7 days in Shikoku Itinerary

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

Kick off your visit on the 27th (Sun): step into the grandiose world of Matsuyama Castle and then stroll through Dogo Park (Ruins of Yuzuki Castle). On the 28th (Mon), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: soak in some Japanese tradition at Dogo Onsengai, don't miss a visit to Bocchan Wind up Clock, then make a trip to Shinrokaku, then boost your wellbeing at a local thermal spa, and finally contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Ishiteji.

For other places to visit, more things to do, traveler tips, and tourist information, go to the Matsuyama trip planning tool.

Toronto, Canada to Matsuyama is an approximately 21-hour flight. The time zone difference when traveling from Toronto to Matsuyama is 14 hours. Plan for somewhat warmer temperatures traveling from Toronto in December, with highs in Matsuyama at 13°C and lows at 7°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 29th (Tue) early enough to drive to Kochi.

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.

Start off your visit on the 29th (Tue): explore the historical opulence of Kochi Castle, make a trip to Harimaya Bridge, then make a trip to Ryoma Sakamoto Bronze Statue, and finally get outside with Katsura Hama.

Take the guesswork out of planning a Kochi vacation by using our trip itinerary maker.

You can drive from Matsuyama to Kochi in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. December in Kochi sees daily highs of 15°C and lows of 4°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 30th (Wed) early enough to 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.

Kick off your visit on the 30th (Wed): take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Yashima, then get engrossed in the history at Shikoku Mura Village, then go for a walk through Ritsurin Garden, and finally visit Shionoe-cho.

For maps, where to stay, ratings, and other tourist information, go to the Takamatsu day trip website.

You can drive from Kochi to Takamatsu in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. While traveling from Kochi, expect little chillier days and about the same nights in Takamatsu, ranging from highs of 11°C to lows of 3°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 31st (Thu) early enough to go by car to Kotohira-cho.

Known only for being the home of the Kompirasan Shrine Complex, the tiny town of Kotohira-cho remains a popular day trip destination from larger nearby cities.

Start off your visit on the 31st (Thu): step into the grandiose world of Marugame Castle, then take in the views from Sayabashi Bridge, then don't miss a visit to Kotohiragu shrine office, and finally steep yourself in history at Kotohira-gu.

For photos, other places to visit, maps, and tourist information, use the Kotohira-cho trip itinerary planning app.

Traveling by car from Takamatsu to Kotohira-cho takes an hour. In December, daytime highs in Kotohira-cho are 11°C, while nighttime lows are 3°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 31st (Thu) to allow time to travel back home.