6 DAYS SHIKOKU RESPLENDENCE

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.

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.

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)

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.

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.

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.