Shikoku Tours

Shikoku Castles and Culture Tour

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6

days

ÂĄ258,000

starting price

5

People max.

Matsuyama

starting place

Overview
Pricing
Itinerary
Gallery
Inclusion
Map

Overview

There are twelve castles in Japan with main towers dating back to the Edo period, and of these, four are in Shikoku – Marugame, Matsuyama, Uwajima and Kōchi. There are also reconstructed castles and historic battle sites that repay exploration.

On this tour, you visit the original castles as well as reconstructions such as Kawanoe Castle, and battle sites like the remains of Yuzuki Castle in DĹŤgo. These castles are home to museums richly endowed with medieval weapons and armour, but which also strongly evoke the peacetime lives of their inhabitants.

The castle towns were, and still are, flourishing cultural centres, with pilgrimage temples and shrines, wonderful sake breweries, and expansive gardens where samurai lords relaxed when they weren’t preparing for war.

This tour uses a private vehicle with a driver who speaks some English. Breakfasts are included.

This private tour can be booked year round at your own convenience.

Who is this tour for?

This is a private tour for two people or more who are interested in history, architecture, and gardens. You’ll also learn a fair bit about sake and food. All of the places visited on the tour can only be accessed by climbing a lot of uneven steps, so you’ll need to be reasonably fit.

If you’d like to be guided on this tour (recommended), please get in touch and we’ll give you a quote.

Price

From

  • ÂĄ398,000 / person with 2
  • ÂĄ358,000 / person with 3
  • ÂĄ298,000 / person with 4
  • ÂĄ258,000 / person with 5
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Itinerary

  • You arrive in Matsuyama by air, rail, or bus and check into your hotel.

  • You walk to DĹŤgo Park to visit the remains of Yuzuki Castle. This was the base of the KĹŤno clan who dominated the Inland Sea for centuries and provided the seaborne muscle for Japan’s rulers. From DĹŤgo, you drive to Matsuyama Castle. Here you can choose to walk up the hill, or take the cable car or chairlift. Then you drive to Uwajima.

  • In the morning, you stroll up the steep hill to Uwajima Castle, and enjoy the views from the top of the keep. You also visit Tensha-en Garden. Then you drive through the beautiful scenery of southern Shikoku with a stop in Yusuhara with its dramatic statue of Sakamoto RyĹŤma and his companions. You arrive in KĹŤchi, where dinner at Hirome Market is recommended.

    Included

  • In the morning, you visit KĹŤchi Castle, one of the most complete in Japan. From KĹŤchi, you head back into Ehime to Kawanoe Castle, which was fought over by Shikoku warlords, then by invaders from the mainland. Then you head into Kagawa Prefecture to visit ZentsĹ«-ji, Temple No. 75 on the Shikoku Pilgrimage. This expansive temple was the birthplace of KĹ«kai, the founder of the pilgrimage. You stay in nearby Kotohira.

    Included

  • In the morning you explore the huge complex of Konpira Shrine, climbing its many steps. Then you visit the KinryĹŤ Sake Museum where you can enjoy a tasting. Then you drive to Marugame Castle which stands atop massive walls. You stay in Takamatsu.

    Included

  • You explore the site of Takamatsu Castle, whose moat was once fed by the Inland Sea. Then you drive to Ritsurin Garden where the feudal lords of the region liked to relax. The tour finishes at Takamatsu Station or Takamatsu Airport.

    Included

Included

    • Private vehicle and driver
    • Accommodation
    • Breakfast
    • Admissions
    • Basic insurance

Excluded

    • Travel to and from Shikoku
    • Dinner and lunch
    • Drinks
    • Comprehensive personal insurance

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