A route that starts in Takamatsu and heads west by JR through Kotohira to Matsuyama, taking in the highlights of Kagawa and Ehime. With the first night in Kotohira and the second at Dogo Onsen, you can take your time visiting Kotohiragu Shrine and enjoying the hot springs.
Starting from Takamatsu Station, visit Tamamo Park and Ritsurin Garden, then take JR west to Shikoku Aquarium in Utazu in the afternoon. Stay in Kotohira for the night.
Right next to Takamatsu Station. Start your Takamatsu visit by seeing the seawater-filled moat and the Tsukimi Turret.
Official site ↗
A daimyo garden in the city center. Take a leisurely walk along the paths that wind past ponds and bridges.
View guide →
Take JR to Utazu. Spend the time until evening at this aquarium facing the Seto Inland Sea, then head to Kotohira.
View guide →Climb the stone steps of Kotohiragu Shrine in the morning, then take JR to Matsuyama. Visit Matsuyama Castle and stay at Dogo Onsen for the night.
Climb the stone steps of the approach to the main shrine. From the observation point, you can look out over the Sanuki Plain. It is best to climb in the cool of the morning.
Official site ↗
When you arrive in Matsuyama, take the ropeway or chairlift up to Matsuyama Castle. From the hilltop keep, you can look out over Matsuyama and the Seto Inland Sea.
View guide →
Take the streetcar to Dogo Onsen. Walk through the shopping arcade around the main building and soak away the long day in the hot springs.
View guide →Walk from Dogo to Ishite-ji. Then visit the Saka no Ue no Kumo Museum in central Matsuyama and take a bus south to Tobe Zoo in the town of Tobe.
A pilgrimage temple close to the Dogo Onsen area. Pass through the National Treasure Niomon Gate to pray.
Official site ↗
Take the streetcar back to central Matsuyama and see the exhibits on Masaoka Shiki and the Akiyama brothers. The building, designed by Tadao Ando, is also worth seeing.
Official site ↗
Take a bus from central Matsuyama to the town of Tobe. Walk around the large zoo grounds, then return to Matsuyama to head home.
View guide →Sample itineraries from day trips to 5 days, by region and season. Every stop links to its guide, and you can save any itinerary as your own trip plan and rearrange it day by day.
🗺 2 days, 1 nightChugoku & Shikoku ・ 6 stops
Stay overnight on Miyajima to take your time at Itsukushima Shrine and around the island, then on day 2 visit Kintaikyo Bridge in Iwakuni and Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park and Shukkeien Garden. With Miyajimaguchi as the dividing point, the route heads west to Iwakuni first and then back east into Hiroshima city.
🗺 2 days, 1 nightAutumnChugoku & Shikoku ・ 6 stops ・ November・December
A one-night trip to see the autumn colors at two daimyo gardens, Okayama Korakuen and Takamatsu's Ritsurin Garden. With a night in the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter in between, day 2 takes you across the Great Seto Bridge to Shikoku.
Check prices, opening hours and access on each stop’s guide and official website. Seasonal events and peak seasons vary from year to year.
