Looking for a peaceful Japan trip away from Tokyo crowds?
This 3-day plan through Kochi & Kagawa in Shikoku is perfect for:
- 👨👩👧 Family travelers (like us – with our 10-year-old!)
- 🚉 Visitors without a driver’s license
- 🍣 Foodies & history lovers
Why visit Shikoku?
- 🧘♀️ Fewer tourists, slower pace
- 🏯 Castles & historic shrines
- 🧑🎤 Sakamoto Ryoma’s legacy
- 🍜 Local food like Katsuo Tataki & Sanuki Udon
All spots are easy to reach by train or bus—no rental car needed!ssible by public transportation, making it easy, safe, and convenient for families too.
Day 1: Exploring Kochi’s Rich Culture & Food 🍣
🛬 Morning: Arrival & Kochi Castle Visit
- Arrived at Kochi Ryoma Airport ✈️ via domestic flight and took a 🚌 bus to Kochi Station.
- Dropped off my 🧳 luggage at a hotel near Kochi Station.
- Walked to Kochi Castle 🏯, one of Japan’s original castles with stunning views from the top.
- Strolled around the castle grounds, enjoying the history and fresh air.
🍽️ Lunch at Hirome Market
- After exploring Kochi Castle, I headed to Hirome Market for lunch. This vibrant food market is a must-visit for food lovers.
- The market offers a variety of local specialties, including Katsuo no Tataki (seared bonito) and other fresh seafood dishes.
- The lively atmosphere, communal seating, and diverse food options make it a great place to experience Kochi’s culinary culture.
🏖️ Afternoon: Katsurahama Beach
- Took public transport to Katsurahama Beach 🌊, a scenic spot with a famous statue of Sakamoto Ryoma, a key figure in Japan’s modernization.
- Enjoyed a Sakamoto Ryoma-themed dessert 🍨 at a local café.
🏨 Evening: Hotel Check-in & Dinner
- Checked into JR Clement Inn Kochi 🏨 and relaxed before dinner.
- Had dinner at Myojinmaru Main Store, a famous Katsuo no Tataki restaurant 🍣.
- Tried the three-style set: Tare (soy sauce-based), Shio (salt-seasoned), and Ponzu (citrus sauce).
- Salt-seasoned Katsuo Tataki is a must-try, as it’s a Kochi specialty!
Day 2: Traveling to Kagawa & Climbing Konpira Shrine ⛩️
🚄 Morning: Journey to Kagawa & Sanuki Udon Lunch
- Took the JR train 🚆 from Kochi Station to Kotohira Station.
- Had Sanuki Udon 🍜 at Iwanoya, a popular self-serve udon shop.
- Also tried oden with miso sauce, a unique and tasty combination.
🛤️ Afternoon: Climbing Konpira Shrine
- Walked up 1,368 stone steps 🏃♂️ to the inner shrine—a bit challenging, but worth it for the amazing view!
- Stopped by local souvenir shops 🛍️ along the way.
- Dropped my bags at the traditional ryokan, Shikishima-kan, before exploring further.
♨️ Evening: Ryokan Stay & Kaiseki Dinner
- Checked into Shikishima-kan 🏡, a beautiful onsen ryokan.
- Enjoyed a full-course Kaiseki dinner 🍱 with fresh seasonal ingredients.
- Relaxed in a soothing hot spring bath after a long day of walking.
Day 3: Tasting the Famous Marugame Chicken 🍗
🚆 Morning: Travel to Marugame
- Took the JR train from Kotohira to Marugame 🚃.
- Stopped by Ichibanchō Street, a shopping area near Marugame Castle.
🍗 Lunch at Ichibanku Marugame
- Ate at Honetsukidori Ikkaku, famous for bone-in grilled chicken (“Honetsukidori”) 🍗.
- The crispy outside and juicy inside make it one of the best chicken dishes I’ve had in Japan!
🏯 Afternoon: Marugame Castle & Return Trip
- Explored Marugame Castle 🏯, one of Japan’s twelve original castles, with panoramic city views.
- Took the JR train 🚄 from Marugame to Okayama, then transferred to the Shinkansen 🚅 at Okayama Station, a major transfer hub, to reach Osaka or Tokyo.
For those planning to explore Kochi and Kagawa by train, the Shikoku Rail Pass from Klook is a great option! 🎟️ This pass allows unlimited JR train travel within Shikoku, making it convenient and cost-effective. Check out the Shikoku Rail Pass on Klook.
Alternatively, if you prefer more flexibility to reach remote spots or travel at your own pace, renting a car 🚗 is another great option. Especially in rural areas, a rental car gives you access to hidden gems that trains may not reach.
Final Thoughts 🏯🌊
This 3-day trip was a perfect mix of history, food, and scenic views. Kochi’s Katsuo Tataki, Kagawa’s Sanuki Udon, and Marugame’s famous grilled chicken made the trip unforgettable. If you love local food and cultural experiences, this itinerary is highly recommended!
🏨 Recommended Hotel Bookings
🛏️ Day 1 – JR Clement Inn Kochi near Kochi station
🏡 Day 2 – Shikishima-kan (Kotohira Onsen) near Konpira shrine
If your schedule allows, consider adding a visit to Osaka or Kyoto before or after this Shikoku itinerary. Since Okayama Station is only about 45 minutes from Osaka by Shinkansen, it’s an easy and efficient extension to your trip.
