Nature and Food Tour across ShikokuTokushima / Kochi

Traverse Shikoku's great outdoors, find spiritual enlightenment, and savor authentic local cuisine with this two-day trip through the region! Car travel is optimal for this trip as some areas are difficult to reach with public transportation. For the first location, we recommend departing from a station between Sadamitsu and Tsuji Stations along the Tokushima Line. There are a few car rental places along this train line.

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Hiking at Mt. Tsurugi
SHIKOKU CAMERA CLUB
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Hiking at Mt. Tsurugi

Tokushima

Start your journey with a hike at Mt. Tsurugi, the second tallest mountain in western Japan. Despite its height of 1,955 meters, this hiking destination is far from challenging as you can ride a chairlift up half-way!
From the upper chairlift station, choose between a direct route to the summit (about 40 minutes) and two other trail courses through the forested mountainside (60 or 80 minutes). More experienced hikers can also climb the mountain entirely on foot (about two hours). The top of the mountain is home to a shrine, bathrooms, lodging huts, and scenic lookout points. Continue your exploration of Tokushima's nature with a visit to the renowned Iya Valley.

  • 160mins
    by car from Mt. Tsurugi to Iya Valley
Vine Bridges in the Iya Valley
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Vine Bridges in the Iya Valley

Tokushima

Walk on unique vine bridges from ancient times in Iya Valley, one of Japan's three hidden places. The bridges are designated as important folkloric properties and their supporting vines connect to the surrounding forest, making them feel like an extension of nature.
After exploring the natural beauty of the valley, spend the night at a nearby accommodation and start your next morning with a car ride to a sacred mountain in Kochi.

  • 85mins
    by car from Iya Valley to Mt. Otaki
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Hike Mt. Otaki with a Monk
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Hike Mt. Otaki with a Monk

Kochi

Mt. Otaki is a 247-meter tall mountain where followers of shugendo used to train. Shugendo is a form of Japanese mountain asceticism with elements of numerous religions, including Shintoism and Buddhism. Followers typically go on mountain pilgrimages to find spiritual rebirth through nature.
Learn more about Mt. Otaki by hiking with an English-speaking monk from Gokokuji Temple which honors the mountain's spiritual importance to this day. The journey through the beautiful mountainside also features lovely views of nature waiting near the summit. Once back down the mountain, it's time to head to a delicious food market in Kochi to relax and recharge.

  • 25mins
    by car from Mt. Otaki to Hirome Market
Hirome Market
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Hirome Market

Kochi

Have a taste of Kochi at Hirome Market! This nostalgia-inspiring market, located next to Kochi Castle, is home to over 60 street stall-style restaurants, as well as shops selling local delicacies and Kochi souvenirs. With tables throughout, you can purchase takeout from different restaurants and casually enjoy the variety of foods. Kochi Prefecture is also famous for its drinking culture—so make sure to grab a beverage to pair with your food.
Finish off the last day of your tour filled with memories with an even fuller stomach.

Other Recommended Itineraries
in Shikoku

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  • Explore Cultural Shikoku

    Explore Cultural Shikoku

    Kagawa / Tokushima

  • Shikoku's Diverse Nature

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Wonder aroundJapan

Shikoku

Shikoku is brimming with natural beauty and rich cultural traditions. At the island's heart, vast mountains and crystal-clear streams make for an impressive scene, while encircling the entire island is an ancient Buddhist pilgrimage route complete with no less than 88 temples.

Hokkaido

Tohoku

Greater Tokyo

Central Japan

Kansai

San'in

Setouchi

Shikoku

Kyushu

Okinawa