17 days in Shikoku Itinerary

The port city of Kochi has a rich and varied history that has left its mark on the look and feel of the urban area.

Your day by day itinerary now includes Chikurinji Temple, Sunday Market and Kochi Airport General Information Center. On the 7th (Sun), get all the information you need at Kochi Airport General Information Center and then browse the eclectic array of goods at Sunday Market. On your second day here, contemplate the long history of Kochi Castle, take an in-depth tour of Kochi Castle Museum of History, admire the natural beauty at The Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Chikurinji Temple, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Zenshibuji Temple, and finally make a trip to Ryoma Sakamoto Bronze Statue.

To find reviews, traveler tips, maps, and more tourist information, go to the Kochi planner.

Zurich, Switzerland to Kochi is an approximately 20.5-hour flight. You can also fly. The time zone difference moving from Central European Standard Time to Japan Standard Time is 8 hours. Expect a bit warmer temperatures when traveling from Zurich in April; daily highs in Kochi reach 22°C and lows reach 14°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 9th (Tue) to allow enough time to drive to Otoyo-cho.

On the 9th (Tue), contemplate the waterfront views at Yoshino River and then admire the sheer force of Ryuo Fall. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 10th (Wed): make a trip to Sugi no Osugi, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Yasaka Shrine, then get to know the fascinating history of Shikokuhenro, then admire the engineering at Sameura Dam, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Buraku-ji Temple Yakushido.

To see where to stay, photos, traveler tips, and more tourist information, use the Otoyo-cho trip planner.

Traveling by car from Kochi to Otoyo-cho takes an hour. Expect a daytime high around 22°C in April, and nighttime lows around 14°C. On the 11th (Thu), you'll have the morning to explore before heading off to Miyoshi.

A relatively new city, Miyoshi encompasses six surrounding rural districts into one.

Kick off your visit on the 11th (Thu): contemplate the waterfront views at Kobokekyo Canyon, take in the views from Akagawa Bridge, don't miss a visit to Manniquin Pis, appreciate the views at Iyakei Valley, then take in the dramatic scenery at Biwa Waterfall, and finally snap pictures at Iya Kazura Bridge.

For photos, traveler tips, where to stay, and other tourist information, read our Miyoshi online driving holiday planner.

You can drive from Otoyo-cho to Miyoshi in an hour. In April in Miyoshi, expect temperatures between 20°C during the day and 11°C at night. On the 12th (Fri), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can drive to Takamatsu.

A modern city and a major transport hub facing Seto Inland Sea, Takamatsu offers a bustling city lifestyle contrasted with carefully manicured, tranquil green areas at the foot of the mountains and the lava plateau.

Your inner history buff will appreciate Hiunkaku and Kikugetsutei. Escape the urban bustle at Naoshima and Mt. Washu. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Takamatsu: Kurashiki (Washuzan Highland & Ohara Museum of Art), Subaru Ishikawa Art Series (in Naoshima-cho) and Okayama (Mt. Kibinonaka & RSK Bara Garden). The adventure continues: stroll through Ritsurin Garden and don't miss a visit to Takamatsu Marugamemachi Shopping Street.

For more things to do, ratings, traveler tips, and more tourist information, go to the Takamatsu trip planner.

Traveling by car from Miyoshi to Takamatsu takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. In April, plan for daily highs up to 20°C, and evening lows to 11°C. You will have some time to spend on the 15th (Mon) before leaving for Matsuyama.

Matsuyama features a number of historical sites and acts as a gateway for exploring the rest of Shikoku.

Get outdoors at Miyajima and Mikasahama Beach. Popular historic sites such as Itsukushima Shrine and Matsuyama Castle are in your itinerary. Explore Matsuyama's surroundings by going to Mashikeitsukushima Shrine (in Mashike-cho), Hakka-ji Temple (in Kure) and Hatsukaichi (Senjokaku & Daishoin Temple). There's much more to do: take a stroll through Dogo Onsengai, admire the striking features of Shikido, steep yourself in history at Iwakuni Castle, and take in the views from Kintaikyo Bridge.

For photos, more things to do, ratings, and tourist information, read our Matsuyama trip planner.

You can drive from Takamatsu to Matsuyama in 2 hours. Other options are to take a train; or take a bus. In April, plan for daily highs up to 20°C, and evening lows to 13°C. You'll have a few hours on the 18th (Thu) to wrap things up before traveling to Kochi.

Start off your visit on the 18th (Thu): get engrossed in the history at Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum and then contemplate the long history of Ryoma Sakamoto's Birthplace Monument.

To find maps, more things to do, photos, and tourist information, you can read our Kochi trip itinerary builder site.

You can drive from Matsuyama to Kochi in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. You will have some time to spend on the 20th (Sat) before leaving for Ino-cho.

Mt. Kanpuzan has been added to your itinerary. Start off your visit on the 20th (Sat): take in the spiritual surroundings of Hijiri Shrine, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Seigenji Temple, and then browse the exhibits of Ino-cho Paper Museum.

For more things to do, photos, traveler tips, and tourist information, go to the Ino-cho online road trip planner.

Traveling by car from Kochi to Ino-cho takes 1.5 hours. In April in Ino-cho, expect temperatures between 22°C during the day and 14°C at night. On the 21st (Sun), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel back home.