6-Day Highlights of Shikoku Nature Discovery Tour

Set off on a fun and exciting 6-day adventure through the picturesque island of Shikoku! Go beyond the mainstream tourist hot spots and see the island’s abundant natural wonders, from breathtakingly beautiful sandbars to vast rice paddies. Walk across the legendary Angel Road in Shodoshima Island, trek through Mount Tsurugi, enjoy a revitalizing traditional Japanese onsen, learn to make soba noodles and traditional washi paper from the masters as well as visit some popular Shikoku attractions including Iya Kazurabashi Bridge and Oboke Gorge.

Tour Highlights

• Discover Shikoku’s breathtaking wonders of nature in 6 days

• Get a glimpse into the fascinating Japanese culture and history

• Explore the beautiful Shodoshima Island

• Cross the incredible Kazurabashi Bridge

• Enjoy fun and exciting outdoor activities such as trekking through Mount Tsurugi

• Learn to make soba noodles and traditional washi paper 

• Sample exquisite regional specialities from Shikoku

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Takamatsu

Greet your driver at the designated pick up location, taking you to the hotel. Take time to freshen up before meeting your local guide for a short orientation. Then, enjoy the rest of the day at your own leisure. 

Day 2

Enjoy the Scenic Beauty of Shodoshima Island

Begin the day with a journey to the beautiful Shodoshima Island, one of the most popular destinations of Kagawa Prefecture. With plenty of charming attractions to offer, discover the island’s exquisite food culture, get an insight into its rich history, and marvel at its incredible spectrum of breathtaking landscapes. See the celebrated Kankakei Gorge, catch sight of several magnificent art pieces spread across the island, and discover some of the island’s traditional specialties such as soy sauce, somen noodles, and olives. 

Walk Along the Legendary Angel Road

Admire the spectacular natural sight and enjoy a romantic walk across the picturesque Angel Road with your significant other. Climb up the Hill of Promises, ring the bell of love, and declare your love to the world as well as enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea. A popular spot for couples where romance is destined to come true, legend says that if you walk across Angel Road hand-in-hand with your partner, eternal love is said to be yours. Feel free to write your wishes on a wooden ema (votive tablet) and hang it on an islet tree. 

Day 3

Learn to Make Traditional Soba Noodles

Take part in a fun soba-making experience at a unique hands-on workshop and learn about the process of making soba noodles, from kneading, rolling, to boiling the noodles. One of the specialties of Shikoku, this refined soba buckwheat noodles has been made using the same techniques that have been handed down through generations.

Enjoy a Traditional Japanese Paper-Making Experience

Continue to Awagami Factory, tucked away in the mountains and rivers that provide water for the traditional Awa Washi paper-making process. Tour around Awagami Factory, get an insight into the traditional washi paper making process, and learn how they are bringing the process into modern society.  

Marvel at the Incredible Scenic Views from Mount Tsurugi

Journey to the peak of the second tallest mountain in Shikoku, Mount Tsurugi. One of the 100 sacred mountains of the Shugendo Japanese Folk Religion, leisurely hike your way through the hiking trail and enjoy the lush, natural scenery along the way. You may opt to take the relaxing chairlift up the summit. At the top, admire the breathtaking panoramic views of Seto Inland Sea, Cape Ashizuri, and Wakayama. 

Experience the Ultimate Traditional Japanese Onsen

Take time to rejuvenate after an exhausting day at a traditional Japanese onsen and take a dip in a mineral-rich, revitalizing traditional hot spring. An exceptional and relaxing way to experience traditional Japanese luxury.

Day 4

Walk Across the Incredible Kazurabashi Bridge

Travel back in time as you cross the traditional Kazurabashi Bridge, made from wood and rope-like vines, and experience the rough side of ancient Japan! Learn the significance of the vine bridges for the people in the remote and mountainous Iya Valley and hear different stories related to the origin of the historic vine bridges.

Experience the Mesmerizing Oboke and Koboke Gorges

See the captivating Oboke and Koboke Gorges situated near the edge of the Iya Valley in the mountains of Tokushima. Board on the Oboke Sightseeing Boat Cruise, enjoy a cruise on the serene Yoshino River through the Oboke Gorge, check out a few fascinating rock formations, and appreciate the breathtaking natural landscapes. 

Day 5

Experience the Thrilling Rapids of the Yoshino (Optional)

Get your adrenaline pumping on a fun and exciting rafting adventure down the Yoshino River. Navigate the wild rapids, swim the refreshing clear waters,  and experience Japan’s most exciting and challenging rapids. 

Walk through the Scenic Kurozo Marshlands (Optional)

Head into the stunning Kurozo Marshland, one of the most beautiful parts of the Iya Valley. Make your way through the boardwalk leading to the Tabinoshiri Waterfall. You will also get to discover some woodland trails, an observation tower as well as bird-watching opportunities. If you want to go a little further, you can reach an onsen where you can unwind in a hot spring after your hike. 

See the Legendary Hashikura Temple

Take time to visit the picturesque Hashikura Temple, the head temple of the Shingon Omuro Buddhist Sect. Immerse yourself into the mysterious atmosphere of the temple complex, admire its distinct architecture featuring ornate wood carvings, and hear interesting legends associated with the beautiful mountaintop temple.

Day 6

Depart from Takamatsu

Take a convenient transport to Takamatsu Airport or Station for your onward journey.

Inclusions

• Airport Transfers

• 5 Nights Accommodation in High International Standard Hotel 

• Breakfast (5)

• Dinner (2)

• English-Speaking Local Guide

• Transportation as Per Itinerary

• Admission Fees and Activities as Per Itinerary

Exclusions

• Local and International Flights to and from Shikoku

• Local Hotel Tax

• Oboke Short Rafting Tour (Optional Activity)

• Kurozo Marshlands (Optional Activity)

• Trekking Permits

• Meals Not Mentioned

• Drinks

• Visas

• Travel Insurance

• Personal Expenses

• Gratuities (Optional)

Additional Information

• The tour operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.

• Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level.

• A moderate amount of walking is involved; Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

• Arrival time at each location may vary depending on the season and the day of the week due to traffic conditions.

• If there is insufficient time for all attractions on the itinerary, the tour guide will adjust the length of time spent at other attractions. 

• Delays, shortening of the tours, or omissions to the itinerary due to traffic, weather, or other unforeseen circumstances are not subject to refund.

• Itinerary is subject to change and the attractions may be closed due to traffic, weather, and force majeure. An alternative itinerary may also be omitted depending on road conditions.

• Please note that on days in which no activities are planned, you are free to explore at your leisure; all activities and purchases will be at your own expense. You will have your tour guide's mobile number in case of emergency.