Private tour

Private tours in Shikoku — local experiences, outdoor fun, and bilingual guidance.
A travel planner with deep local knowledge of Shikoku will design a custom tour tailored to your interests. Whether you're traveling solo, as a couple, or in a group, we offer flexible itineraries that include recommended local spots and activities based on your schedule and preferences. We also welcome special requests—such as visiting specific places or meeting local people—and will do our best to make them happen. Inquiries from travel agents arranging large group tours are also warmly welcomed.

Example Activity

Cycling

If you’re a regular cyclist, we highly recommend exploring Shikoku by bike. The region offers a stunning mix of mountains, coastlines, and rivers—perfect for a scenic and immersive ride. By following the quiet backroads used by locals, you can enjoy a peaceful journey with minimal traffic. Both road bikes and e-bikes are available for free rental (check our bikes), so it’s easy to get started. We hope you’ll consider making Shikoku your next cycling destination.

Trekking

Shikoku is home to the largest mountain range in western Japan, making it an exceptional destination for hikers. While the peaks are not among Japan’s highest—just under 2,000 meters—the region offers well-developed ridge trails and breathtaking views unobstructed by crowds or urban noise. Walking along these quiet, scenic routes is a deeply rewarding experience that’s hard to find elsewhere

Kayaking

Shikoku is home to the Niyodo River, renowned for having the clearest water in all of Japan. But it’s just one of many pristine rivers that make the region a paradise for water lovers. With its abundance of clean, scenic waterways, Shikoku has become a haven for water sports—from gentle kayaking to more adventurous activities.

One of the most unique aspects of river exploration in Shikoku is the color of the water itself. Due to geological differences, rivers in the west tend to be a striking clear blue, while those in the east often shimmer with vibrant shades of green. Drifting peacefully through these landscapes by kayak is a deeply soothing experience—one that captures the essence of Shikoku’s natural beauty.

Pilgrimage

Shikoku is deeply rooted in Japan’s Buddhist pilgrimage tradition. The island is home to a sacred route that connects 88 temples where the monk Kūkai trained over 1,000 years ago. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this pilgrimage has been practiced for centuries and remains a vital part of Shikoku’s cultural identity.

Walking the route is more than a spiritual journey—it’s an opportunity to learn about history and culture, reflect on the lives of past pilgrims, and experience a timeless tradition through a guided walking tour.

Example Local Spot/Culture

Fermented Tea farm

Shikoku is home to rare fermented teas like Goishi-cha and Awa-bancha—traditional teas made using unique, time-honored fermentation methods found only in this region. Their earthy, tangy flavors reflect the local climate and culture. Visiting tea farms or joining a tasting offers a one-of-a-kind experience that connects travelers to Shikoku’s deep-rooted craftsmanship and rural way of life.

Buntan/Yuzu farm

Shikoku is one of Japan’s leading citrus-growing regions, thanks to its mild climate, abundant sunshine, and clean rivers. From yuzu and buntan (pomelo) to sudachi and mikan, the island produces a wide variety of flavorful citrus fruits throughout the year. Visiting orchards, tasting seasonal specialties, or joining harvest experiences offers travelers a refreshing and distinctly Shikoku way to connect with local life and nature.

Tsunoyama Kagura

Tsunoyama Kagura is a sacred dance tradition unique to the mountains of Shikoku, performed for over a thousand years to honor the gods. Held during autumn festivals in remote villages, it brings ancient myths to life through powerful masked performances. Experiencing this ritual offers travelers a rare glimpse into Shikoku’s spiritual heritage—far from the crowds, deeply rooted in local culture, and unlike anything found elsewhere in Japan.

Gastronomy

Shikoku offers a deeply satisfying culinary journey rooted in its natural abundance and regional pride. Each of the island’s four prefectures has its own distinct food culture—whether it’s Kochi’s bold and smoky katsuo no tataki (seared bonito), Kagawa’s beloved sanuki udon, Ehime’s citrus-infused seafood dishes, or Tokushima’s hearty ramen and mountain vegetables.

Complementing these flavors is a diverse range of local sake, brewed with pure mountain spring water and carefully selected rice. Many breweries are small, family-run operations that reflect generations of craftsmanship and a deep connection to the land.

Travelers can enjoy these tastes not only in restaurants, but also through immersive experiences—visiting morning markets or touring sake breweries tucked away in quiet valleys. Sharing a meal or a glass of sake with locals adds warmth and authenticity to the journey, making Shikoku’s food culture an unforgettable part of the adventure.

Examples of Past Private Tours

Shikoku Trekking Tour

Number of people: 2
Number of days: 2days / 3nights

Day1 Trekking Mt.Tsurugi, Touring old town in Tokushima
　We begin with a scenic drive through Udatsu townscape, learning about local history before heading to Mt. Tsurugi—Shikoku’s second-highest peak (1955m). After a 2-hour drive and a 1-hour hike, we reach the summit. Though cloudy at first, the skies clear dramatically, revealing stunning views. Overnight stay in a mountain hut.

Day2 Touring Iya Valley, Experience making "Soba noodles"
　After descending Mt. Tsurugi, we explore the hidden beauty of Oku-Iya, including vine bridges and dramatic gorges. Then, we join a hands-on soba-making workshop—grinding buckwheat, kneading, and slicing noodles before enjoying our handmade lunch. We transfer to Matsuyama and relax at a traditional hot spring inn.

Day3 Trekking Mt.Ishizuchi
　An early start takes us to Mt. Ishizuchi (1982m), the highest peak in western Japan. This demanding 5.5-hour round-trip hike includes steep climbs and rewarding views. After reaching the summit and enjoying lunch at the mountaintop hut, we descend and conclude the tour in Matsuyama.

Pilgrimage Tour 13days/12nights

Number of people: 29
Number of days: 13days / 12nights

Day1-3 Welcome party, Touring Tokyo and Mt. Fuji
　Guests check in at the hotel in the evening and enjoy a welcome party. On Day 2, we explore the scenic Mt. Fuji area, including Lake Kawaguchi and Oshino Hakkai. Day 3 is free time, with optional tours available for Tokyo sightseeing and kimono experiences.

Day4-10 Pilgrimage in Shikoku
　The pilgrimage begins. We fly from Tokyo to Shikoku and receive a special lecture from a university professor on the history and etiquette of the Henro pilgrimage. Over the next five days, we walk 15–20 km daily to visit 15 sacred temples. On Day 3 of the walk, we tackle a challenging mountain pass to reach a single temple—an exhausting but deeply rewarding day.

Day11-13 Touring Osaka and Kyoto
　We conclude the journey with a relaxing stay in Osaka and Kyoto. Back in the city, guests enjoy shopping, cultural sightseeing, and gourmet experiences to wrap up the tour.