Hidden Japan: Shikoku and Beyond

Upon landing in Tokyo, you will continue on a connecting flight to Osaka, Japan’s dynamic culinary capital. Upon arrival at Osaka Airport, an airport representative will greet you, ensuring a smooth arrival experience. You’ll receive your travel documents and be guided to your shared transfer to your hotel, conveniently located for a restful start to your journey. Spend the evening at leisure—perhaps sampling Osaka’s renowned street food or simply unwinding after your travels.

Today, travel by bus across the world’s longest suspension bridge, the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge, linking the main island of Honshu to the more rural Shikoku region. Pause to admire the views over the Seto Inland Sea as you pass through Awaji Island before arriving in Tokushima. The city is famous for its Awa Odori dance festival, a lively spectacle of movement and music. Take the evening to explore the riverside area or sample a bowl of Tokushima’s famed ramen.

Immerse yourself in Tokushima’s rich traditions with a visit to a Bunraku puppet theatre, where skilled performers bring life to intricate wooden puppets through a time-honored storytelling art. Later, consider a scenic hike up Mount Bizan for panoramic views of the city and coastline. Alternatively, a visit to the Awa Odori Kaikan provides an interactive insight into Tokushima’s famous dance festival, allowing you to try the steps yourself.

Board a scenic coastal train to Takamatsu, a charming port city known for its spectacular gardens. The highlight is Ritsurin-Koen, one of Japan’s most celebrated landscaped gardens, meticulously designed over centuries. Take a leisurely stroll past tranquil ponds, sculpted pines, and historic teahouses. For dinner, explore Takamatsu’s vibrant dining scene—perhaps trying Sanuki udon, the region’s specialty noodle dish.

Today, take a short ferry ride to Naoshima Island, an internationally renowned art destination. Explore the island’s world-class museums, including the Chichu Art Museum, which houses works by Monet, James Turrell, and Walter De Maria, harmoniously integrated into the landscape. Discover modern installations scattered across the island, including Yayoi Kusama’s iconic pumpkin sculptures. If time allows, venture to nearby Teshima or Inujima, two smaller islands with equally fascinating art projects.

Pick up your rental car and set off on a scenic drive into the rugged Iya Valley, a hidden gem known for its dramatic gorges, vine bridges, and untouched beauty. The advanced GPS system in your car makes navigation effortless. Spend the afternoon exploring at your own pace—crossing the ancient Kazurabashi vine bridge, taking in panoramic mountain views, or simply embracing the tranquility of rural Japan. Your traditional onsen hotel provides the perfect retreat for the evening.

Start your morning with an exhilarating white-water rafting experience in the stunning Oboke Gorge. Suitable for beginners and families, the course offers the perfect balance of adventure and scenery, as you navigate crystal-clear rapids through towering cliffs. Afterwards, take time to explore the gorge’s winding walking trails or visit the local yokai (Japanese folklore spirit) museum before returning to your relaxing onsen hotel for a well-earned soak in the hot springs.

After breakfast, drive towards Kannonji, where you will drop off your hire car before boarding a train west to Matsuyama, Shikoku’s largest city and home to Japan’s oldest hot spring resort, Dogo Onsen. Matsuyama’s atmosphere is noticeably different from the east of Shikoku, with a more relaxed, castle-town ambiance. Spend your evening exploring the city’s charming alleyways or soaking in the famous onsen waters.

Today, delve into Matsuyama’s rich history. Visit Matsuyama Castle, one of Japan’s most well-preserved feudal castles, offering sweeping views over the Seto Inland Sea. Explore the surrounding gardens before heading to Dogo Onsen, said to be Japan’s oldest and most historic hot spring. The grand bathhouse here is said to have inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away. Take the afternoon at your own pace, soaking in the atmosphere of this timeless city.

Board a train across Shikoku towards Okayama, where you can visit the stunning Korakuen Garden, another of Japan’s top three landscape gardens. Stroll through its meticulously designed ponds and bridges before continuing east to Tokyo. Arriving in the capital, you have an evening at leisure—whether you wish to explore the vibrant nightlife of Shinjuku, dine on exquisite sushi, or take a quiet evening stroll through the illuminated streets.

Enjoy a final morning in Tokyo before taking a shared transfer to the airport. Your return flight will bring you home the same day, but the memories of Japan’s breathtaking landscapes, rich traditions, and immersive cultural experiences will stay with you forever.