5-Day Shikoku Summer Art & Nature Tour | Explore Naoshima, Shodoshima, the Hidden Iya Valley, and the Naruto Whirlpools in One Trip**

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Shikoku in Japan during summer has none of the bustle of big cities, yet it offers some of Japan’s most captivating art islands, hidden gorges, and Seto Inland Sea scenery. This 5-day itinerary starts from Takamatsu, Kagawa, taking you through Ritsurin Garden, renowned for offering “a different view with every step”; the world-famous art island of Naoshima Island or the romantic Angel Road on Shodoshima Island; and deeper into natural wonders such as the Iya Valley and the Naruto whirlpools. Paired with Sanuki udon, hot springs, and distinctive cultural experiences, this journey creates an in-depth Shikoku trip that blends art, culture, and natural scenery. Arranging a Japan private car tour can further improve travel efficiency and comfort.

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Daily Itinerary
Attraction Overview
Vehicle Options and Reference Pricing (10 hours/day)
 TTtrips Japan Private Car Service Details & Pricing
 2026 TTtrips Japan Private Charter Exclusive Early-Bird Offer
 Contact Us (One-on-One Travel Consultant Service)
More Shikoku Travel Tips & Itineraries

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Four Advantages of Choosing TTtrips Japan Private Charter Service:
✔ Dedicated One-on-One Service | Personalized support from a dedicated specialist, providing real-time assistance from pre-trip planning to on-the-road support throughout the journey
✔ Chinese-Speaking Driver Service | Japanese private charter with Chinese-speaking drivers, ensuring smooth communication and a more安心 travel experience
✔ Direct Private Transfers | Private vehicle transfers in Japan, direct from hotel to attractions, no transfers required and no need to handle luggage during transit
✔ Flexible Customized Itinerary | Japan customized private charter travel, flexible adjustments based on your needs, allowing a relaxed pace without rushing

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Daily Itinerary
Customizable Service Available (Adjustable Based on Flight Schedule and Accommodation Arrangements)

Day 1: Takamatsu Airport > Takamatsu City (Ritsurin Garden, Takamatsu Port Night View) > Stay Overnight in Takamatsu
Itinerary: Arrive in the home of Sanuki udon and begin your journey at Ritsurin Garden, renowned for its "a different view with every step" landscape, where you can admire the vibrant greenery of summer. In the evening, enjoy the sea breeze along Takamatsu Port while savoring authentic Sanuki udon.

Day 2: Hotel > Takamatsu Port > Seto Inland Sea Island Day Trip (Naoshima Island or Shodoshima Island) > Return to Takamatsu Hotel
Itinerary: Take a ferry to one of the famous islands of the Seto Inland Sea. Pose for a photo with Yayoi Kusama's iconic pumpkin on Naoshima Island, or walk along Angel Road on Shodoshima Island, a sandbar visible only at low tide, and experience the tranquil beauty of the crystal-blue Seto Inland Sea.

Day 3: Hotel > Kotohira (Climb the 785 Steps to Kotohiragu Shrine) > Iya (Oboke Gorge Sightseeing Boat, Iya Kazurabashi Bridge) > Stay Overnight at an Iya Onsen Hotel
Itinerary: Begin the morning by climbing the famous stone steps to the sacred Kotohiragu Shrine, then continue into the hidden valley of Iya. Cruise through the magnificent Oboke Gorge to escape the summer heat, then cross the thrilling Iya Kazurabashi Bridge while enjoying the refreshing mountain air.

Day 4: Hotel > Tokushima (Uzu-no-Michi Walkway, Awa Odori Kaikan) > Sanuki (Hands-on Sanuki Udon Making Experience) > Stay Overnight in Takamatsu
Itinerary: Witness one of the world's three largest tidal whirlpools up close. In the afternoon, enjoy an energetic Awa Odori dance performance at Awa Odori Kaikan, then make your own Sanuki udon by hand in the evening.

Day 5: Hotel > Takamatsu Castle Ruins (Tamamo Park) > Last-Minute Shopping Around Takamatsu Station > Takamatsu Airport
Itinerary: Visit the rare remains of a historic seaside castle and enjoy feeding fish in the castle moat. Before heading to the airport, browse local souvenirs around Takamatsu Station and take home unforgettable memories of Shikoku's art, mountains, and sea.

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Attraction Overview

Day 1|Famous Garden+Harbor Night Views
• Ritsurin Garden: One of Japan's Special Places of Scenic Beauty.
• Takamatsu Port: A representative waterfront of the Seto Inland Sea.
• Sanuki Udon: Kagawa's most iconic local specialty.

(Shikoku Ritsurin Garden - Image source: Photo AC)
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Day 2|Art Island+Seto Inland Sea Blue Scenery
• Naoshima Island: A world-renowned island of contemporary art.
• Yayoi Kusama's Red Pumpkin: Naoshima Island's most iconic art landmark.
• Shodoshima Island: The second-largest island in the Seto Inland Sea.
• Angel Road: A dreamlike sandbar visible only at low tide.

(Shikoku Takamatsu Shodoshima Island - Image source: Photo AC)
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Day 3|Sacred Pilgrimage Site+Hidden Gorge
• Kotohiragu Shrine: Shikoku's most iconic guardian shrine of seafarers.
• Oboke Gorge: One of Japan's Three Hidden Regions.
• Oboke Gorge Sightseeing Boat: Enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Yoshino River Gorge.
• Iya Kazurabashi Bridge: One of Japan's Three Famous Vine Bridges.


(Kotohiragu Shrine - Image source: The Gate)
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Day 4|Natural Wonder+Awa Culture
• Uzu-no-Michi Walkway: Get an up-close view of the Naruto whirlpools.
• Naruto Whirlpools: One of the world's three largest tidal whirlpools.
• Awa Odori Kaikan: A cultural museum dedicated to Tokushima's Awa Odori dance.
• Sanuki Udon Making Experience: Kagawa's most iconic hands-on culinary experience.​​​​​​​


(Shikoku Tokushima Naruto Whirlpools - Image source: Discover Tokushima Japan)​​​​​​​
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Day 5|Historic Seaside Castle+Shopping Tour
• Tamamo Park: One of Japan's few historic gardens preserving the remains of a seaside castle.
• Takamatsu Castle Ruins: One of Japan's Three Great Water Castles.
• JR Takamatsu Station: Kagawa's main destination for souvenir shopping.​​​​​​​


(Takamatsu Castle Ruins / Tamamo Park - Image source: Experience Takamatsu)​​​​​​​
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Vehicle Options and Reference Pricing (10 hours/day)
Included: Chinese-speaking driver, fuel, tolls, insurance.

Vehicle Type

Recommended

Passenger Capacity 

Price Quote (TWD) 

7-seater vehicle 
Toyota Alphard

4-5人passengers

From17,000

10-seater vehicle  

Toyota Hiace

8-9人passengers

From19,000

16-seater vehicle     

 Toyota Coaster

10-16人passengers

From28,000

For other requests, please refer to the detailed link below or contact customer service
Line | WhatsApp

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 TTtrips Japan Private Car Service Details & Pricing
Please click the image link  
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 2026 TTtrips Japan Private Charter Exclusive Early-Bird Offer

Book two months in advance:Receive a discount of 1,000 NTD for a two-day consecutive charter,and 2,000 NTD off for three days
A complimentary child safety seat for children under 6 years old is included (market price 500 NTD per day)
Enjoy a worry-free and cost-saving family trip,limited availability,book early to secure your offer

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If flexibility in transportation has also become part of your travel planning,
TTtrips offers some of the most popular private charter services in Japan, including highly requested Tokyo family charter tours, Osaka Chinese-speaking driver charter services, and consistently popular Kyushu charter travel options.(Private charter services are available throughout all regions of Japan with customizable arrangements.)
These services are especially popular for family trips, multi-generational travel, and multi-day journeys across different regions.
TTtrips Japan Charter Service provides one-on-one travel consultation to help organize suitable options and itinerary arrangements based on your group size and travel plans.

As your itinerary gradually comes together, transportation often becomes one of the key factors that shapes the overall pace of the trip.
TTtrips Japan Charter Service not only provides a safe and reliable travel experience, but also helps evaluate the most suitable travel arrangements according to different travel styles and itinerary needs.
And from the very beginning of your journey, dedicated support will stay by your side throughout the trip.
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 Contact Us (One-on-One Travel Consultant Service)

 Your Dedicated Travel Consultant  ►+886 983-389-137

Line   WhatsApp Service Inquiry Form 

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More Shikoku Travel Tips & Itineraries

After Exploring Kyushu to the Fullest, No More Crowds! Slow Down and Travel Through “Shikoku” – Michelin Three-Star Gardens / Mountain-and-Sea Hidden Landscapes and Hot Springs / A Complete Guide to Cross-Sea 

 

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