10-Day Experience Shikoku Heritage Discovery Tour

Set off on a fun and exciting 10-day adventure through the picturesque island of Shikoku! Go beyond the typical tourist spots and see the island’s scenic natural wonders. Shikoku, the smallest of Japan’s main islands, is brimming with hidden treasures that are just waiting to be discovered. Enjoy the fascinating cultural heritage of the island while you visit notable sites from major tourist attractions to the well-kept secrets tucked away in the highlands. Start in Naoshima, the renowned art island in Japan where Yayoi Kusama's works are on display. The journey then continues to the remote Iya Valley before visiting Kochi to try some scrumptious local delicacies. You will also spend some time lounging in onsens and exploring serene, breathtaking nature paths to experience the scenic beauty and tranquility of Shikoku!

Tour Highlights

• Discover Shikoku’s breathtaking wonders and well-kept secrets in 10 days

• Explore the fascinating Naoshima Island and learn to appreciate the finest works of renowned artists

• Learn to make soba noodles and traditional washi paper 

• Walk across the incredible Kazurabashi Bridge

• Get your adrenaline pumping on a thrilling canyoning adventure down the Nametoko Gorge

• Visit Shikoku’s remarkable tourist sites such as Kochi Castle, Ochiai Village, Shimanto River, Matsuyama Castle, and Naruto Whirlpools

• Savor exquisite flavors of Shikoku’s local specialties

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

Explore the Lovely Naoshima Island

Start the day off with a relaxing getaway to Japan's famed art island in the Seto Inland Sea, the lovely Naoshima Island. Known for its outdoor sculptures, modern architecture, and museums of contemporary art, explore one of the world’s most unique destinations while enjoying the sea breeze and laid back atmosphere. Take in the sea breeze and laid back atmosphere while you explore one of the world’s most unique destinations. Spot the famous Naoshima Pavilion, look out for the iconic Red Pumpkin and Yellow Pumpkin artworks by the renowned Yayoi Kusama, explore the incredible Ando Museum to gain insight into Tadao Ando's finest works, taking a contemporary approach to the traditional architecture, check out the incredible collection of works of art at the Chichu Art Museum, including some of the artworks by Claude Monet, James Turrell, and Walter De Maria, and visit the impressive Benesse House Museum showcasing a beautiful integration between nature, art, and architecture. 

Day 3

Learn to Make Traditional Soba Noodles

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

Enjoy a Traditional Japanese Paper-Making Experience

Continue to the Awagami Factory, tucked away in the mountains and rivers that supply water for the traditional Awa Washi paper-making process. Learn about the traditional washi paper making process as you take a tour of the Awagami Factory and discover how they are taking the process into contemporary culture.

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 4

Explore the Popular Kure Taisho Town Market

Start the day with a scrumptious feast at the local’s beloved Kura Taisho Town Market. Take a stroll through the quaint alley lined with shops decorated with colorful fishermen’s flags indicating a successful catch and immerse yourself into the bustling atmosphere while checking out the abundant selection of freshly caught seafood, local produce and homemade side dishes and interacting with the locals. Do not miss the chance to try the popular local specialty called Kuredon, a bowl of rice topped with fresh seafood of your choice.

Walk Across the Impressive Kazurabashi Bridge

Travel back in time as you walk across the traditional Kazurabashi Bridge, made from wood and rope-like vines, and experience the rugged side of Japan! Get an insight into the significance of the vine bridges for the people in the remote and mountainous Iya Valley, learn how wisteria vines were traditionally weaved together, and hear different stories related to the origin of the vine bridges.

Explore the Historic Ochiai Village

Take a walk up to the Ochiai View Tower for an incredible view over the beautiful Ochiai Village, one of the most scenic mountainside villages of Iya. Check out the restored traditional thatched roof houses around the village and learn about its unique system of sustainable farming. 

Day 5

Walk Around the Bustling Hirome Market

Take in the vibrant scenes and lively atmosphere of the popular Hirome Market. Best known dining destination in Kochi, Hirome Market offers an incredible selection of freshly caught seafood and local produce. You can browse the local shops selling trinkets, apparel, and accessories as well as the food stalls serving delectable dishes like takoyaki, nori tempura, and katsuo no tataki (skipjack tuna). Make sure to try Imokenpi, a well-known traditional snack from Kochi. Definitely a genuine local experience!

See the Historic Kochi Castle

Visit Kochi Castle, one of the few castles to have survived the post-feudal era's fires, wars, and other calamities. One of the designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan, discover the distinct features of Kochi Castle and its historical treasures. 

Appreciate the Scenic Beauty of Katsurahama Beach

Take a trip to Katsurahama Beach on the lovely Tosa Bay. Enjoy the stunning pine trees, the crescent-shaped beach, and the pristine waters as you walk along the Katsurahama Beach. Learn more about the important role Sakamoto Ryoma played in Japan’s history as you visit the Ryoma Sakamoto Memorial Museum, which features a sizable bronze statue of Sakamoto Ryoma. 

Day 6

Appreciate the Scenic Beauty of Shimanto River

Journey to the quaint town of Tsuno to unravel one of Japan’s best kept secrets, Shimanto River. One of the longest rivers in Shikoku, Shimanto River is also known as the last free-flowing crystal clear river in Japan. Spot the intriguing chinkabashi bridges along the river, be amazed at how locals live in harmony with nature, and enjoy the breathtaking panoramas.

Experience the Thrilling Canyons of Nametoko Gorge

Get your adrenaline pumping on a fun and exciting canyoning adventure down the Nametoko Gorge. One of the best canyoning spots in Japan, enjoy the slides and uninterrupted smooth rocks of granite as you navigate the canyon, slide down natural scenic chutes, jump into the majestic Yukiwa Falls, and descend the renowned Nametoko Gorge by rope. 

See the Remarkable Uwajima Castle

Begin the day with a visit to the historic Uwajima Castle, one of the originally surviving castles in Japan. Situated inside a peculiar pentagon-shaped land area, admire the massive stone walls as you make your way through the steep flights of stone steps, enjoy the impressive wooden interiors of the castle along with amazing views of Uwajima City and Uwajima Bay, and get to know the history behind the construction of the castle. 

Day 7

Journey to Matsuyama

Start the day with a scenic journey to Matsuyama after breakfast. The capital city of Ehime Prefecture, Matsuyama has everything whether you appreciate Japanese history, Japanese environment, or Japanese art. The city is relatively simple to go around in and explore.

See the Enchanting Nakatsu Gorge

Drop by the beautiful Niyodo River, one of the three major rivers of Shikoku, and marvel at its unbelievably pristine, crystal clear waters while hiking your way through the beautiful Nakatsu Gorge. You may opt to take the longer trails through Nakatsu Gorge leading to Nikobuchi Waterfall, which is accessible via rope and handrail. Then, continue your journey to Matsuyama and spend the rest of the day at your leisure.

Day 8

See the Historic Matsuyama Castle

Travel back in time as you visit the remarkable Matsuyama Castle, one of the few original surviving castles in Japan. A designated Important Cultural Property, marvel at the castle's distinctive features that showcase the distinctive architectural aspects of the Momoyama era and hear the intriguing tales associated with the consequential castle.

Marvel at the Spectacular Ishiteji Temple

Continue with a trip to the beautiful Ishiteji Temple, the 51st Temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage. With several of its structures having been designated as National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties, learn about the historic and religious significance of Ishiteji Temple. Explore the legendary temple and learn more about its association to the foundational legend of the Shikoku Pilgrimage. 

Experience the Ultimate Traditional Japanese Ryokan

Head to Dogo, a historic area of Matsuyama known for the oldest onsen in Japan. Spend some time relaxing after an exhausting day in a traditional Japanese ryokan, take a dip in a mineral-rich, revitalizing traditional Japanese onsen, and indulge in an authentic, multi-course Japanese Kaiseki dinner. An exceptional and unforgettable way to experience traditional Japanese luxury.

Day 9

See the Mesmerizing Naruto Whirlpools

Make your way back to Takamatsu and take a trip to the stunning coastal city of Naruto. Best known for its natural whirlpools in the Naruto Strait, take a closer look at the world-class Naruto Whirlpools on board a Whirlpool Sightseeing Boat. Continue to Onaruto Bridge, one of the largest bridges in the world, and head to the Uzunomichi Walkway to observe the fascinating swirls of the Naruto Whirlpools, offering an incredible view through glass viewing panels.

Visit the Magnificent Otsuka Museum of Art

Take time to visit the wonderful Otsuka Museum of Art. Home to the largest exhibition space in Japan, see the impressive full-size ceramic reproductions of works of arts including the Sistine Chapel, Scrovegni Chapel, and Guernica. 

Explore the Bustling Takamatsu Shopping Arcade

Immerse yourself into the vibrant scenes and lively atmosphere of the popular Takamatsu Shopping Arcade, a long, covered shopping arcade stretching from Takamatsu Castle to Ritsurin Garden. Takamatsu Shopping Arcade is deemed as the longest shopping arcade network in Japan. Do some last-minute shopping and explore the shopping arcade brimming with a variety of shops, restaurants, and department stores suitable for a wide range of budgets. 

Day 10

Depart from Takamatsu

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

Inclusions

• Airport Transfers

• 9 Nights Accommodation in High International Standard Hotel 

• Breakfast (9)

• Dinner (3)

• 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

• 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.