Classic Shikoku Rail Loop
Enter via Okayama to Takamatsu, connecting Naoshima, Kotohira, Oboke, Kochi, Matsuyama, and Uchiko by rail, with no driving required.
A classic itinerary for exploring Shikoku's main highlights without a car. It relies primarily on trains, with a ferry to Naoshima, and uses an express bus from Kochi to Matsuyama to save time. The Iya portion is limited to Nishi-Iya, leaving deep Higashi-Iya and Shimanto for future self-drive trips. With a moderate pace, it is perfect for first-time visitors to Shikoku who prefer not to rent a car.
The rules for the rail pass will be adjusted starting in 2026. Check the latest announcements from JR Shikoku before purchasing.
Day by day
Day 1 · Across the Great Seto Bridge to Takamatsu
Takamatsu & Naoshima（Ritsurin Garden、Tamamo Park (Takamatsu Castle)）
Take the Marine Liner from Okayama to Takamatsu (about 1 hour). Use the Kotoden tram or walk to attractions within the city.
Stay: Takamatsu Station & Port Area
Day 2 · Naoshima Art Day Trip
Takamatsu & Naoshima（Red Pumpkin、Chichu Art Museum、Naoshima Yellow Pumpkin、Art House Project (Honmura)）
Take the ferry from Takamatsu Port to Miyanoura (about 1 hour). Use the town bus and shuttle buses to get around the island, and return to Takamatsu in the evening.
The Chichu Art Museum requires online timed-entry tickets and is closed on Mondays. Check the official website before you go.
Stay: Takamatsu Station & Port Area
Day 3 · Kotohira Pilgrimage & Travel to Oboke
Takamatsu & Naoshima（Kotohira-gu Shrine） → Iya Valley & Oboke（Michi-no-Eki Oboke & Yokai Yashiki）
Take the JR train from Takamatsu to Kotohira (about 1 hour). In the afternoon, take the Nanpu Limited Express to Oboke (about 1 hour).
On weekends, check if you can connect with the Shikoku Mannaka Sennen Monogatari sightseeing train. Refer to the official calendar for operating days.
Stay: Oboke
Day 4 · Oboke Gorge & Kazurabashi Bridge
Iya Valley & Oboke（Iya Kazurabashi Vine Bridge、Oboke Gorge Boat Ride）
Take the Shikoku Kotsu Nishi-Iya Line bus from Oboke Station to Kazurabashi Yumebutai (about 30 minutes). Buses are infrequent, so confirm your return schedule in advance.
Sightseeing boats do not operate during heavy rain or high water levels. The bus timetable will change in October 2026, so be sure to check the new schedule.
Stay: Oboke
Day 5 · To Kochi for Castle & Bonito
Kochi（Kochi Castle、Hirome Market）
Take the Nanpu Limited Express from Oboke to Kochi (about 50 minutes). Use the city tram or walk around town.
Stay: Obiyamachi and Harimayabashi
Day 6 · Mount Godai & Katsurahama
Kochi（Makino Botanical Garden、Chikurinji Temple & Mount Godai Observatory、Katsurahama Beach & Sakamoto Ryoma Statue）
Take the MY-YU Bus from Kochi Station to visit the Makino Botanical Garden, Chikurin-ji Temple, and Katsurahama. The full loop takes about 1 hour, but note that the last bus departs early.
If visiting on a Sunday, check out the Sunday Market first before heading to Mount Godai.
Stay: Obiyamachi and Harimayabashi
Day 7 · Over the Mountains to Matsuyama & Dogo Onsen
Matsuyama（Matsuyama Castle、Dogo Haikara-dori & Botchan Karakuri Clock、Dogo Onsen Honkan）
Take the highway bus from Kochi to Matsuyama (about 2 hours and 45 minutes), which is faster than the train. Then take the city tram to Dogo.
Stay: Dogo Onsen
Day 8 · Half-Day in Uchiko & Ozu to Departure
Matsuyama（Uchiko Yokaichi-Gokoku Townscape、Ozu Castle、Garyu Sanso）
Take the limited express from Matsuyama to Uchiko (about 30 minutes), then continue to Iyo-Ozu (about 10 minutes). Return to Matsuyama and take the bus to the airport.
The Uchiko-za theater is closed for renovations until spring 2029. The Iyonada Monogatari sightseeing train mostly runs on weekends.