Shikoku Island

Daily details in brief

Days 1-4 Osaka / Takamatsu / Tokushima

Journeying by train from Osaka to Shikoku Island, you stroll the garden paths and hills of charming Ritsurin Koen, an Edo-era (1615-1868) reserve for the ruling Matsudaira family. You climb the 1386 steps to Kompira-san, a mountain-top shrine to the Sea God and one of Shinto’s major places of pilgrimage. In Tokushima, you learn about the local otani-yaki pottery and the special indigo dyeing done here, and visit Ryozenji, temple number one on Shikoku’s ancient pilgrimage circuit and a vision of elegant gardens and picturesque pagodas. Days 5-7 Iya Valley / Kochi In the Iya Valley, tall peaks and deep gorges made a safe haven for the Heike clan after its defeat by the rival Genji clan during civil wars in the 12th century. Today, Iya’s mountainsides are dotted with tiny rural hamlets that preserve their traditional ways. You explore this hidden region, including a visit to Kochi Castle, and stroll a Sunday morning outdoor market that has been held for the past 300 years. Days 8-13 Shimanto River / Cape Ashizuri / Miyajima Island You boat along the wild Shimanto River then discover the lush beauty of Cape Ashizuri, where camellias and tropical plants flourish. After exploring the 16th century fortress of Tsurushima-jo, you head to your onsen (hot springs) hotel in Matsuyama. You ferry across the islet-studded Seto Sea for a grand finale at Miyajima, a divine island of ancient legends where the venerable shrine of Itsukushima-jinja, with its vermilion torii gate, rises out of the sea. Depart via Osaka on Day 13.