you'd like. Top notch quality for a very reasonable price.

9. Mount Kameo & Kurushima Strait Cycling Tour

Sunrise Itoyama, 2-chōme-8-1 Sunabachō, Imabari, Ehime 794-0001, Japan WAKKA

This tour is to enjoy mainly "Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge" and "Kamerosan". [Highlight] 1. Take a commemorative photo with the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge visible at the Itoyama Park Observation Deck and start cycling! 2. Take a stroll down to the famous island "Mashima" by an elevator that can be used to ride a bicycle. The relaxed atmosphere is healed very much. 3. Climb to the scenic spot "Kamerosan Observation Park". The Kurushima Strait Bridge and the beautiful islands of Shimanami Kaido seen from the top are spectacular! [Support contents] ・ You can select options such as "rental E-bike plan", "support taxi plan", "drone shooting plan" etc. according to your wishes. ・ With experienced guide. Many recommended spots in the Kurushima Strait area! It is safe for first-time people by responding to troubles such as punctures! [Itinerary] (Time required 3 hours, mileage 25㎞) 9:00 Meeting at "Sunrise Itoyama" or "Imabari Station" ※ We will check in advance. Please tell us your other requests. ・ Cycling start ↓  9:10 Itoyama Observation Park  ・ Commemorative photo with the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge in the background ↓  9:20 Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge ↓  9:30 Majima ・ Elevator to Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge ↓ 10:15 Road Station Yoshiumi Ikiikikan ・ Small break ↓ 10:30 Start Kameiro Hill Climb ※ If you wish to climb by car, please select a support taxi plan. ↓ 11:00 Arrive at Mt.Kamero Observatory Panoramic view overlooking the Kurushima Strait and Shimanami's archipelago. ↓ 12:00 End of cycling at Roadside Station Yoshiumi Ikiikikan, dissolution ※ If you wish to pick up and drop off by taxi after dissolution, please select a transfer plan. The fee will be paid locally on the day. In addition, please contact us, as custom-made according to your request is also possible.

Inclusions: Guide fee, Additional options (rental cycle, taxi, drone shooting)

Exclusions: Lunch

Reviewed By Haifromhannah

We stayed at Wakka for one night during our Shimanami Kaido Cycle. We booked a 4 bed dorm for 2 couples which it slept comfortably. We loved our stay here and I honestly don’t think I’ve ever felt so welcomed to any hotel. The staff here were so accommodating when we arrived from our cycle, absolutely soaking - hot tea and towels ready as well as the offer to give us warm coats. In the evening, we were driven to a local restaurant by the hotel owner and picked up afterwards. Furthermore, Wakka offered us support before we had even arrived, giving us great advice as to how to travel from Hiroshima via Bus. They also sent a quick text to check we were ion our way. During our cycle, a member of the group had a puncture and Wakka drove down to meet us to help fix the issue. A MUST STAY if you are travelling the Shimanami Kaido. I could continue to write gushing compliments and it still wouldn’t do this place justice.

10. Awesome Guided Matsuyama Local Food Tour

Japan, 〒790-0012 Ehime, Matsuyama, Minatomachi, 5-chōme−5−1 eight one management co.

Matsuyama City in Ehime Prefecture is a city with plenty to offer.Stunning Matsuyama Castle, age-old Dogo Onsen, spectacular views overlooking Seto Inland Sea; there is no shortage of tourist attractions.But one thing you can't miss is the awesome food ! During this tour guided by a dedicated local guide, you will leisurely walk along lively shopping streets lined with a variety of eating places to check out some of the must-eat local specialties. To name a few: juicy Karaage fried chicken, grilled Onigiri rice ball with eel inside, Matcha soft serve, all sorts of traditional Japanese sweets, and last but not least, freshly-squeezed juice of Mikan orange for which Ehime is best know. As you go along, you ’ll also stop by several interesting attractions, such as Enmanji Temple known as the “temple of love”, and an open-air foot bath to spend some relaxing time immersing your feet in warm water. Join us and let ’s go together on a wonderful Matsuyama food adventure!

Inclusions: Tour Guide

Exclusions: Costs of food and drinks, Admission fees to any facilities

Reviewed By hjxu

Daruma was fun to make and a meaningful souvenir to bring home. The local area is very beautiful, and Keiko-san was kind enough to recommend what to do in the area.

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