Itinerary
Whispers of Shikoku: Temples, Udon, and Valleys
5 days · 12 stops · ¥50,000–¥80,000
Explore the hidden gems of Shikoku, from the mystical Iya Valley to the sacred temples of the 88-temple pilgrimage and the culinary delight of Kagawa's udon.
Days
Iya Valley
Tokushima
Schedule
Day 01 of 05Land at TKS · Thu, Mar 25 · from JFK · 1 traveler
Renting a car? Check the license rules
Some licenses (FR/DE/CH/BE/TW) need a JAF translation, not an IDP — 5-min guide.
Stay
Iya · 2 nights
Thu, Mar 25 → Sat, Mar 27 · 1 guest
14:00
EXPLORE
祖谷渓
Stay ~2h
Iya Valley's remote, misty landscapes offer a perfect introduction to Shikoku's hidden beauty. Wander through the valley and take in the stunning views of vine bridges and deep gorges.
~39 min by car
16:39
EXPLORE
名頃かかし村
Stay ~1h 30m
No rail access — Shikoku Kotsu bus from Oboke Station (JR Dosan Line) into Iya Valley + local bus transfer, ~2h total
Nagoro Scarecrow Village is a unique rural site where hundreds of scarecrows are scattered throughout the village, many representing former residents.
Getting around, region by region
Your route mixes city and countryside — here's the best mode for each leg.
Iya Valley → Naoshima & Takamatsu · Days 1–4
Rural — a rental car reaches spots no train or bus serves.
Shodoshima · Day 5
Small island — explore on foot, by bicycle or local taxi (ferry across).
Getting around
🚄
JR Setouchi Area Pass
Matched to your route — one pass instead of point-to-point tickets on the rail legs.
View JR Setouchi Area Pass →🚗
Rental car recommended
Several stops on this route are in rural areas with limited rail access. A rental car from the nearest city hub gives you the freedom to reach places no bus serves.
Browse rental cars on Klook →⛴️
Ferry required
At least one destination is accessible only by ferry. Book in advance — island ferries sell out weeks ahead in peak season (Apr–May, Jul–Aug).
Browse ferry options on Klook →01 / 05
Journey map
Trip budget · お見積り
¥20,000–¥34,000 / person / day
¥100,000–¥170,000 total
💴 Carry ~¥5,000/day in cash — many hidden spots are cash-only.
Estimated from 11 travel legs, 4 hotel nights and 1 ticketed event. International flights not included. Typical prices, not quotes.
Before you go
Passes for this trip
✓ Matched to your route
JR Setouchi Area Pass
Covers the rail legs on this route — one pass instead of point-to-point tickets.
View this pass
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Get Around
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Stay Hidden
Sleep in a centuries-old ryokan. Tatami floors, onsen, and a 7-course kaiseki.
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Ship luggage ahead on the shinkansen route. Explore every day completely hands-free.
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