Let us help you. Please tell us more about your interests. We will send some suggestions based on your needs.
Single Room
Single room types are rooms for
single room occupants.
One person will be occupying the
hotel room throughout the tour.
Twin Room
Twin room types are rooms set for two people who will occupy one room, but will have two separate beds.
Double Room
A double room is a room that has one bed for two people to share.
Triple Room
A triple room is one room where three people may share the same room. It has three separate beds.
Japanese Style Room
A Japanese-style room traditionally does not have a western-style bed, it is a tatami floor room with futon bedding. However, if you prefer a western-style bed, you may request one though we cannot guarantee it.
Please note: If you would like to request neighboring rooms next to your traveling companions, you and your traveling companions must have the same room types in order to be next to each other. For example, if you have requested a double room, but your traveling companions have requested a twin, or triple room, then neighboring rooms cannot be accommodated. However, if both you and your traveling companions match in room type, then neighboring rooms will likely be arranged for your convenience.
Journey to Shikoku, the fourth largest island in
Japan
and home to the 88 Temple Pilgrimage Trail.
This
incredibly deep spiritual route has inspired
pilgrims for
centuries, with very little being known about its
origin,
the trail also has a mysterious connection with
Kobo
Daishi, founder of Shingon Buddhism. Even
today, it is
not a rare sight to see pilgrims around the
island
wearing their distinctive attire and white cloaks.
The
full pilgrimage route encompasses more than a
thousand kilometers around Shikoku and
connects 88
Buddhist temples. Pilgrims traditionally would
trek the
pilgrimage trail on foot over several weeks
going from
temple to temple.
Join All Japan Tours as we take you through
Shikoku,
exploring the stunning trails and ancient
temples.
For this tour, we have selected the absolute
best
walking trails that pass through charming
landscapes
and explore the historic route. We will visit all
four of
Shikoku’s prefectures – Tokushima in the east,
Kagawa in the north, Ehime in the west, and
Kochi in
the south. Each prefecture has its own special
character, food, and scenery that we will be
able to
enjoy. In addition to exploring the pilgrimage
trail, our
journey will also take us to the isolated Iya
Valley
located deep in the heart of Shikoku. Our
pilgrimage
journey begins with a stay on Wakayama’s
‘Mount
Koya’, the hilltop temple complex on Honshu
established by Kobo Daishi, as well as an
important
location for enthusiasts of the pilgrimage route.
With
public transport being rather limited in the rural
areas
of Shikoku, we will travel primarily by private
vehicle.
However, we will still be able to enjoy traveling
from
temple to temple through countryside and
forest along
the ancient route. Our accommodations
throughout
the route will be traditional country inns while
we enjoy
the regional cuisine prepared from local
ingredients
from the wondrous island. We will also be able
to
rejuvenate and soak in natural hot springs, as
well as
enjoy the superb hospitality, known as
‘omotenashi’ in
Japanese, of our lovely hosts.
For those looking to explore Japan's ancient
culture,
history, and religion while exploring the
countryside,
this tour is a wonderful choice. You
will
explore hidden gems and enjoy the stunning
scenery
as you hike the trails on the 88 Temple
Pilgrimage
Route, as many pilgrims have done in the past
and
still do today.
Note: this is an intense rated hiking
trip with
some steady steep ascents and hikes over 4
hours.
Activity Level: Intense
Our Intense tours generally have dedicated
days of
trail walking, with some days of over four hours
and
with some ascent and/or descent.
Who is an Intense tour designed for?
- We recommend our Intense tours for anyone
who
does regular walking or hiking, and is
comfortable
walking a full day with some climbing and
descending.
- If you do not exercise regularly, please
practice
walking for three to four hours, about three to
six
months prior to the tour in order to get the most
out of
your trip.
Accommodations
This itinerary contains overnight stays at
Western
Hotels, Ryokans, Minshukus, and Shukubo
Temple
Lodgings. Ryokans and Minshukus are
traditional
accommodations, with a more casual
hospitality than
you will find at a hotel. At both a Ryokan and a
Minshuku, you will stay in a simply furnished
room and
sleep on a futon, which is laid on a tatami mat.
A
Shukubo is a lodging at a Buddhist temple,
and, similar
to a Ryokan, rooms are simply laid with futon
bedding.
Some Ryokans may have private
bathrooms
attached to your room, but others only have
public
bathrooms used by all the guests. At a
Minshuku and
Shukubo, however, there are only public
bathrooms –
meaning either a smaller bathroom used one
guest at a
time, or larger bathrooms separated by gender
(male &
female), and designed to be used by multiple
guests at
once.
This itinerary can be customized based on your
budget and interests. Please feel free to
CONTACT US to plan
your dream trip to Japan.
Please Note:
● The price is per person with minimum 2 people, based
on twin/double or triple room occupancy.
● The
itinerary can be customized based on your
interests and budget, please
contact us to plan your perfect
vacation to Japan.
A 20% deposit is required to hold the space at time of booking and final payment is due 2 months prior to departure.
Travel by private coach & public transportation between destinations.
For arrivals at Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX), this tour starts in Osaka and ends in Kagawa, with departures at Takamatsu Airport (TAK) or Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX).
Vegetarian or special meals can be arranged.
Airport meet and greet and arrival airport transfer are NOT included, but we will provide with full instructions in advance.
Click here for detailed itinerary
Tour schedule and prices subject to change without notice
Welcome to Osaka! Meet your guide and other group members in the evening at the hotel in Osaka. From there we will enjoy a delicious welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka or similar class (Western Hotel)
In the morning, we will take a scenic train ride along Nankai Railway Line to Mount Koya, located in the mountains of the Kii Peninsula and surrounded by towering cedar trees. Founded in the 9th century by monk Kobo Daishi, Mount Koya is the headquarters of Japanese Buddhism. Pilgrims have traditionally visited Mount Koya on their route to pray and ask Kobo Daishi to bless their journey. Today, there are well over 100 monasteries, many of which have shukubo (temple lodgings). Tonight, we will stay in one of the marvelous temples and feast on shojin-ryori, Buddhist vegetarian cuisine. Afterwards, we will visit Daishi’s mausoleum, where Daishi is thought to be in eternal meditation, awaiting the Buddha of the Future. We will then take a walk through the Okuno-in Cemetery, considered one of the most sacred places in Japan.
Yochiin or similar class (Shukubo Temple Lodging)
Today, we board a private vehicle headed to
Wakayama Port, where we will then take a ferry
ride to
Tokushima Prefecture located in eastern
Shikoku.
Enjoy the scenery as you pass through the
quaint
suburban neighborhoods and visit the three
gorgeous
temples on the pilgrimage route. The first
temple we
will visit is the Ryozen-ji or Vulture Mountain
Temple,
which was built in the 8th century. As the first
temple
along the Shikoku Pilgrimage, many pilgrims
begin
their journey here. Next, we move on to the
Gokuraku-
ji or Celestial Temple, which is classified as a
national
treasure. Take a stroll through the gardens or
marvel
at the Japanese cedar believed to be over a
thousand
years old. The third and final temple that we will
visit is
the atmospheric Konsen-ji, otherwise known as
the
Golden Fountain Temple, which is home to a
ruby red
pagoda and bridge. It is here that Kobo Daishi
is said
to have performed the miracle of striking the
ground,
with water then gushing forth. After the walk,
we will
go to our Shukubo temple lodging for the
evening via
private vehicle.
Walking distance: 6 km / 3.7
miles
Elevation gain: negligible
ascent
and descent
Anrakuji or similar class (Shukubo Temple Lodging)
Located at the base of Mount Shosan-ji and
surrounded by three mountains, we will travel
by
private vehicle to the 11th Temple, Fujiidera,
also
known as Temple of the Wisteria Well. We will
then go
through one of the most exceptional, yet
challenging
walks on the whole pilgrimage known as the
‘henro-
korogashi’ through forests and over three
peaks. The
route will take us up to an elevation of 900
meters, or
approximately 3,000 feet, the highest point on
the
whole trip. Completing these three peaks is
incredibly
rewarding as we reach our goal for the day,
Shosanji,
a breathtaking temple with magnificent views of
the
valley. If you would prefer a shorter walk, our
private
vehicle will take you halfway along the trail to
meet
with the rest of the group. Our accommodation
for the
night is a small and comfortable Japanese inn
that
serves delectable meals.
Walking distance: 11.9 km /
7.4
miles
Elevation gain: 1230 m /
4035 feet
ascent; 560 m / 1870 feet descent
Time required: 5 hours
Nabeiwaso or similar class (Minshuku)
We will continue our journey this morning by
private
vehicle to Temple 20, Kakurin-ji or 'Crane
Forest
Temple', located on Washigao’s 550-meter
summit,
with the temple being founded by Kobo Daishi
in 799.
The temple’s main approach, also known
‘sando’ in
Japanese, is surrounded by tall pine and
Hinoko
cypress trees. From here will head up towards
Temple
21 Tairyu-ji, also known as temple of the
Mystical
Dragon, which lies near the mountain peak.
Kobo
Daishi practiced ascetic Buddhism here at the
age of
19 in which he founded the temple in 793.
Enjoy the
intricate carvings and the beautiful ceiling
paintings
throughout the temple. We will then take a
cable car
ride back down the path, which offers
breathtaking
views of the sea and the cedar forest. We will
continue
on by vehicle to the central mountains and a
secluded
valley area, where we will stay the night at the
fabulous hot-spring location of Iya Onsen.
Walking distance: 7.1 km /
4.4
miles
Elevation gain: 460 m / 1510
feet
ascent; 470 m / 1540 feet descent
Time required: 2.5 hours
Hotel Iya Onsen or similar class (Onsen Ryokan)
After breakfast, we will take our private vehicle
and
explore the hidden valley region. We will first
visit
kazura-bashi, the valley’s unique vine bridge
that
stretches across the Iya River. In the past, the
valley
once had 13 bridges that helped travelers move
about
easily. Today, only three of these bridges are
left, and
while their origin is unknown, many people say
that
Heike refugees hiding in the area created these
bridges. From there we will head to the second
highest peak in Shikoku with a height of 1,955
meters,
approximately 6,500 feet, Tsurugi-san. The
peak is the
center of Shugendo, a Japanese folk religion
based on
mountain worship. Once we arrive, we will take
a
chairlift up to the start of our hour long walk
leading us
to the summit. Wooden boardwalks will lead us
to
various viewpoints with panoramic views of the
surrounding mountains. In the late afternoon,
we will
return to our inn at Iya Onsen for another
refreshing
soak in thermal waters. Enjoy dinner for tonight,
as we
taste the delectable local cuisine.
Walking distance: 4 km / 2.5
miles
Elevation gain: 330 m / 1320
feet
ascent; 330 m / 1320 feet descent
Time required: 1.5 hours
Hotel Iya Onsen or similar class (Onsen Ryokan)
Today we will travel to Kochi city in Kochi Prefecture, formerly known as Tosa Province. Although the largest prefecture in Shikoku, it has the smallest population. Once we arrive, we will visit a unique rock formation right next to the sea known as Katsurahama Rocks. We will then enjoy lunch at a nearby market, boasting a fantastic collection of over 60 shops. The market is known as 'Hirome Ichiba' and contains fresh, local produce and even international cuisine. After our delicious lunch, we will visit Temple 31 Chikurin-ji, also known as the Bamboo Forest, with a museum of temple treasures. Famous throughout Japan for its beauty, the garden here was designed by the famous master monk of the Rinzai Sec named Muso Souseki. Tonight, we will stay in a cozy hotel in Kochi city.
Nikko Asahi Royal Hotel or similar class (Western Hotel)
This morning we will visit Kochi Castle, one of twelve original castles in Japan that has not been lost to fires, war, or other disasters. Enjoy walking around the area, which also hosts the popular 300-year-old market with 500 outdoor stalls. This market offers local products at a very reasonable price and stretches for more than half a mile from the entrance of Kochi Castle. After lunch, we will make our way to Ehime Prefecture, formerly known as Iyo Province, and stop midway to see the beautiful and historic town of Uchiko. This town once flourished as a center for traditional wax and paper manufacturing. Tonight, we will be staying in a hotel in the charming city of Matsuyama, not too far from the oldest hot spring, Dogo Onsen, which boasts over 3,000 years of history. We will be staying here for the next three nights. In the evening, as dinner is not included, you can try local restaurants or ask your tour guide for suggestions on the best places to eat in the area.
ANA Crowne Plaza Matsuyama or similar class (Western Hotel)
We will begin our day's journey by private
vehicle to
the Kumakogen Highlands located in central
Ehime.
We will begin our hike from a fitting midway
point on
the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage, Temple 44 Daihoji,
or the
Great Treasure Temple. Surrounded by the
ancient
and towering cypress trees, the temple can be
difficult
to spot at first. We will continue on our stunning
hike
through the forest, where we will first visit
Temple 45
Iwaya-ji, also known as Rock Canvern-Housed
Temple. This marvelous temple is located within
the
mountain along with hundreds of Jizo statues, a
representation of Jizo Bosatsu. This temple was
once
one of the main sties where Kobo Daishi
meditated
after founding the temple back in 805. A unique
feature of the temple is the ladder that leads up
to a
secluded cave where the monk would spend
many
hours chanting. Along the walls of the cave, you
can
find coins which show Kobo Daishi’s enduring
influence. After our walk, we will return to the
city of
Matsuyama in the late afternoon by private
vehicle.
Walking distance: 11.7 km /
7.3
miles
Elevation gain: 650 m / 2130
feet
ascent; 580 m / 1900 feet decent
Time required: 4 hours
ANA Crowne Plaza Matsuyama or similar class (Western Hotel)
Today will be a leisurely day to explore around Matsuyama city and Dogo Onsen by public transportation. We will enjoy a short ride on the tram/streetcar and take a nice walk up towards the iconic Matsuyama Castle. Located on the hilltop, the castle looks down towards the city and is a prime example of a feudal castle. We will then once again take tram/streetcar in the afternoon to visit Temple 51 Ishiteji, also known as the Stone Hand Temple, with a unique legend. Here you will find seven magnificent buildings on the temple grounds, some which hold temple treasures, deemed as important cultural assets. After our visit to the temple, we will visit the atmospheric town of Dogo and visit Isaniwa Shrine. We will also stroll around the main old- fashioned shopping arcades before returning back to our hotel in Matsuyama city in the late afternoon.
ANA Crowne Plaza Matsuyama or similar class (Western Hotel)
Our trip today first brings us to Temple 80 Awa
Kokubunji, or Awa State Provincial Temple, in
Kagawa
Prefecture, formerly known as Sanuki Province.
The
well-preserved structures at the temple and its
building
are overflowing with history and atmosphere.
From
there we will then make our way up towards
Temple
81 Shiromine-ji, also known as White Peak
Temple,
located at the summit of Mount Shiromine.
Here, a
mausoleum and memorial can be found for the
12th
Centruy Emperor, Sutoku. Afterwards, we will
walk
down towards Temple 82 Negoro-ji, also known
Fragrant Root Temple, along with its beautiful
lanterns
hidden away deep inside the heart of the
complex.
From there we will then travel by private vehicle
towards the small town of Kagawa, famous for
Konpirasan, a large Shinto shrine complex
dedicated
to sailors and seafaring. Tonight, we will stay in
a
charming hot-spring Ryokan located in the
town.
Walking distance: 13.5 km /
8.4
miles
Elevation gain: 655 m / 2150
feet
ascent; 335 m / 1100 feet decent
Time required: 4.5 hours
Kotohira Onsen Kotosankaku or similar class (Onsen Ryokan)
This morning, we will venture out for our final
walk on
our route from Temple 87 Nagao-ji, also known
as
Long Slope Temple, to Temple 88 Okubo-ji, also
known as the Great Hollow Temple –
Completion of
the Vow. It is said that a wish here will be
fulfilled, so
go ahead and give it a try! The temple is
located on a
hidden mountain summit, making for
miraculous
views. The walk will take us through lovely rural
scenery right before we descend towards
Nyotai-san
Mountain to Okubo-ji. Share a sense of
achievement
together after completing our walk at Temple
88, the
last temple on the route. Afterwards, we will
travel by
private vehicle back to our ryokan for another
rejuvenating soak in the onsen spa along with
delectable kaiseki meal to celebrate our final
evening
together.
Walking distance: 12.3 km /
7.6
miles
Elevation gain: 774 m / 2539
feet
ascent; 410 m / 1345 feet decent
Time required: 4.5 hours
Kotohira Onsen Kotosankaku or similar class (Onsen Ryokan)
After breakfast, our tour is officially over. Your guide will be available to offer assistance and advice for traveling to the airport if you are returning home, or if you will be further exploring Japan.
PLEASE NOTE: These are the hotels All Japan Tours generally uses on the touring styles and regions shown. There is no guarantee that you will stay in the lodgings listed on the website. We encourage you to check your travel documentation for confirmation of the exact accommodation you will be staying in.
Destinations
Mt Koya / Tokushima / Iya Valley / Kochi / Matsuyama / Kagawa
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Group Tour Style | Budget | Deluxe | Deluxe-Plus | Signature | Active |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
< View Tours | < View Tours | < View Tours | < View Tours | < View Tours | |
Feature | Our Budget Tours are designed for our guests who are on a limited budget. Explore the must-see sights and enjoy a hassle-free trip to Japan at an affordable price. | Sample all Japan has to offer, from unique locales to must see tourist attractions. Our Deluxe Tours are fully guided, and use our luxury coaches for your convenience and comfort. | Experience Japanese culture at a slower pace, and with a smaller group size than our deluxe tours. Stay in each city longer so you can soak in the culture and fully appreciate the destinations. | Enjoy upgraded hotels, a slower pace, and a smaller group size for a more intimate experience. Access to a wide range of unique activities that immerse you in authentic Japanese culture. | Explore Japan off the beaten path via Japanese public transportation, walking, hiking, cycling and more. Take more time to enjoy local experiences and picturesque landscape. |
Advantage | Our most cost-effective way to see the highlights of Japan while staying in budget-friendly accommodations. If you would like to have a set of quick stops to sample the must-see sights of Japan, or if you plan to explore Japan on your own but would like to take a short trip to learn about Japan before your self-guided journeys, these are the tours for you. | Our most popular tours for everyone. Fully-escorted - the most hassle-free way to visit Japan for the best value. From Hokkaido to Kyushu, the duration of our Deluxe Tours range from 5 to 27 days. Whether you want to see the best of Japan in a shorter time, or take your time in each city, you will find a tour package that suits your preferences. | Smaller group sizes enable our guests to access more of Japanese culture and traditions. Our Deluxe-Plus Tours are carefully balanced for you to discover the unique Japanese culture, history, arts, food and spectacular scenery Japan has. If you love Japan and want to appreciate the best of everything Japan can offer, these are the tours for you. | Dive into the cultural aspects of Japan at a more leisurely pace. Enjoy more than just sightseeing. All of our Signature Small Group Tours feature a wide range of cultural experiences through interaction with the people and places that represent all that is authentic about the destination. Get an alternative, more in-depth understanding of Japanese culture and art. | Our Active Small Group Tours combine the best cultural locations with off-the-beaten-path destinations via Japanese public transportation. Discover the country of Japan the way the locals do and see Japan from a different angle. A focus on getting away from the crowds and into the real Japan, see the diversity of Japan’s countryside unfold before your eyes. |
Group Size | 20 to 45 people | 10 to 35 people | 6 to 24 people | 4 to 16 people | 4 to 13 people |
Fully-escorted | Comprehensively escorted by AJT's professional English speaking tour guide | Your guides are local experts and residents of the city you are visiting, they do not always escort the group when traveling between cities | |||
Pace | Fast pace to see as much as possible while in Japan | Perfect pace to see as much as possible while in Japan | More leisurely pace to soak in and fully appreciate the destinations, plus free time to explore on your own | ||
Airport Transfers | Airport transfers are NOT included unless otherwise specified | Airport transfers are included* (If no options are taken: hotels are not requested to be changed and passengers use the correct airports) | Airport transfers are included if arriving on the first day of the tour and returning on the last day of the tour | Private airport transfers are included if arriving on the first day of the tour and returning on the last day of the tour | Airport transfers are NOT included unless otherwise specified |
Transfer between cities | Transfer between cities via private coach and Shinkansen (bullet train), depending on the itinerary | Transfer between cities via private coach and first class Shinkansen (bullet train), depending on the itinerary | Transfer between cities via Shinkansen (bullet train) or express train. Private minivans are also used occasionally where public transport is not available or practical | ||
Sightseeing | Sightseeing by private coach with an escorted guide | Sightseeing by private coach and public transportation with an escorted guide | Sightseeing via public transportation (local train, subway & local bus) with local guides | ||
Admission fees and activities | All entry fees to sites and activities listed in the itinerary are included | ||||
Luggage Transfers | Luggage transfers by private coach from hotel to hotel, plus separate luggage transfers are included on select tours | Separate luggage transfers are included | |||
Meals | Breakfast every morning, plus meals as indicated (vegetarian or special meals can be arranged) | ||||
Accommodation | Carefully-selected budget hotels and ryokans | Carefully-selected superior/deluxe hotels and ryokans | Carefully-selected deluxe/boutique hotels and ryokans | Carefully-selected deluxe/luxury hotels and ryokans | Accommodations range from local Japanese inns (minshuku) to budget hotels, to superior/deluxe hotels depending on the tour and destination |
Ages | 4 years old and above | 6 years old and above | |||
Health & Activity | In order to enjoy our tour, you should be able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surfaces. Some of the most memorable sightseeing activities can only be accomplished on foot. Wheelchairs can be arranged upon request. However, we regret that we’re unable to provide individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other personal needs. Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it. | These tours are tailored to the energetic traveler; guests should feel comfortable walking from 4 to 10 miles a day depending on the tour and destination. |