Top Kochi Prefecture Rail Tours

Lose yourself in the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. While this journey evokes images of grand sanctuaries and solemn, robed monks, it offers far more than quiet contemplation. The true magic lies in the paths connecting the temples. You will venture down twisting backstreets, over wooded knolls, past local greenhouses, and even across coastal waters by ferry. This tour immerses you deeply in the vibrant daily lives and warm hospitality of the Shikoku communities surrounding these sacred sites. The whole pilgrimage involves over 30 days of walking around the entire island. Unfortunately, this amazing journey is not possible for all of us. Join us on this tour of two temples to get your pilgrimage trip started. Maybe this will inspire you to come back again for the whole 1200 kilometer odyssey!

This is a multi-activity tour that explores the Shimanto river valley. You will travel first by train, then by bike, and finally by raft, through the natural splendor of this untrammeled region of Kochi. Along the way you will meet an artisan iron-worker practicing his traditional craft. You will see the inner-workings of his workshop and hear how his trade has passed down through the generations. Later you will have lunch overlooking the valley, and finally you will board a raft for a thrilling ride on the river.

Lose yourself in the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. While this journey evokes images of grand sanctuaries and solemn, robed monks, it offers far more than quiet contemplation. The true magic lies in the paths connecting the temples. You will venture down twisting backstreets, over wooded knolls, past local greenhouses, and even across coastal waters by ferry. This experience immerses you in the vibrant daily lives and warm hospitality of the Shikoku communities surrounding these sacred sites. The complete pilgrimage involves more than 30 days of walking around the entire island. While this remarkable journey may not be possible for everyone, this experience offers the opportunity to visit three temples and begin exploring the pilgrimage route. It may even inspire you to return one day and undertake the full 1,200-kilometer pilgrimage.

The 196 km Shimanto River is one of Japan's last remaining undammed rivers, famous for its clear water, unspoilt surroundings and distinctive chikabashi submersible bridges, built to withstand flooding. Enjoy the region’s incredible natural beauty as you journey from the headwaters of the mighty river all the way along the lowly flowing river to the Pacific Ocean. It is a wonderful way to glimpse the lives of people who have long lived in harmony with nature in an environment largely unchanged for centuries.