The Spiritual Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail:
12 Days of Hidden Regions & Scenic Wonder
Tour Code: AO-086P
12
Days
11
Nights
Crossing Seas and Mountains: An Immersive Pilgrimage and and Heritage Tour
Begin in Tokyo's electric energy before flying to Shikoku, where ancient pilgrimage traditions still thrive. Sleep in a Buddhist temple, walk vine bridges over emerald gorges, and witness the scenery cascading down Mount Shiude toward the island-dotted horizon. Cycle through pilgrimage routes and forest trails before departing for UNESCO treasures including Himeji's "White Heron Castle" and Kyoto's golden temples.
Unforgettable memories. The journey of a lifetime.
Itinerary
12
Days
11
Nights
Highlights:
Archipelago beauty viewing at Mount Shiude with Setouchi Sea panorama
Shikoku Pilgrimage temple experiences with temple lodging
Hidden valleys and mountain villages of Iya
Hands-on cultural experiences: bonsai pruning, soba making, tea roasting
Cycling through pilgrimage routes and forest trails
Setouchi island-studded seascapes
UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Himeji Castle
Tokyo || Haneda (HND) or Narita (NRT)
Welcome to Tokyo!
You driver will greet you at the arrival gate, holding a sign displaying your name.
PM: Hotel Check-in
Breakfast
Royal Park Hotel Tokyo Nihonbashi or Similar
Tokyo
Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide (6hrs.)
Your English-speaking guide will lead you to the finest cherry blossom viewing spots, selecting the most efficient route, like Asakusa, Ueno Park & Shinobazu Pond, Chidorigafuchi Boat Ride or East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, and Shinjuku Gyoen (famous for its wide variety of cherry blossoms).
You may also share any preferred locations in advance for a customized experience.
Breakfast
Tokyo
Free time to explore Tokyo at your leisure
＜Add-on Attractions＞
Akihabara (Tokyo)
The ultimate otaku hub, filled with anime shops, figure stores, maid cafés, and game centers.
Odaiba / DiverCity Tokyo Plaza (Tokyo)
Features the life-size Gundam statue, anime-themed cafés, and VR experiences.
Tsukiji outer Fish Market
Explore the lively Tsukiji Outer Market, filled with fresh seafood, street bites, and traditional food shops.
teamLab Borderless
teamLab Borderless is a world of artworks without boundaries, a museum without a map created by art collective teamLab.
Tokyo Ski Tree
Standing at 634 meters, Tokyo Skytree is the world's tallest tower and Tokyo's most iconic landmark. Its observation decks offer spectacular views of the sprawling metropolis and distant Mount Fuji.
#teamLabBorderless
Breakfast
Tokyo ✈ Tokushima
Transfer to Haneda Airport
Domestic flight: Haneda Airport → Tokushima Airport
Meet English-speaking guide
Transfer by private vehicle (approx. 30 min)
Lunch: Restaurant Sakai (Japanese cuisine featuring local ingredients)
Visit Ryozenji Temple, Temple No. 1 of the Shikoku Pilgrimage (*Walking pilgrimage introduction available upon request)
Local sake tasting at Matsuura Brewery
Check-in at Anrakuji Temple lodging (shukubo)
Buddhist vegetarian dinner at the temple
Evening service & Buddhist introduction experience (Goma fire ritual & lantern floating, 30 min)
Buddhist vegetarian dinner at the temple
Iya Valley
After breakfast, Transfer by private vehicle to Iya area (approx. 1 hour)
Stop at Koboke Observation Point (rest break)
Oboke Gorge sightseeing boat ride
Transfer by private vehicle (approx. 40 min)
Lunch: Soba noodle-making experience at Tsuzuki Shoten, followed by local folk song performance
Ochiai Village Observation Point / Village walk
Transfer by private vehicle (approx. 30 min)
Hotel check-in
Dinner at accommodation
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
© Kotohira-gu Shrine OfficeWest Iya
After breakfast, depart hotel
Transfer by private vehicle (10–15 min )
Tea roasting experience and "Otengu" Shinto ritual at Shigesue Village (2 hours)
Transfer to Nio area with stops at Hino-ji Gorge and Iya Valley's Peeing Boy Statue (1.5–2 hours)
Lunch: TBD (Kotohira area)
Visit Kotohira-gu Shrine (stroll along the approach) *Adjusted based on guests' stamina
Transfer by private vehicle to Nio
Hotel check-in
Breakfast/Lunch/DinnerDinner: NIPPONIA Nio: Restaurant MAWARU / URASHIMA VILLAGE: In-room dining
Setouchi Coast
After breakfast, depart hotel
Transfer by private vehicle to Zentsuji (approx. 40 min)
Visit Zentsuji Temple, Temple No. 75 of the Shikoku Pilgrimage
Lunch: TBD (Kaikōsha Café, etc.)
Chichibugahama Beach and Nio townscape stroll (traditional candy shop, bakery, etc.)
Transfer by private vehicle (approx. 30 min)
Cherry blossoms and Setouchi panorama at Mount Shiude
Hotel check-in
*The itinerary may be adjusted to coincide with the low tide at Chichibugahama Beach.
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Takamatsu
After breakfast, depart hotel
Transfer by private vehicle (approx. 1 hour)
Bonsai garden tour, branch pruning experience, matcha and Japanese sweets at Nakanishi Chinshoen
Lunch: TBD (Ritsurin Garden, local udon restaurant, etc.)
Ritsurin Garden
Transfer by private vehicle (40–50 min)
Cycling from Shiromineji Temple (No. 81) to Negoroji Temple (No. 82)
Transfer by private vehicle (approx. 30 min)
Hotel check-in
Breakfast
Takamatsu to Kyoto via Himeji Castle
After breakfast, check out from hotel
Transfer to Takamatsu Port
Ferry: Takamatsu Port → Okayama (approx. 1 hour)
Train: Okayama → Himeji (approx. 40 min by Shinkansen)
Arrive at Himeji Station / Meet English-speaking guide
Half-day tour of Himeji Castle (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Explore the magnificent "White Heron Castle" and grounds (approx. 2-3 hours)
Optional: Koko-en Garden visit
Lunch in Himeji (local cuisine)
Train: Himeji → Kyoto (approx. 1 hour by Shinkansen)
Arrive in Kyoto / Check-in at hotel
Free time to explore Kyoto at your leisure
Breakfast/Lunch
Kyoto
Meet guide at hotel lobby
Full-day guided tour of Kyoto highlights (6hrs.)
Suggested sites: Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Gion district, Keage Incline, etc..
Return to hotel
Breakfast
Kyoto
Optional activities available (Nishiki Market, tea ceremony experience, kimono rental, additional temple visits, traditional crafts workshops, etc.)
In the afternoon, private transfer to a hotel at Kansai International Airport area (KIX/OSAKA)
Breakfast
Kansai International Airport
After breakfast, our tour officially ends. Checkout time is 11 am and Osaka Kansai Airport can be reached in a three minute walk.
We can freely customize your itinerary before and after this hotel package. Please reach out to us for a personalized plan!
BreakfastAccommodations
Nihonbashi, Tokyo
Royal Park Hotel Tokyo Nihonbashi or Similar
Royal Park Hotel Tokyo Nihonbashi is located in the historic Nihonbashi area of central Tokyo. The quiet neighborhood is located in the city center, but away from the hustle and bustle. It’s perfect not just for business, but also to experience a taste of Japanese culture. You can rely on our proud Japanese hospitality for an unforgettable trip.
Tokushima, Shikoku
Anrakuji Temple Shukubo
In the past, there were no designated lodging facilities for pilgrims and travelers in the old Awa Province (now Tokushima Prefecture).
The Ekiji-ji (Station Road Temple) were temples specially designated by the feudal domain to provide lodging and meals, and offer hot spring cure to pilgrims.
Anraku-ji is the only one of the 88 Shikoku Pilgrimage temples that holds the title of "Ekiji-ji" to this day.
Iya Onsen, Tokushima
Hotel Iya Onsen OR Hotel Kazurabashi
Stay at a hotel overlooking the Iya mountains with majestic views and peaceful open-air baths.
Mitoyo City, Kagawa
URASHIMA VILLAGE OR NIPPONIA HOTEL Nio
～A VILLA on a peninsula in Setouchi～
The legend of Urashima Taro has been handed down from generation-to-generation.
Shonai Peninsula in Mitoyo City, Kagawa Prefecture.
It is said to be the place where Urashima Taro once rescued a turtle from an uninhabited island
From this tale URASHIMA VILLAGE was born.
The time that Taro Urashima spent in the Dragon Palace under the sea.
The flow of eternity that cannot be measured in everyday time.
From a daily life of cutting our time to a daily life of letting time take care of itself.
Takamatsu, Kagawa
JR Hotel Clement Takamatsu
Welcome to the hotel overlooking the sea
Panoramic views of the sky and the sea, the edges of the green beyond the town—JR Hotel Clement Takamatsu welcomes you with the magnificent panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea and Takamatsu City. Our sophisticated hospitality is designed to enrich your life. Please relax deeply and enjoy a superior experience.
JR Kyoto Station Central Exit, Kyoto
Hotel Granvia Kyoto or similar class
An Elegant Haven of Modern Comfort and Style
Hotel Granvia Kyoto is an integral part of the JR Kyoto Station Building Complex, a visually striking architectural masterpiece that also includes a department store, museum, musical theater, and a vast underground shopping mall.
Izumisano, Osaka
Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport or similar class
The Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport is the only full-service hotel directly connected to Kansai International Airport. With comfortable rooms, free WiFi, and a variety of dining options, it offers convenience for travelers. Whether departing or arriving, guests can enjoy a seamless experience on Kansai Airport Island.
Notes
Please review the notes below for important details about your trip. If you have any questions or need further information, feel free to contact us. These notes are designed to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.
Accommodations
11 nights accommodation
Meals
Breakfast Daily, 6 Lunch, 5 Dinner
Admission Fees & Activities
Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide (No Vehicle /6hrs.)
5 Days "Shikoku" Package with Guide & Vehicle
Private Himeji Tour with Licensed Guide (No Vehicle/4hrs.)
Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (6hrs.)
Others
Ticket delivery fee
Gratuities
Airfares
International Airfares
Meals
Meals that are not included in the itinerary
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance
Others
Personal expenses such as telephone and laundry bills
The Day tours may involve admission fees depending on the selected course, but these fees are not included in the tour price. We will provide a separate estimate after confirming your preferred tour itinerary.
Price
All prices are per person, based on twin (double on request) or triple occupancy. Single Supplement : USD $- *Please ask for the details.
Deposit
A non-refundable deposit of 10% of the total package price per person is required at the time of booking to secure your reservation. The remaining balance is due 60 days prior to your scheduled departure.
Others
International flights are not included on our tours - this allows you the flexibility to choose your own departure and get the best value for your money!
We can arrange international flights if needed, please ask for details.
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