Osaka + 2 Days: Authentic Shikoku Without the Crowds

Add 2 days to Osaka and reach Shikoku by highway bus. Two itinerary plans with cost estimates for udon, shrines, and onsen.

Add 2 days to Osaka and reach Shikoku by highway bus. Two itinerary plans with cost estimates for udon, shrines, and onsen.

Visit Ritsurin Garden in Takamatsu, Kagawa — a Michelin 3-star Japanese garden. Admission ¥500, opening hours by season, access from Takamatsu Station, and top spots.

Kochi is 2–3 hours from Osaka or Okayama by express train. Discover katsuo tataki, a 300-year Sunday market, and Kochi Castle — all walkable from the station.

What You’ll Learn in This Article What Is the Shimanto River? Japan’s Last Free-Flowing Clear Stream The Shimanto River (四万十川) flows 196 km (122 miles) through western Kochi Prefecture and is widely known as Japan’s last major undammed clear stream.…

Naruto whirlpools: sightseeing boat vs Uzunomichi walkway compared. Best viewing times, tide chart tips, and access from Osaka and Kobe.

What You’ll Learn in This Article What Is Matsuyama Castle? Matsuyama Castle stands on the summit of Mt. Katsuyama (132 m) in central Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture. It is one of Japan’s 12 gensōn tenshu — castle keeps that have survived…

What You’ll Learn in This Article What Makes Imabari Towels Special Imabari (今治) in Ehime Prefecture is Japan’s largest towel-producing region. Only products that pass strict quality testing earn the official red, blue, and white certification mark. The Certification Mark…

What You’ll Learn in This Article What Is the Shimanami Kaido? A 70 km Cycling Route Across the Seto Inland Sea The Shimanami Kaido is a dedicated cycling and walking path connecting Onomichi (Hiroshima Prefecture) and Imabari (Ehime Prefecture) across…

What You’ll Learn in This Article What Is Dogo Onsen? Japan’s Oldest Hot Spring and Its Historic Bathhouse Dogo Onsen in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, is one of Japan’s oldest hot spring resorts, with records dating back to the Kojiki and…

What You’ll Learn in This Article Three Things to Know Before You Go Naoshima is not an island where you can ‘figure it out on arrival.’ Knowing three ground rules before you plan will save you from frustration on the…