Shikoku Adventure

Osaka

Today your airport pick up will meet you at Kansai International Airport (assuming your flight arrives after 8:00am and before 21:30) and taken to your hotel in Osaka by public transportation. They will give you an orientation, hand you your transportation tickets, check you into your hotel, and answer any of your questions. The train from Kansai Airport to Namba Station in Osaka will take about 45 minutes. You will be on your own for dinner but your airport pick up will make a few suggestions.

Kurashiki

Finish your exploration of Osaka before heading to nearby Kurashiki. After stopping by your ryokan, you can explore the nearby historic district, willow-lined canal area with storehouses preserved since the Edo Period (1600-1868), before returning to your lodging for some fine Japanese cuisine and a relaxing bath.

Takamatsu

Upon leaving Kurashiki, you will cross the Seto-Ohashi bridge, which was built in the late 1970s and 1980s in order to connect the main island of Honshu with Shikoku. It is one of the world’s longest bridges at 13.1 kilometers (8.14 miles). After crossing into Shikoku and checking in to your city center hotel in the seaside city of Takamatsu, you will head to the nearby town of Kotohira. Here you will have the chance to see Konpirasan (also known as Kotohira-gu), a popular Shinto Shrine located atop a huge staircase. Afterwards, you can see Kanamaruza, one of the oldest remaining Kabuki theaters in Japan (Kabuki is a traditional form of theater with elaborate costumes, stage devices and music). Afterwards, you can return to Takamatsu and sample the local specialty food, Sanuki Udon, which is a thick, wheat-based noodle dish served in a clear broth.

In the morning you will leave Takamatsu city and head for a part of Japan that few have seen. This unspoiled area is so remote that during the Edo Period (1603 to 1868) criminals would come her to hide from the law. You will spend 2 nights in a ryokan (Japanese inn) where you will be served dinner and breakfast. This is a great time to relax and connect to the quieter side of Japan.

Iya Valley

Today you explore the remote valley and enjoy the vine bridges that span the gorge.

Dogo Onsen

You will stay in the Dogo Onsen (Dogo Hot Spring) area today, one of the oldest hot spring areas in Japan, located in the heart of Matsuyama City. The location is convenient if you are interested in shopping for traditional crafts or souvenirs in the nearby Dogo Shopping Arcade. But before you begin shopping, you will head to Ishiteji temple, an impressive temple that is number 51 of the “88 Temple Pilgrimage”, the most famous religious pilgrimage route in Japan that circles around the entire island of Shikoku. The “Niomon” gate is at this temple is a national treasure, its three story pagoda and main hall are designated important cultural properties, and the architecture is in the style of the Kamakura Period (1192-1333).

Osaka

Today your return to Osaka for your final night in Japan.

Today will be your last day in Japan and your last chance for sightseeing and shopping. Please make sure you arrive at Kansai Airport or Itami Airport at least 2 hours before your scheduled flight. Your tour personalized organizer will have exact directions to the airport.