Hello! My mum (62F) and I (35F) are planning a trip to Shikoku and Okayama in October 2026. I used to live in Japan but I spent most of my time in Chubu and Kanto, so this is the first time I'll be going to Shikoku.
We'll definitely be renting a car so we're aware that there'll be quite a bit of driving involved.
My main aims are seeing 5 out of the 12 existing castles, so hitting most of these places will be essential, plus seeing as many cats as I can (I've left out most of the cat attractions from the itinerary for now as they are on the way to most places). However, I don't want the trip to be too full on as my mum is getting older and I just want her to have a great time (she doesn't care too much about what we do).
Specifically, I'd like to ask for feedback and suggestions, such as:
– Are there any days that are too packed or under-utilised?
– Hotel and restaurant/cafe suggestions (I have many picked out but suggestions would be great)
– Any must-dos I've missed?
– Anything else you'd like to add 🙂
**I'll note I do speak fluent Japanese (it's part of my job), if that helps with suggested activities**
Day 0
Fly out from Melbourne
Day 1
Haneda > Matsuyama flight
Arrive at Matsuyama Airport approx. 11 am
No real plans, just offloading our luggage and exploring
Day 2
Matsuyama Castle
Dogo Onsen (not sure about this one as my mum isn't an onsen person)
Find: Nabeyuki udon, oranges
Day 3
Pick up rental car, leisurely drive to Ozu along the coast
Garyu Sanso
Omoide Warehouse
Enjoy local cafes and shops
Day 4
Take a local train to Uwajima
Uwajima Castle
If Uwajima seems fun, just explore. If not, back to Ozu
Day 5
Nametoko Gorge – spend a few hours here
Arrive in Kochi late afternoon/early evening
Day 6
Kochi Castle
Sunday Market (if we're there on a Sunday)
Hirome Market (for lunch or dinner)
Chikurinji (either drive or find out how to get tram tickets)
Day 7
Watatsumi Shrine/Katsurahama Beach/Ryuogu Shrine/Umi-no Terrace (skip if overcast)
Iya Valley
Oboke Gorge boat ride
Ryokan stay (want to check in right on 3 pm so we can just relax the whole time, so may have to skip the boat ride/the above areas in Kochi)
Day 8
Drive to Kotohira-gu (estimating we'll spend most of the day here)
Check in to hotel at Takamatsu
Find: Sanuki udon
Day 9
Ferry to Ogijima – will spend most of the day here
Back to Takamatsu Port around 5 pm
Day 10
Marugame Castle (wondering if I could fit this into Day 8 and combine Day 10 and 11)
Another attraction/must do?
Check in to hotel at Kurashiki
Day 11
Drive to Bitchu-Matsuyama Castle (early start to catch the fog)
Plan to meet Sanjuro the cat (he is apparently there between 10 and 2)
Explore the town and get some local food
Dinner back in Kurashiki
Day 12
Whole day in Kurashiki
Day 13
Okayama > Haneda (potentially will be at Haneda for 7-8 hours so may do a Tokyo dash if we feel up for it) > Melbourne
Thank you in advance!
by itsmuun