At a Glance
Route: Shikoku Island - Takamatsu - 88 Pilgrimage Trail - Iya Valley - Kochi - Tokushima
The undeveloped scenery, awe inspiring scale, depth of history and world-class cuisine of Japan await on this spectacular 8-day luxury journey around Shikoku. Venture to Japan's last frontier, walk the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage Trail, stroll in one of Japan's most beautiful feudal lord gardens, cross suspended vine bridges in the picturesque Iya Valley, and discover the south coast of Shikoku and Naruto Strait. Benefit from the expertise of a professional English-speaking Japanese guide and private transfers throughout the journey. You'll just relax and enjoy some of the most beautiful hikes as well as overnight stays with the finest accommodation along the route, offering delicious regional cuisine and natural hot springs.
Synonymous with the natural beauty and ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- Experience Japanese traditional Tea Ceremony at Ritsurin Garden
- Enjoy delicious regional cuisine. 6x breakfasts, 6x lunches, 6x dinners
- All private transportations required during the trip
- 7 nights picked premium accommodation (4 & 5 star or Japanese inns/ryokans) mixed with Japanese and Western styles on a twin share basis (single supplement available at addition expense)
- All luggage transfers during the trip. Maximum 1 suitecase per person. Extra luggage can be transferred at additional cost.
- English guiding throughout the trip
- All entry fees and park fees
Itinerary
Arrive at Tokushima airport at your own arrangement. Upon arrival at the airport, our representative will be waiting to transfer you to Ritsurin Garden in the city of Takamatsu. Ritsurin Garden is one of the designated Special Places of Scenic Beauty in Japan. It is a 75-hectare property set against Mt. Shiun that features thirteen man-made hills, six ponds, oriental bridges, and a wide variety of trees and flowers such as the Crane and Turtle Pine Tree, the Evergreen Oak Tree, irises, and azaleas. The park was originally built in the 1620s to serve as a private garden for the then leaders of Kagawa prefecture, the Ikoma Family, and after more than a century, the garden was completed and became the villa of the succeeding Matsudaira family. After the restoration of the Meiji era, it was opened to the public and has since become one of the favourites for both local and foreign tourists. Take a break and have an afternoon tea at Kikugetsu-tei, a teahouse set right in the middle of the park. Spend some time enjoying a cup of green tea and admiring of Nan-ko pond. Then look at the garden in a different perspective by riding a small boat that goes around the garden's main spot. Drop off at the hotel JR Hotel Clement Takamatsu in the late afternoon. Your hotel commands a view of Takamatsu city, the islands of the Seto Inland Sea and the changing, seasonal beauty of the nature around the ruins of Takamatsu castle (Tamamo park). To visit the islands in the Seto Inland Sea, you can easily board a ship at nearby Takamatsu port, only 5 minutes walk from our hotel. For extended itinerary to visit Naoshima, the Art Island, and Shodoshima Island, mentioned in the famous novel ''Nijushi No Hitomi’’, please contact us to customise your itinerary. Room Style: Western Style Bed Type: Double/Twin shared Bath: Ensuite bath Toilet: Ensuite Western style |
Private guided walk: Temple 82 Negoro-ji, Temple 81 Shiromine-ji and finally Temple 80 Kokubun-ji, approx. 13.5 km After your breakfast and viewing the islands of the Seto Inland Sea, experience the special pilgrimage atmosphere on the Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail with your pilgrimage guide between three of the more popular Shikoku 88 Temples. Walk through lovely scenery and visit a fine collection of temples - Temple 82 Negoro-ji, and Temple 81 Shiromine-ji. Temple 80 Kokubun-ji Temple 81 Shiromine-ji Temple 82 Negoro-ji After the walk, you will be dropped off at the hotel in Kagawa. Enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine featuring carefully selected seasonal ingredients. Kotohira Onsen Kotosankaku is located at the foot of Konbira Mountain, offering elegant relaxation and traditional Japanese hospitality. The hotel features a large communal bath with 6 types of bathtubs. WiFi is available in guest rooms. Room Style: Japanese Style Bed Type: Futon Bath: Ensuite bath Toilet: Ensuite Western style |
Guided walking: approx. 8 - 10 km After breakfast, you will be transferred to the picturesque secluded Iya Valley. Iya Valley is one of Japan's Three Hidden Valleys located deep in the mountains on rural Shikoku Island. It is particularly famous for its vine bridges, stunning scenery, and exciting white water rafting. Historically the Iya Valley has been a difficult place to enter, and has long served as a refuge for members of the defeated Taira Clan, also known as Heike; who escaped to the region toward the end of the 12th century after losing the Gempei War between 1180 -1185. Their descendants can still be found around the tiny mountain villages that dot the region. The Iya Valley was eventually "rediscovered" and promoted by Alex Kerr, author of "Lost Japan", who fell in love with the area after a visit. Your local guide will guide you, exploring some of the iconic places on foot, and revealing the stories of Iya Valley. Firstly, visit Manikin Peeing Boy Statue. At the edge of this dizzying, 200 meter high cliff stands the statue of a boy posing as if he were peeing off the ledge down to the valley below. Then follow the valley's original road of Rt 32 northward into Iyakei to enjoy the gorge's magnificent view points, and visit the impressive "Hi-no-Ji" Bend. Continue the great walk to Iya-no-Kazura Bashi Bridge. In the past, 13 suspension bridges constructed of mountain vines served as the main means of crossing the Iya River. Only three such bridges still exist, of which Iya Kazurabashi is the largest and most easily accessible. The 45 meter long bridge stretches 14 meters above the river and is reinforced with hidden steel cables for safety. Enjoy lunch and soba-making at traditional soba shop, Suzuki Soba, located right above a river. Drop off to Iya onsen. Your accommodation tonight is a beautiful tradition Japanese ryokan. The Iya Onsen Hotel is perched high up on the steep slope overlooking the Iya Valley. Offering beautiful views of the changing seasons in the Iya Valley, Iya Onsen provides elegant Japanese-style rooms. Taste the Japanese cuisine made of local produce. Room Style: Japanese Style Bed Type: Futon Bath: Indoor/outdoor onsen Toilet: Ensuite Western style |
Guided Mt Tsurugi hike, approx. 5 -6 hours. Easier walking options can be offerred. After breakfast, your local guide will pick you up from hotel to climb Mt. Tsurugi for a panoramic view. Mt. Tsurugi is 1955 meter high mountain that lies at the far end of the Iya Valley. Starting at Minokoshi, the first section will be under a canopy of maple trees which is lovely in the autumn. Stop by the Otsurugi Shrine where you can taste the mountain's renowned spring water. When you finally crest the broad summit you can enjoy the breathtaking view from various spots, or even choose to hike further to one of the neighboring peaks. Return to your accommodation and soak in the hot spring. Enjoy Japanese Hot Pot "Omiki - nabe” today. |
Ochiai Mountain Village walk, approx. 2 hours. Visit Oku-Iya Kazurabashi Bridges (or couples bridges) in the morning. The larger of the two bridges, Husband Bridge (Otto no Hashi), stretches 44 meters across the river next to a small waterfall, while the slightly lower Wife Bridge (Tsuma no Hashi) is a 22 meter span just a little way upstream. Then you will be transferred to Ochiai Village. From the bottom, follow the old stone footpaths up into the village, passing by the small terraced farm plots as you see the residents go about their daily life. Visit the historic Nagaoka-ke house to walk through a traditional Iya residence, and then climb further to Sansho Shrine and take a break under its cool old-growth cedar trees. Continue up the various paths, where the view gets better with every step as the thatched roofs of the Togenkyo-Iya cottages peek out here and there. Every season offers its own unique scenery. Finally, you arrive at your accommodation tonight - Tougenkyo-Iya. The unique mountain lodge is in the hamlet of East Iya Valley, situated at the edge of the winding lane in the deep mountain. The accommodation is an old thatched farmhouse. Although it is a pleasant old house, it is equipped with features, such as a bathroom, air conditioning, linen towels, floor heating and so on. In the secluded village of Iya, life has not changed in many years. This timeless place offers unique opportunity for you to experience the traditional life of the Iya people, in the thatched houses far away from the hustle and bustle of modernity and the metropolis. Room Style: Japanese Style Bed Type: Futon Bath: Ensuite Bath Toilet: Ensuite Western style |
Private guided walk: Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage Trial Chikurinji (Temple 31) - Kochi Castle, approx. 6.5 km Farewell to Iya Valley and embark on your journey to Kochi. Kochi is the capital of Kochi Prefecture on the southern coast of Shikoku. The city is small and friendly, with a casual atmosphere and a dose of southern flair. Godaisan is a small mountain to the east of Kochi's downtown. It was named after a Chinese mountain by Buddhist priests visiting from China. The same visiting priests established Chikurinji Temple on Godaisan, which has since become an important stop on the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage Trial. After the pilgrimage walk, visit Kochi Castle. Kochi Castle is one of just twelve Japanese castles to have survived the fires, wars and other catastrophes of the post feudal age. The castle's wooden interior maintains the appearance of it Edo Period origins, and the lookout point from the castle tower's top floor offers a nice view of downtown. Enjoy lunch at Hirome Market. You will then be dropped off at the accommodation. Auberge Tosayama is a French style inn surrounded by nature and clear flowing water. The cedar and cypress used on the interior fill the rooms with warmth and complement the greenery outside each window. In the spacious and airy western style rooms, you can enjoy the natural rhythm of waking with the sun and sleeping under the stars. Enjoy the creative Japanese dishes made with fresh delicacies from the local area. Room Style: Japanese Style Bed Type: Futon Bath: Ensuite Bath Toilet: Ensuite Western style |
Today you will embark on a glamour road trip to Naruto via the south coast of Shikoku island. First stop is Katsurahama. Katsurahama is a scenic beach 30 minutes south of central Kochi. Then visit Ioki Cave, a designated natural monument of raw beauty. The place feels mysterious, unexplored and untamed, and the best part is the entrance was is just a few meters away from the main road. There are about 40 different varieties of fern and moss in the Ioki area, giving it a slightly other worldly look. Follow the coast east to Cape Muroto. Oddly shaped rocks are scattered on the coast, with subtropical trees and beach plants thick along the coastline. The area is also well known as a “Sacred Place of Lovers”. Heart-shaped monuments marking these sacred places are at an observation deck in Muroto. Visit Temple No. 24 - Hotsumisakiji, on the Shikoku pilgrimage. It stands at an elevation of 300 meters on the tip of Cape Muroto. The name itself means "Cape Temple", where the Japanese holy man Kobo Daishi spent years meditating and undergoing ascetic training. In the afternoon, you will join in an Indigo Dye Workshop and print your T-shirt. Natural printing culture has been inherited from all over the country even in Japan, and among them, wood mash, bran, sake etc. are mixed based on the fermented dye "Sukumo" (Sukumo), which is made by fermenting mulberry leaves. A technique called “whey fermenting”, which is made by making use of the fermentation of is known as a traditional Japanese traditional dyeing culture. Transfer to Naruto. Your accommodation tonight is Naruto Park Hills Hotel Ridge, a five star luxurious auberge hotel. Surrounded by the greenery of the mountains and the gentle sound of the waves in a perfect location with panoramic views of the Naruto Straits, Naruto Park Hills Hotel Ridge offers a soothing stay. You can enjoy a relaxing soak in the hot springs and open-air baths while gazing at the beautiful ocean views. Enjoy ultimate gastronomic experience at the hotel. Japanese fusion and Californian cuisine are available. Take your food to a new height with your favourite ridge wine (Alcohol is at your own expense). Room Style: Western/Japanese Style Bed Type: Twin bed/Futon Bath: Ensuite Bath Toilet: Ensuite Western style |
Self tour Otsuka International Museum of Art in the morning. The Otsuka Museum of Art is a "Ceramic board masterpiece art museum" with the largest exhibition space in Japan (total floor of 29,412 square meters). Inside, there are more than 1,000 replicas of priceless masterpieces of Western art selected by a committee of 6, from ancient murals to modern paintings, and collection from more than 190 art museums in 26 countries worldwide. Transfer to Tokushima airport to meet your departing flight. |
Dates & Prices
Daily departure on request. Group discount is available for 4 or people. Please contact us to book if you have a group of more than 12 people.
More Info
- The departure point is Tokushima
- The finishing point is Tokushima
How to Get to Tokushima
Major airline flies to most Japan international airports and connect frequent daily domestic flight to the Tokushima airport.
Day 1: Arrived in Takamatsu City, visit Ritsurin Park and tradition Japanese Tea House
Day 2: Guided 88 Pilgrimage Trail walk, Temple 82 Negoro-ji, Temple 81 Shiromine-ji & Temple 80 Kokubun-ji, approx. 13 km
Day 3: Guided Iya Valley walk, approx. 8 - 10 km
Day 4: Guided Mt Tsurugi hike, approx. 5 - 6 hours
Day 5: Guided Ochiai Mountain Village walk, approx. 2 hours
Day 6: Guided 88 Pilgrimage Trail walk, Chikurinji (Temple 31) to Kochi Castle, approx. 6.5 km
Day 7: Costal drive to Naruto, visit 88 Pilgrimage Trail Hotsumisakiji (Temple 24), join the Indigo Dye workshop
Day 8: Self touring Otsuka International Museum of Art and transfer to Tokushima airport
Japan's weather and climate features four distinct seasons.
Spring is from March to May. It's perhaps one of the very best times to visit Japan as temperatures are pleasantly warm without being too hot, with daytime temperatures ranging between 21°C to 26°C. The country is ablaze with beautiful white and pink cherry blossom and plenty festivals to enjoy.
Summer is from June to August and the country experiences a three to four-week rainy season. It is hot and humid during this time and temperatures are often in the high 30’s. If you plan on visiting Japan during the summer weather, northern areas such as Hokkaido or the mountains of Tohoku or Chubu are the most comfortable places to escape the heat.
Autumn is from September to November and is characterised by light breezes and cooler temperatures of around 8-10°C. It is also a wonderful time to visit Japan. The country turns into a haven of red and scarlet leaves which contrast strikingly against the deep blue clear skies and almost as impressive as the stunning cherry blossoms.
Winter is from December to February. It is a magical time to visit as the landscape is turned white with snow. It's the perfect time to go skiing or check out the hot springs, especially venture to the ski slopes of Hokkaido or Nagano. It's Okinawa is a great place to visit during the winter as it is not quite as cold as the rest of Japan’s weather.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 60 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 60 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 60 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 60 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.