10 Days Shikoku Itinerary

A tale of temples, tides and twisted roads-wander through Shikoku by Campervan.

Osaka – Kobe – Naruto, Tokushima – Mt.Bizan – Mima City – Kochi – Tosashimizu – Uwajima – Setonaikai National Park – Naoshima - Osaka

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Day 1 (Starting point: RV Village Osaka - Kobe)

1 hour drive, around 60KM

Highlights

Overlook with stone terraces and visitors viewing green forested hills and a distant city by the water under a clear blue sky.

Of course one cannot miss the famous ‘Kobe Beef’. Here are some recommendations on where you can try that beef in your bucket list for some time now.

Interior of a warmly lit Japanese teppanyaki restaurant with multiple tables equipped with built-in cooking grills and brown leather chairs.

Kobe Steak land ↗

Affordable and tasty

Three thick, marbled cuts of raw Wagyu beef on a wooden platter with plates of vegetables and sauce in the background.

Mouriya Honten ↗

For a more upscale experience

Chef slicing a thick piece of raw marbled beef with a large knife on a dark surface.

Wakkoqu ↗

A popular teppanyaki-style experience

Close-up of seared, cubed pieces of steak being cooked on a hot surface with a knife cutting one piece.

Kobe Steak Ishida ↗

Well-rated, cozy

If you’re looking for souvenirs and would like to go shopping, Kobe Harborland is also nearby.

Campsite/Campground/Michi-no-Eki Recommendation

Wooden sign reading 'KOBE Camp Base' with crossed axes and paw print, set in a landscaped area with triangular wood stacks and trees in the background.

1Kobe Camp base ↗

Brick building with two clock towers behind a colorful flower garden under blue sky.

Kobe Fruit Flower Park Osawa ↗

Onsen/Hot Spring Recommendations

Evening view of a serene outdoor hot spring bath with stone walls, steam, a waterfall, and a wooden canopy.

Kobe Minato Onsen Ren ↗

Hotel room with two single beds, wooden headboard with built-in lighting, a small round table with two chairs by a window with floral curtains, and a carpeted floor.

Hotel Monterey Kobe ↗

Interior of a steamy Japanese hot spring bath with brown mineral water and tiled walls.

Kin no Yu Hot Spring ↗

Traditional Japanese tatami room with low wooden table, floor chairs, shoji sliding door, and a massage chair near a window with mountain views.

Hyoe Koyokaku ↗

People enjoy a stone-lined river with small waterfalls in an urban park, including a person wearing a purple kimono, near a red bridge and multi-story buildings.

Arima Onsen

Indoor Japanese onsen bath with dark water, tiled floor, wooden ceiling, and decorative water spout and window displaying ceramic plates.

Okuno Ho Somichi ↗

Day 2 (Kobe – Naruto, Tokushima)

From Michi-no-Eki Flower Park – Naruto. Around 1 1/2 – 2 hours. Depending on the traffic. 114KM~} via Akashi Kaikyo Bridge

The city of Naruto is in the northeast area of Tokushima, a prefecture on the east end of Shikoku. It’s also considered one of the gateways into Shikoku when coming from Kobe in Hyogo Pref. over on the main Honshu Island via the Kobe Awaji Naruto Expressway.

Naruto is known for its world-class, oversized whirlpool currents, unforgettable tourism, and delicious eats. But with so much to do there are still plenty of visitors who aren’t sure what to see on their trip. Here are some of the places you need to check out.

Highlights

Sailing ship on calm blue sea with swirling whirlpools in the foreground.

Naruto Whirlpools

Standing at 931 meters, Mt.Rokko is the highest peak in the Rokko mountain range, whichThe Naruto Whirlpools is considered among the greatest in the world. It is the narrow channel between Shikoku and Awaji Island. One thing you cannot miss when you’re in Naruto Whirlpools is the sightseeing boats! provides the pleasant green backdrop to: the city of Kobe.

There are various small tourist attractions in Mt. Rokko.　You can visit Rokko Garden Terrace and Alpine　Botanical Garden.

White sailing ship with people on deck navigating near a swirling whirlpool in blue ocean water.

Uzushio Sightseeing boat ↗

There are two types of sightseeing boats.
1. Does not require reservation.
The boat will pass right above the whirlpools in a relaxed trip on a large boat. It will take around 30 mins.
Price:1,800JPY for adults 900JPY for kids
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2. Requires reservation.
It is an underwater observatory room in a high-speed small boat. The trip will take around 25mins.
Price: 2,400JPY for adults 1,200JPY for kids

Large suspension bridge spanning blue water with mountains in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Onaruto Bridge

You can still witness the Naruto whirlpools even without riding a boat. Try witnessing it from above! From the Naruto side of the bridge towards the main pillars where the observation deck with windows in the floor is located. It is stroller and wheelchair friendly.

Uzo no Michi (9:00 – 18:00) Entrance fee: 500JPY

People walking and standing on a large grassy field with trees and a pavilion in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Naruto road and Naruto Uchinoumi Park ↗

If you have kids and want to burn their extra energy, these are some places you don’t want to miss. Naruto Uchinoumi Park is an oceanside expanse with lawns, playgrounds and even barbeque areas.

Campsite/Onsen/Michi-no-eki

Michi-no-Eki Naruto ↗

Entrance of a Japanese roadside station with signage, outdoor menus, and clear blue sky.

Michi-no-Eki Uzushio ↗

White camping tent icon on green square background.

RV Park Goshikihama

Green Sports Midori no Hiroba campsite

*FREE* Must reserve in advance. (088-637-3128)

Indoor hot spring bath with bubbling water and large windows revealing a tranquil garden with green trees and bamboo.

Asebi Onsen ↗

Day 3 (Naruto – Mt.Bizan)

From Michi no eki Uzushio, About 50minutes – 1 hour. 40KM~

Mt.Bizan is located in the heart of Tokushima City and rises to 280 meters. It provides a panoramic view of the city and surrounding areas. In Spring, it`s popular spot for viewing cherry blossoms. On clear days, you can see Awaji Island and Wakayama Prefecture on the mainland. The nighttime scenery is also stunning. Several shrines and temples can be found along the mountain`s slopes and the summit feature significant landmarks such as Burmese pagoda, which serves as a memorial for those who died in World War II.

Highlights

Calm blue river flanked by buildings with a large forested hill topped with antennas under a clear blue sky.

Mt. Bizan

Also known as the ‘Eyebrow Mountain’. Mt.Bizan is said to have earned this name because the mountain resembles the contours of an eyebrow from all directions.

Yellow and blue cable cars descending over a forested mountain with a city and ocean in the background.

Mt. Bizan Ropeway ↗

For incredible views of Tokushima City, take a ride on the Mt.Bizan Ropeway. There is a small café at the summit where you can grab a snack and relax while soaking in the views.
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Prices: 900JPY for one-way / 1,500JPY for roundtrip

Traditional Japanese building with white walls, stone foundation, and green-tiled roofs under a clear blue sky.

Tokushima Castle Museum ↗

The Tokushima Castle Museum collects, preserves and displays items related to the Tokushima-han and the Hachisuka family. You can also visit the Omotegoten Garden next to the museum.

Tokushima Zoo ↗

If you are travelling with kids, you must not miss Tokushima Zoo. This Zoo provides natural surroundings with temperate, tropical, savanna and arctic zones. They also have a Children`s petting zoo.

Opens from 9:00 – 16:30
Entrance fee: 600JPY for adults.
Junior high school students and under are FREE of charge.

Tokushima Family Land ↗

If you`re feeling a little energetic and want to have some fun, Tokushima Family land is for you. It is located just beside the Tokushima Zoo.

‍Entrance fee is FREE. 9:00-16:30

Michi-no-Eki Recommendation

Outdoor view of a Japanese roadside station building with a pyramid-shaped roof, wooden structures, and forested hills in the background.

Michi-no-eki Onsen no Sato Kamiyama ↗

Day 4 (Tokushima – Udatsu Townscape, Mima City)

57mins. – 1 hour. 41km ~

Mima City offers a blend of natural beauty and traditional charm. Visitors can explore historic Udatsu townscape, scenic mountains, and rivers, while enjoying local crafts and seasonal festivals. It`s a peaceful getaway with a rich cultural heritage.

Highlights

Quiet street lined with traditional Japanese wooden and white plaster buildings under clear blue sky and distant hills.

Udatsu Townscape

Wakimachi to Mima City is the town where indigo merchant enjoyed prosperity in the Edo Period. Stretching along 430meters.

Rustic vine suspension bridge spanning a flowing river surrounded by autumn trees and moss-covered rocks.

Oyasu Park

Around 24 mins away from Udatsu. Famous for it`s beautiful surrounding specially during the Sakura season.

Mountain chairlift with green seats ascending a forested hillside under a clear blue sky.

Tsurugi Mountain Lift ↗

Single seated chairlift that is 830m long and takes about 15mins.
Fee: One-way 1,050JPY adult 520JPY Child
Round-trip 1,900JPY adult 900JPY Child

People walking across a rustic vine bridge over a river surrounded by green and autumn-colored trees in a mountainous valley.

Vine bridge in the Iya Valley ↗

This bridge is known as one of the 3 most peculiar bridges in Japan. Built from Actinidia arguta vines amassing a total of 5 tons.
Opens from sunrise to sunset.
Entrance fee: 550JPY for adult 350JPY for Children

River winding through rocky gorge with dense green and autumn-colored trees.

Oboke Gorge and Koboko Gorge ↗

A little way downstream, are narrow steep sided gorges near the entrance to the Iya Valley. Oboke sightseeing boat cruise.
Fee: 1500JPY
Operating hours from 9:00-16:30.
30 mins boat ride down to Yoshino.

Michi-no-Eki Recommendation

Traditional Japanese building on a hillside with stairs leading up and colorful vertical banners along the entrance.

Michi-no-eki Nishi-Iya ↗

Stone building with intricate roof details serving as an entrance, people with umbrellas standing and walking nearby on a rainy day.

hakubutsukan Rest area

Onsen/Hot Spring Recommendations

Outdoor jacuzzi with bubbling water surrounded by a wooden deck and leafy plants behind a metal railing.

Kirinomori Koyukan ↗

10:00-21:00

Wood-paneled Japanese onsen bath area with hot water tubs overlooking a river and rocky landscape through glass railing.

Obokekyo Mannaka Onsen ↗

Offers private onsen for 1,500JPY

Day 5 (Miyoshi – Kochi)

From Nishi-Iya Michi no eki – Kochi Castle. 1hr 13mins~ 66km~

Kochi City is the lively capital of Kochi Prefecture, known for its original Kochi Castle, fresh seafood at Hirome Market, and the historic Sunday Market. Surrounded by nature, it’s a great spot for history, food, and outdoor adventures.

Highlights

Traditional Japanese castle with white walls and tiered roofs surrounded by stone walls and pine trees under a clear blue sky.

Kochi Castle ↗

Kochi Castle is a 400 year old Castle and the only one in Japan where the original castle tower and main body keep intact.

Woman in a white dress and hat holding sunflowers, standing in a large sunflower field under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

Izuma Sunflower Fields

Must visit during Mid-Late June

Calm river flowing under a long wooden footbridge with tree-covered hills and mountains in the background.

Shimanto River

At 196 kilometers in length, the Shimanto River is the longest river in Shikoku and it is far removed from urban areas and from intense development. This means that its waters are pristine, keeping it high on the list of places to visit for nature enthusiasts.

Clear blue ocean with rocky coastline and lush green hills under a bright sky.

Katabirazaki Observation Platform

One of Kochi`s popular biking spot. The Rias Coast has developed along the Pacific Ocean, and Prefectural Road No. 47 runs over the cliffs. This road is called the "Yokonami Kuroshio Line" and is known as a tourist road with a good view.

Campsite/Onsen/Michi-no-Eki

Tarogawakoen Campground

Traditional Japanese-style building with wooden exterior and metal roof set against green forested hills under a partly cloudy sky.

Michi-no-eki Yusuhara

Kumo no Ueno Hot Spring ↗

Day 6 (Yusuhara – Tosashimizu)

2 hrs and 33 mins. 126km~

Tosashimizu is a scenic coastal town in Kochi Prefecture, known for Cape Ashizuri, stunning ocean views, and fresh seafood. A peaceful spot for nature and history lovers.

Highlights

Front view of a red and white underwater observatory building with porthole windows, accessed by a walkway over the ocean.

Ashizuri Underwater Aquarium ↗

Built in 1972, it is one of the last buildings of its kind in Japan. With the red and white retro, Ashizuri Underwater Observation Tower looks slightly surreal, surrounded by wild nature and the fantastically shaped rocks of the Tatsukushi coast.
Opens from 9:00 – 17:00
Entrance fee: 18 and above 900JPY. 4-17yrs old 450JPY

White lighthouse on a green cliff overlooking a rocky coastline and blue ocean under a clear sky.

Cape Ashizuri ↗

is the southernmost point of Shikoku, offering stunning ocean views from high cliffs. Visit the lighthouse, the statue of John Manjiro, and nearby Kongofukuji Temple. It’s beautiful spot for nature, history, and coastal scenery.

Aerial view of a coastal bay with green hills, a small harbor, and several small islands in the ocean under a cloudy sky.

Kashiwajima Beach ↗

36 mins away from Kochi Prefectural Ashizuri Aquarium [35km]. Kashiwa Island is known as tropical paradise. The water waters are so clear that the boats look like they are suspended in space.

Campsite Recommendation

Wooden boardwalk with stairs overlooking green vegetation and a blue ocean under a clear sky.

Ryugahama Campground ↗

Day 7 (Kashiwajima Beach – Uwajima)

1 hr and 57mins.~ 88km~

Uwajima is a charming port city known for its original castle, pearl farms, and unique bull sumo matches. Explore history, coastal views, and local seafood in this hidden gem of Shikoku.

Highlights

Traditional Japanese castle with white walls, ornate tiled roofs, and stone foundation under a blue sky with some clouds.

Uwajima Castle ↗

One of the 12 Japanese castles to still have its historical tenchu.

Matsuyama Castle ↗

1hr and 25mins away from Uwajima. One of the biggest castles in Japan, standing on a hill above plain

Shiruyama Folk Museum ↗

Large wooden clock tower with Japanese design on a stone base near a building, with people sitting under red umbrellas nearby.

Botchan Karakuri Clock ↗

Campsite/Onsen Recommendation

Historic multi-story traditional Japanese wooden building with ornate roof and three red rickshaws parked in front under a clear blue sky.

Dogo Onsen ↗

Japan`s oldest hot spring

Traditional Japanese temple surrounded by lush green forest and mountains, with two people walking near the entrance.

Komatsu Oasis rest area

Modern white geodesic dome tents set on wooden platforms in a grassy campsite surrounded by trees with a mountain in the background.

Kiji Entei Campsite

Takanawa-san campsite

Day 8 Island Hopping

On your 8^th day, you can do Island Hopping. You may not want to miss Japan`s 1^st and largest National Park.

Highlights

Coastal rocky landscape with a small traditional Japanese shrine and a pine tree overlooking the ocean.

Setonaikai National Park

Japans 1st and largest National Park. Established in 1934 & enconpassing about 3,000 islands

Cable-stayed bridge spanning over water with mountains in the background under a clear sky.

Tatara bridge

Cable-stayed bridge over blue water leading towards forested hills under a partly cloudy sky.

Sasagejima Ikuchi Bridge

Pathway lined with blooming pink cherry blossom trees under a clear blue sky.

Hirakiyama Park

Must visit because of the stunning island views from the hilltop observation deck. Colorful azaleas and cherry blossom are the showstopper.

After the firing island hopping, you can relax at Yubara onsen.

Outdoor hot spring pools with steam rising, surrounded by stone pathways and autumn trees in a misty mountainous area.

Yubara Onsen

If you’re looking for souvenirs and would like to go shopping, Kobe Harborland is also nearby.

Campsite/Campground/Michi-no-Eki Recommendation

Traditional Japanese roadside station building with tiled roof, green flags, and a black sign with white Japanese characters.

Michi-no-eki Kumenan ↗

Campers' van and tents set up among trees in a sunlit forest clearing with green grass.

Notorobara Campground ↗

Nighttime view of a campground with illuminated tents and parked cars under a starry sky with distant mountains.

Tsuguro Highlands ↗

Onsen/Hot Spring Recommendations