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Home > Japan > 6 DAYS SHIKOKU RESPLENDENCE

6 DAYS SHIKOKU RESPLENDENCE

Takamatsu, Naoshima, Iya Valley & Kotohira

History & Culture, Off the Beaten

Highlights

  • Explore the lesser-known Iya Valley situated deep in the heart of Shikoku
  • Stay at an open-air onsen bath hidden on the top of a mountain
  • Finest contemporary arts in Naoshima Island, including Yayoi Kusama’s pumpkin sculpture
  • Japanese-styled breakfast at the historically famous Ritsurin Garden

Surrounded by the tranquil Seto Inland Sea and the dynamic Pacific Ocean, Shikoku is Japan’s finest hidden gem of seas, mountains, rivers, delicious foods, traditional culture and a long, fascinating history.

Covering both the Kagawa and Tokushima Prefectures, we will visit the Naoshima island where nature and contemporary art coexists before heading off-the-grid into the Iya Valley. Cut off with the inner mountains, its remoteness gives way to fantastic hiking and authentic rural culture not commonly found in modern Japan.

From

HKD 24,980 Per Person

6 Days 5 Nights
Suitable for Family

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 01 Arrival in Takamatsu

Takamatsu
Nil

Arriving in Takamatsu, we will transfer to Takamatsu City. Your tour starts at Takamatsu Castle, built along a waterfront drawn directly from the sea. Continue to Yashima-ji Temple, part of the Shikoku 88 Temples pilgrimage. Head to Yashima Observatory for a panoramic view of nearby islands and Takamatsu City.

Day 02 Takamatsu / Naoshima / Takamatsu

Takamatsu
Breakfast included

Rise early for a Japanese-styled breakfast at the historical Ritsurin Garden. Thereafter, board a 1-hour ferry to Naoshima Island, renowned for its contemporary art exhibits. Our first stop will be Naoshima Pavillion and Museum of Chichu Art (closed Mon) which is a unique rethinking of the man-nature relationship. Visit Benesse Art Site, Museum of Benesse House and move forward to the Eastern coast to visit Museum of Art House Project Ando (closed Mon), an art project underway in Naoshima’s Honmura district. At the pier end you will see the iconic Pumpkin Sculptures by Yayoi Kusama before boarding your ferry back.

Day 03 Takamatsu / Mt. Tsurugi / Ochiai

Iya Village
Breakfast included, Dinner at Hotel

Depart 45km or about 1 hour to Udatsu old street with its authentic rural Japanese vibe. Ride a further 50km or about 1½ hours to Minokoshi station to board a relaxing chairlift followed by a 30-minute hike to the peak of Mount Tsurugi. You will also encounter Otsurugi Shrine for a sip of holy sake and a quaff from the clear mountain spring. Drive 25km or about ½ hour to Ochiai which preserves ancient 200-year-old houses.

Trekking Distance & Altitude: 17km or approx. 1-2hours (2,999m)

Day 04 Ochiai / Iya Valley

Iya Valley
Breakfast & Dinner included

Spend a day in the forest bathing in the dynamic natural scenery. Board a 1-hour monorail weaving through 4.6km of the wild forest. Further into the remote area, come face-to-face with the Wild Monkey Bridge suspended on a rope over the river. Head towards the top of Iya Valley to Mannken Pis Statue seated at 200m high above, on top of the protruding rock cliff with magnificent landscape.

Day 05 Iya Valley / Kanonji

Kanonji
Breakfast included (Dinner is also included at Kotosankaku Hotel)

This morning, follow the path from Biwa Waterfall into Kazurabashi Vine Bridge crossing, with a thrilling view of 14m gap from the water. Ride a Yoshino River boat cruise in Oboke Gorge accompanied with peculiar rocks formed from ancient seismic activities. Next, we drive 38km or about 1hour to visit the 145m long and 30m high Honen-ike Dam. Constructed in 1930, it still provides irrigation to farms today. Conclude the day with a visit to the “sky mirror” of Chichibugahama Beach.

Day 06 Kanonji / Kotohira / Departure from Takamatsu

Nil
Breakfast included

Head to Kotohira Omote-sando street to explore local shops with cultural activities such as udon-making and Japanese wine-tasting before heading to the former Konpira Theater, the oldest theatre in Japan with front and backstage access. Pay respect at Kotohira-gu Shrine, dedicated to the gods of agriculture and marine safety. Marvel at the wonderful ceiling paintings before driving 35km or around 1hour to Takamatsu Airport.

Hotels & Tour Price

Category 1

Indicative Cost Per Person (HKD) / Low Season (Jan-Feb, Jun-Oct) / High Season (Mar-May, Nov-Dec)

Minimum 2 Pax
Low Season: HK$37,980
High Season: HK$39,980
Minimum 4 Pax
Low Season: HK$24,980
High Season: HK$26,980
Single Supplement
Low Season: HK$4,280
High Season: HK$4,580

JR Hotel Clement Takamatsu • Tougenkyo Village Ochiai • Hotel Iyaonsen • Kotosankaku Onsen Hotel Kanonji

Takamatsu

Takamatsu

JR Hotel Clement Takamatsu (Standard)

Situated in Takamatsu, JR Hotel Clement Takamatsu is the perfect place to experience Kagawa and its surroundings.
(Opened: 2001; Rooms: 300)

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Ochiai

Ochiai

Tougenkyo Village (Standard Villa)

A thatched folk house on the less-explored Iya region designed to recreate the ancient vibe while basking in modern facilities such as a kitchenette, modern bathrooms, spacious living room and a futon bedding. (Refurbished: 2014; Rooms: 8)

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Iya Valley

Iya Valley

Hotel Iyaonsen (Standard)

Well-positioned in Miyoshi, this onsen is the ideal point of departure for your excursions in Tokushima. A cable car will take guests to the open-air bath at the bottom of the valley. The open-air baths, one for men and one for women, is constructed to protrude along the Iya river.
(Refurbished: 2000; Rooms: 20)

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Kanonji

Kanonji

Kotosankaku Onsen Hotel

Set in Kotohira, this 4-star hotel commands an excellent location with access to the city's biggest attractions. (Refurbished: 2001; Rooms: 225)

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Category 2

Indicative Cost Per Person (HKD) / Low Season (Jan-Feb, Jun-Oct) / High Season (Mar-May, Nov-Dec)

Minimum 2 Pax
Low Season: HK$41,980
High Season: HK$43,980
Minimum 4 Pax
Low Season: HK$27,980
High Season: HK$29,980
Single Supplement
Low Season: HK$6,150
High Season: HK$6,550

The Chelsea Breath Takamatsu • Tougenkyo Village Ochiai • Hotel Iyaonsen • Hiuchi Mitoyo Kanonji

Takamatsu

Takamatsu

The Chelsea Breath (Superior)

A gentle hilltop accommodation where you can feel the breeze and the water.
(Opened: 2019; Rooms: 33)

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Ochiai

Ochiai

Tougenkyo Village (Deluxe Villa)

A thatched folk house on the less-explored Iya region designed to recreate the ancient vibe while basking in modern facilities such as a kitchenette, modern bathrooms, spacious living room and a futon bedding. (Refurbished: 2014; Rooms: 8)

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Iya Valley

Iya Valley

Hotel Iyaonsen (Japanese Room with Open-Air Bath)

Well-positioned in Miyoshi, this onsen is the ideal point of departure for your excursions in Tokushima. A cable car will take guests to the open-air bath at the bottom of the valley. The open-air baths, one for men and one for women, is constructed to protrude along the Iya river.
(Refurbished: 2000; Rooms: 20)

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Kanonji

Kanonji

Hiuchi Mitoyo (Chartered House)

Set in Mitoyo, Hiuchi offers air-conditioned accommodation with a patio and free WiFi. This holiday home features a private pool, a garden and free private parking.
(Opened: 2015; Rooms: 1)

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OPTIONAL EXCLUSIONS

Throughout English-speaking guide

Throughout English-speaking guide

Indicative Cost Per Person (HKD)

Minimum 2 Pax HK$8,300
Minimum 4 Pax HK$4,150

COST INCLUDES:

  • Accommodation on twin sharing basis in hotel as stated on bed & breakfast basis
  • All transportation & transfer on an air-conditioned minivan
  • Shared shuttle bus on Naoshima Island
  • English-speaking driver
  • All entrance fees in sights stated

COST EXCLUDES:

  • International Airfare
  • Lunches & dinners
  • Beverages in restaurants where meals are included
  • Gratuities
  • Personal expenses e.g. telephone bill & laundry
  • Visa
  • Travel insurance

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