Serene & Scenic Shikoku! (fr. £1,342)

Kazura Bridge, Iya Valley

Although connected to mainland Japan by the Seto Bridge, mountainous Shikoku remains a mysterious travel destination for those seeking a holiday away from the crowds.  An island less-visited and often over-looked, Shikoku is renowned for its Samurai, Emperors, religion, legends and stories of old. There is plenty of beautiful and hidden scenery to be seen on this island, including the scenic Iya Valley and its Kazura Bridge; dating back to the 12th century. Samurai residences and farmhouses, mountains and onsen including one of Japan’s oldest onsen; Dogo, said to be around 3,000 years old, will give a sense of awe and wonder, and will reward travellers who venture to Shikoku. The following tour will give you a small insight into the history, culture and scenery of the island of ‘four countries’.

 

The tour starts off in Takamatsu, home to Ritsurin Garden, one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan, a folk craft museum and a famous castle which still maintains its original turrets dating from 1588.

 

 

From here, you will travel by train to the serene and misty mountainous forests of Iya and the Iya Valley. The recorded history of Iya dates back as far as the 9th century, and later, serving as a refuge for the Heike Samurai Clan. As a result, the area is steeped in history and the views of the sweeping valleys are breathtaking. Since long ago, it has been possible to walk across vine bridges that link both sides of the valley, transporting you back to an era of times past. Stay in traditional Japanese accommodation at a ryokan, nestled in the scenic valley of Iya. 

 

 

Take a train to the city of Kochi, home to a famous castle with its original keep still intact. Although the castle never came under attack, it has a fascinating construction which will be of great interest to those interested in history.

 

Travel out to the remote coastal area of Tosa-Kure where you can stay in traditional Japanese accommodation with private outdoor hot-springs. Here you can admire the view of the sea whilst tasting delicious local delicacies at the ryokan’s outdoor restaurant.

After a night of relaxation, travel on to Matsuyama where you can see the splendour of one of Japan’s finest surviving castle. Excellent displays in English make for a fascinating exploration. You may also want to take the chance to soak in a hot-spring at Dōgo Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest hot-springs and once used by members of the imperial family.

 

Day	Itinerary	Hotel
1	Arrive at Takamatsu Airport Transfer by airport bus to your hotel (pay locally) Stay for 2 nights	ANA Hotel Clement
2	Takamatsu Free to explore Takamatsu	As above
3	Takamatsu ® Iya Valley Travel independently by train (pay locally) to Oboke. Journey time approximately 1 hour, 40 minutes) Upon arrival, transfer by ryokan shuttle bus to your hotel. Stay for 2 nights	Hikyo no Yu (incl. dinner & breakfast)
4	Iya Valley Free to explore Iya Valley and/or Chiiori	As above
5	Iya Valley ® Kochi Transfer by ryokan shuttle bus to Oboke station. Travel independently by train to Kochi (pay locally). Journey time approximately 50 minutes. Transfer by taxi (pay locally) to your hotel Stay for 2 nights	Richmond Hotel
6	Kochi Free to explore Kochi	As above
7	Kochi ® Tosakure Travel independently by train to Tosakure Transfer by ryokan courtesy bus to your ryokan. Stay for 1 night	Kuroshio Honjin (incl. dinner & breakfast)
8	Tosakure ® Matsuyama Travel independently to Matsuyama (pay locally). Journey time approximately 5 hours. Stay for 2 nights	ANA Hotel, Matsuyama
9	Matsuyama Free to explore Matsuyama or visit nearby Dogo Onsen	As above
10	Matsuyama ® Tokyo Transfer by airport bus to Matsuyama Airport

 

 

Included in tour price:

 

 

• Airport Bus: Matsuyama ® Matsuyama Airport
• Standard class accommodation based on shared twin/double rooms as follows:
  • 6 nights in Western style hotels
  • 3 nights in traditional Japanese-style accommodation (with private bathroom)
• 3 breakfasts, 0 lunches and 3 dinners

 

 

* Based on twin-share. Single Supplement available please contact us. Extensions available.  Supplements may apply. Prices are subject to availability at the time of booking.  Direct bookings only.  Jaltour standard Terms and Conditions apply.