Shikoku: The Heart of Southern Japan
- A Secret Retreats journey -All our itineraries have generally been constructed on the basis of the rooms that have the most charm or best view, and not necessarily the first prices, nor the most expensive suites.
We can of course adjust according to your request.
We can of course adjust according to your request.
Highlights of the Journey:
- Awaji Island
- Ritsurin Garden
- Ozu Castle and Samurai Residences
- Iya Valley and vine bridges
Journey through the heart of Shikoku, Japan’s enchanting island of natural wonders and rich cultural traditions. This meticulously crafted itinerary begins on the vibrant shores of Awaji Island before guiding you through a diverse landscape of art, history, and breathtaking scenery. From the whirlpools of the Naruto Strait and the ancient castles of Kochi to the remote, vine-bridge valleys of Iya and the soothing waters of Dogo Onsen, you will experience the very soul of this unique region. Prepare for an unforgettable adventure that seamlessly blends gourmet delights, artistic discovery, and serene natural beauty
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Your Journey Day by Day
from 6,000 USD /person for 13 Days/12 Nights
based on 2 people sharing the same room
Day 1 : Osaka - Awaji (-/-/-)
From Osaka, you will head out and catch a train or a taxi to your hotel in Awaji. Once you arrive in Awaji, check in at your hotel and put down your bags before exploring the island. On Awaji Island, you can enjoy nature, stroll through theme parks and flower fields, soak in hot springs, and dine on gourmet agricultural and seafood produce. Head to the all-Japanese anime park “Nijigen No Mori” that allows you to use your five senses and move your body to experience a "two-dimensional experience" that can only be found here. After the animation park, visit the Olive Garden Observatory, where you can have a lovely view of the sea from the olive garden, with Japan’s oldest “Olive Prototype” and playful sculptures by Isamu Noguchi. After the garden. You will have the day to yourself to do as you wish.
Day 2 : Awaji - Takamatsu (B/-/-)
After breakfast, check out and catch your taxi to Takamatsu. On the way, you can stop by a seaside promenade called "Uzu no Michi" where people who want to see the whirlpools of the Naruto Strait. You can also take a sightseeing boat that takes you right up to the whirlpools. After sighting the whirlpools, check out the Otsuka Museum of Art, where you can view over a thousand reproductions of famous works like the "Mona Lisa" & "The Last Supper." Afterwards, take a visit to the Otani Pottery Maker Tamura Pottery, where you can take a look at the local clay creations. After the visit, you will reach your hotel and have the rest of the day to do as you please.
Day 3 : Takamatsu (B/-/-)
Today you will have a full day to explore the city of Takamatsu after breakfast. Visit the Takamatsu Symbol Tower, a landmark with thirty floors, where you can enjoy the restaurant and observation deck from above. Then head to the Ritsurin Garden, well known in the seventeenth century for its traditional formal landscaping, ponds, bridges, the “Kikugetsutei” teahouse & a boat ride. After the beautiful gardens, head to Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum, the former studio of a Japanese-American sculptor, with outdoor displays of his carved stone artwork. Afterwards, visit Shikoku Village, the Shikokumura Museum, where you can view an outdoor architectural park showcasing historic buildings from the Edo to the Taishō periods. After this tour, you are free to roam as you please.
Day 4 : Takamatsu - Kotohira (B/-/-)
Wake up, have some breakfast, and check out to catch the train to Kotohira. Once you reach Kotohira, head to your stay to lay down your luggage and explore the town. Visit the Nogikan museum, where you can learn about the history of the Japanese Military. Kotohira is a charming town where you can enjoy history, culture, nature, and delicious cuisine. Visit Kotohira Shrine, enjoy nature, eat delicious food, and make wonderful memories in Kotohira. Kotohira Town is full of sights that boast a long history and wonderful culture. Take your time to stroll through the nostalgic shopping streets and alleys of the town.
Day 5 : Kotohira (B/-/-)
Enjoy your breakfast, then spend the rest of the day exploring the town of Kotohira. Pay a visit to the town’s shrine, a historic shrine with a history spanning more than 1,000 years. It is dedicated to the god of the sea and is famous for its long stone steps, with 785 steps from the entrance to the main shrine and a total of 1,368 steps to the inner shrine. See the Sayabashi Bridge that crosses the river in the middle of the prefecture.
Day 6 : Kotohira - Matsuyama (B/-/-)
Check out after having breakfast, then catch the train to Matsuyama. Once you have reached Matsuyama, head to your stay to drop off your luggage to get the chance to explore the city. You can pay homage to the Dogo Onsen, said to be the oldest hot spring in Japan, dating back over 3,000 years. You can take this chance to bathe in the hot spring. Afterwards, you can visit the Botchan Train Station to ride the steam train and watch the Botchan Karakuri clock tower. You can use the rest of the day to explore the city at your own pace.
Day 7 : Matsuyama (B/-/-)
Today, have your breakfast before going on a city tour of Matsuyama. First, take a visit to the Castle of Matsuyama, a picture-perfect castle surrounded by cherry blossoms and a mountain cable car with a 360 point view of the city. In the same area, you can visit the Bansuiso, a French-style manor built in 1922 for Count Hisamatsu, which is now used to enjoy as a gallery and study for architecture. After exploring these grounds, have the rest of the time to yourself.
Day 8 : Matsuyama - Ozu (B/-/-)
After your breakfast in the morning, check out to catch the train to Ozu. Once you reach Ozu, check in and leave your luggage at the hotel before exploring the city. Visit the Ozu Castle, which sits on the riverbank of the Hijikawa River. Follow the river down to visit the Garyu Sanso, a historical traditional household and garden for you to explore and enjoy. Visit the Bansenso, the former residence of the Matsui family. Another chance for you to explore a traditional house and view a beautiful traditional garden. After exploring gardens and houses, visit the Pokopen Yokocho Museum Alley, filled with shops and vendors with Japanese Showa period antiques. Ozu is also famous for Cormorant fishing, a traditional fishing technique home to Ozu. You can take the chance to watch the Ozu fishermen catch fish in the river. Afterwards, you can choose to explore further or return to your stay at your own pace.
Day 9 : Ozu - Kochi (B/-/-)
Check out after breakfast, there will be a car ready to take you to your next stay in Kochi. Kochi is the birthplace of many important figures in the political world who have promoted the transformation of Japan from the samurai era to modern times. Take your visit to Katsurahama Beach and park where you can enjoy the beach and ocean view. Afterwards, visit Tosa Inu Studio, where you can see traditional Tosa dogs that the samurai would use to battle alongside them during war. Then take the chance to visit Kochi Castle, a five-story castle filled with history exhibits, artifacts & a tower lookout. After the castle, take a wander around Hirome and enjoy the many restaurants, vendors, and souvenirs. After this tour, you may choose to retreat or explore further at your own pace.
Day 10 : Kochi (B/-/-)
After having breakfast, you will be taken on a tour of the city of Kochi. Start off with a visit to the Makino Tomitaro Memorial Museum. A museum dedicated to Makino Tomitaro’s work, who left behind an extraordinary and splendid work that is considered a pioneer in the classification of Japanese plants. Then head onwards to the Ryugado Cave, a beautifully lit cave with numerous passages with a small museum, and a bird park. To get some more views on animals, you will be able to visit the Noichi Zoo, which also has its own museum and is a perfect place for a picnic. After the zoo, drive up the Kasanokawa River to the Shirakidani International Museum of Contemporary Art, a unique museum with wonderful exhibitions and gardens. This will conclude your tour. You can choose to explore the city some more or relax at your stay for the rest of the evening.
Day 11 : Kochi - Iya (B/-/-)
Before being picked up to go to the Iya area, make sure to check out and have some breakfast. Iya is one of Japan's three most remote areas, and is home to Oboke, a scenic spot created over 200 million years by the Yoshino River, a first-class river. Whilst there, you can visit the Oboke Gorge is an 8-kilometer stretch of gigantic and oddly shaped rocks, and downstream is Koboke Gorge, with its fast-flowing, winding waters. Kazurabashi Bridge is one of Japan's three most unusual bridges, and is a suspension bridge made from woven vines of the Japanese vine. Tonight you will be staying at an open-air bath guest house that can be reached by private cable car.
Day 12 : Iya - Tokushima (B/-/-)
After your night’s stay in Iya, enjoy your breakfast and check out. Your next stay will be in Tokushima. Tokushima City is a water town where urban and natural areas coexist in harmony. It has a 400-year history as a castle town and is home to a unique culture of passionate Awa Odori dance and warm hospitality through the Shikoku Pilgrimage, which you will see by visiting the Awa dance hall and the Awa Jyurobei House. You will have the rest of the day to explore the city at your own pace.
Day 13 : Tokushima - Osaka - Home (B/-/-)
Wake up and enjoy your breakfast before checking out, taking the train from Tokushima to Osaka to catch your flight home.
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Your Accommodation on this Asia Travel Itinerary
Hotels Category Luxe from 8,250 USD per person (based on 2 people traveling together and sharing the same room)
Shikoku: The Heart of Southern Japan
13 Days/12 Nights
from 6,000 USD /person
based on 2 people sharing the same room
The total price includes:
All transfers between airport and hotel on first day and last day
Train between all destinations as per the program.
All accommodation as per program (based on double sharing room).
All meals as mentioned (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner).
All excursions and activities as detailed within the program.
A licensed English speaking guide for excursions (when indicated).
All entry fees for places visited within the program.
Government taxes as currently in force.
The total price does not include:
International flights to and from Osaka.
Visa to Japan (if applicable)
Extra activities and meals not mentioned in the program
Beverages, personal expenses and other services not clearly mentioned
Travel insurance (recommended)
This Journey was designed by Secret Retreats (TAT License 21/01327)
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