Shikoku Castles and Culture

July 7, 2025August 1, 2025

Overview

Among Japan’s twelve surviving castles with original main towers from the Edo period, Shikoku is home to four exceptional treasures: Marugame, Matsuyama, Uwajima, and Kōchi. These four historic castles form the centerpiece of this tour, offering a rare glimpse into Japan’s feudal past.

Alongside these iconic originals, you’ll also visit fascinating reconstructed castles like Kawanoe Castle and significant historic battle sites such as the ruins of Yuzuki Castle in Dōgo. Each site reveals layers of history, from the formidable armor and weapons displayed in castle museums to the quieter, peacetime stories of samurai and their communities.

Beyond the castles themselves, the surrounding castle towns pulse with cultural richness. Discover ancient pilgrimage temples, serene shrines, traditional sake breweries, and beautifully maintained gardens where samurai lords once found moments of peace. Your private vehicle and English-speaking driver ensure a smooth, immersive experience, with breakfasts included to start your days fully energized for this unforgettable journey through Shikoku’s castles and culture.

Who is this tour for?

This is a private tour for groups of two or more interested in Japanese history, architecture, and gardens, as well as Japanese cuisine. Most of the sites on this tour are only accessible by long staircases, so you’ll need to be reasonably fit. The price quoted on this page does not include a guide. If you would like a guide, or to customize any elements of this tour, contact us for a quote.

Itinerary

STEP

Day 01 : Arrive in Matsuyama

You arrive in Matsuyama by air, rail, or bus and check into your hotel.

STEP

Day 02 : Yuzuki Castle and Matsuyama Castle

You walk to Dōgo Park to visit the remains of Yuzuki Castle. This was the base of the Kōno clan who dominated the Inland Sea for centuries and provided the seaborne muscle for Japan’s rulers. From Dōgo, you drive to Matsuyama Castle. Here you can choose to walk up the hill, or take the cable car or chairlift. Then you drive to Uwajima.

STEP

Day 03 : Uwajima Castle, Tensha-en Garden, and Yusuhara

In the morning, you stroll up the steep hill to Uwajima Castle, and enjoy the views from the top of the keep. You also visit Tensha-en Garden. Then you drive through the beautiful scenery of southern Shikoku with a stop in Yusuhara with its dramatic statue of Sakamoto Ryōma and his companions. You arrive in Kōchi, where dinner at Hirome Market is recommended.

STEP

Day 04 : Kōchi Castle, Kawanoe Castle, and Zentsū-ji Temple

In the morning, you visit Kōchi Castle, one of the most complete in Japan. From Kōchi, you head back into Ehime to Kawanoe Castle, which was fought over by Shikoku warlords, then by invaders from the mainland. Then you head into Kagawa Prefecture to visit Zentsū-ji, Temple No. 75 on the Shikoku Pilgrimage. This expansive temple was the birthplace of Kūkai, the founder of the pilgrimage. You stay in nearby Kotohira.

STEP

Day 05 : Konpira Shrine, Kinryō Sake, and Marugame Castle

In the morning you explore the huge complex of Konpira Shrine, climbing its many steps. Then you visit the Kinryō Sake Museum where you can enjoy a tasting. Then you drive to Marugame Castle which stands atop massive walls. You stay in Takamatsu.

STEP

Day 06 : Takamatsu Castle and Ritsurin Garden

You explore the site of Takamatsu Castle, whose moat was once fed by the Inland Sea. Then you drive to Ritsurin Garden where the feudal lords of the region liked to relax. The tour finishes at Takamatsu Station or Takamatsu Airport.

FAQs

Are there vegetarian options?

On this tour, only breakfasts are included. There may be vegetarian options. For lunch and dinner, there may be limited options available.

What does the English-speaking driver do?

The English-speaking driver will drive, help with check-in, and offer advice on the smooth operation of your tour. This allows you the peace of mind that you won’t encounter a situation where you’re alone and helpless. However, the driver doesn’t provide guide services. If you want a guided tour, please let us know and we’ll provide a guide.

What’s your cancellation policy?

Our cancellation policy is as follows;

Cancelled more than 21 days prior to start: No charge
Cancelled between 20 and 8 days prior to start: 20% of the total fee
Cancelled between 7 days and 48 hours prior to start: 30% of the total fee
Cancelled between 48 and 24 hours prior to start: 40% of the total fee
Cancelled within 24 hours of start: 50% of the total fee
Cancelled on the day of start or failure to show: 100% of the total fee
No refunds will be given after the tour has commenced.

What are your payment terms?

When you book a tour, we ask for a 10% deposit, with the balance to be paid a month before the start of the tour. You can pay by credit card or bank transfer.

What is the ‘basic insurance’ mentioned in Inclusions?

When you purchase a tour from Shikoku Tours, we automatically enrol you in basic travel insurance as a legal requirement. The insurance pays out up to 300 million yen per incident. We also have insurance to cover our bicycle operations. Although we enrol you in basic travel insurance, you should still purchase your own general travel insurance in case our coverage is insufficient.