Our Paths Less Travelled itinerary circumnavigates the valleys and mountains of beautiful rural Shikoku and includes time on the art island of Naoshima as well as stays in historic Kyoto and buzzing Osaka.
Shikoku is the smallest, least visited of Japan's four main islands, and this trip will take you right around the island, taking in its natural beauty and hidden culture. You will stay in traditional Japanese-style accommodation for most night stops, including local family-run inns, benefiting the people and the economy of the destinations you visit.
As you travel the island, you will have the chance to experience a range of activities, all with an emphasis on sustainable tourism. Whale watching on the Pacific Ocean off Kochi is available from the end of April through October, whilst in the remote, 'lost Japan' of the Iya Valley, you will stay in a Japanese style inn in the heart of the mountains ideal for hiking or relaxation in nearby hot spring baths.
Moving through Shikoku by train, you will experience the best in Japanese culture and history as you climb the steps of Kompira san, Shikoku's most famous shrine in Kotohira and visit Matsuyama's Dogo Onsen, the oldest hot-spring bath in the country. In Tokushima we have included a stay in an atmospheric Buddhist temple lodging - number nineteen on the famous eighty-eight temple circuit - with traditional vegetarian Buddhist cuisine included.
We have also included two nights on Naoshima which is famous for its World class art galleries and museums. A small island which you can get around by bike, taxi or partly on foot, a stay here is a chance to see some beautiful countryside mixed with contemporary modern art.
Some evening meals are included to make this trip a culinary treat and with stays at small local inns, you will have a fantastic chance
to meet the Japanese people.
The trip starts in Japan's cultural capital Kyoto, home to World Heritage temples, shrines and gardens, and ends in the buzzing city of Osaka; a trip that gives you some of the very best that
Japan has to offer!
Paths Less Travelled is a fascinating voyage of discovery that will reward you for taking the effort to get off the beaten track and ensure that your visit has a positive effect on Japan, its environment, its economy and its people.
Prices:
2012
Standard:
Twin: £1790 Single: £2210
Upgrade:
Twin: £2960 Single: £3920
Click for full details of pricing including extra nights
What's Included:
- 15 nights accommodation (8 nights Japanese-style)
- Breakfast each morning
- 5 evening meals
- Meet and Greet upon arrival at Osaka Kansai Airport
- Most transport between destinations including airport transfers
- 8 hours private guide service in Kyoto
- InsideJapan Tours Info-Pack
- International Flights
- Local transport (local taxis, subways, buses) at any destination
- Any entrance fees (including those for shrines, temples and museums)
- Baggage handling - you will be expected to carry your own bags for the duration of the trip
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The prices above are guaranteed for all bookings made at least four weeks prior to the start date of your package. Bookings made less than four weeks prior to the start date of your package are accepted on a case by case basis and there may be changes to the price.
Supplements
There is no seasonal supplement for this itinerary
Black Out Dates
Please note that during certain Japanese holiday periods, the prices detailed in the web-site & in the brochure are NOT valid for packages if any of the nights' accommodation fall within the following dates:
New Year - 29th December to 4th January
Golden Week - 29th April to 5th May
Obon Festival - 9th August to 17th August
Please contact us for pricing if your trip falls within any of these periods.
Included evening meals are in Tokushima (1), Iya Valley (upgrade only) (1), Uwajima (1), Kotohira (1), Naoshima Island (2).
Please download a PDF of our terms and conditions (135k).
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1 Kyoto
Meals: None
Welcome to Japan! Your adventure begins at the futuristic Kansai Internaitonal Airport, a man made floating island in Osaka Bay. You will be met on arrival and provided with reserved-seat tickets for the 75min express train journey to Kyoto. Your accommodation is just a short taxi ride from the station, so you will soon be settling in!
Day 2 Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast
Before you make your way to the rural island of Shikoku you have two full days to explore the sights and attractions of Kyoto, Japan’s cultural heart and former capital city. Kyoto is home to many of Japan’s finest temples, shrines and gardens, and you will have the service of a private guide to introduce you to some of the very best. The itinerary for the day is not fixed in advance, leaving you free to choose only the sights that interest you. Just let your guide know the sort of places you like and the interests you have and they will be happy to put together an itinerary for the day’s sightseeing.
Day 3 Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast
Today is a free day to further explore Kyoto. You might like to take a traditional boat ride down the Hozugawa river to the charming Arashiyama district in northwest Kyoto, or perhaps take a break from the temples and shrines by checking out the ultra modern Kyoto station building or browse the shops and restaurants of the downtown Kawaramachi district. You could even use the included Japan Rail Pass to make a day trip to nearby Nara to see the famous Great Buddha statue, or to Osaka for a blast of modern Japan before you make your way through rural Shikoku.
Day 4 Tokushima
Meals: Breakfast/Dinner
Today you will take a direct and comfortable highway coach from Kyoto to Tokushima. You will have time to look visit the Awa Odori dance centre and take in the views from Mt. Bizan before taking a short local train ride out to Tatsue-ji in the countryside just outside the city. Here you will be staying in a traditional temple lodgings. Tatsue-ji temple is number 19 on the famous 88 temple pilgrimage circuit of Shikoku; you will have the chance to sleep and eat with ‘henro’, Japanese pilgrims making their way around the circuit, visiting every temple along the way. The experience includes meals of traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine.
Day 5 Iya Valley
Meals: Breakfast
Today you leave the coast behind and head west into the mysterious valleys and forested hills of central Shikoku. The Iya Valley is another of Japan’s most isolated regions with steep hills and plunging valleys that were used as hidden retreats for warring clans and political dissidents in days gone by. Today the area is accessible, but largely undeveloped, a beautiful area of stunning scenery, dotted with sleepy villages and tiny hamlets. Accommodation is located in the heart of the mountains - a great base for walks and relaxation.
Day 6 Kochi
Meals: Breakfast
Travel to the beautiful southern coast of Shikoku today where Kochi is your next stop, a medium sized city with a relaxed, atmosphere and a certain sense of the exotic, with its colourful local street markets and palm-tree lined streets. Kochi gives the chance to access the Shimanto river and explore one of Japan's great rivers. Canoe trips can be organised through local tourist information or you may like to travel by sightseeing boat if you would rather someone else put in the hard work!
Day 7 Kochi
Meals: Breakfast
Tosa Bay off the coast of Kochi is one of a handful of areas of coastal Japan where you can see whales and other marine mammals. Though Japan is perhaps more famous for its hunting and killing of whales, in recent years there has been a growing interest in recreational whale watching, focusing on preserving these magnificant creatures and educating people about marine wildlife issues. There are several whale-watching operators in Kochi and tourist information will happily help arrange a trip out into the bay for you. The whale-watching season runs from April through to October. If you visit outside of these times then there is plenty more to keep you occupied in Kochi, including local museums, coastal walks and the street markets which showcase the best and freshest local produce.
Day 8 Uwajima
Meals: Breakfast/Dinner
Today you move on around Shikoku to Uwajima a historic town on the saw-toothed west coast. You are now well off the established tourist trail and Uwajima is a fine place to simply stroll around and experience the feeling of being in a part of Japan rarely glimpsed by foreign eyes. The town’s sights include a formal stroll garden, a museum highlighting Uwajima’s historical importance as home to the Date clan, and an eye-opening fertility shrine, with attached sex museum! In Uwajima you will enjoy a stay in a classic ryokan, a chance to experience the very best in traditional Japanese hospitality.
Day 9 Matsuyama
Meals: Breakfast
You will travel west along the northern coast of Shikoku to the pleasant town of Matsuyama, famous for its fine original castle and Dogo-Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest hot-spring resorts. You will be staying right next to the famous Dogo-Onsen, so today is the perfect place for an introduction to the Japanese art of hot-spring bathing!
Day 10 Matsuyama
Meals: Breakfast
Matsuyama's fine castle deserves exploring today. It sits atop a hill in the centre of the city, offering fine views over the surrounding area and out to the Inland Sea. Much of the castle remains unchanged from the 1600s, making it something of a rarity in Japan, where many cities, and their castles were destroyed in Allied bombing raids during WWII. The castle has some pleasant park areas surrounding it, and Matsuyama is also home to some good museums. You may also like to check out one or two of the temples that make up the famous 88-temple pilgrimage route around Shikoku.
Day 11 Kotohira
Meals: Breakfast/Dinner
Today you will head onto the charming town of Kotohira which is home to Shikoku’s most famous shrine, Kompira-San, which sits on a hillside overlooking the town. This afternoon you can challenge the 800 steps which lead to the inner sanctum of the shrine; the climb is well worth it, as you are rewarded with fantastic views from the top, as well as friendly encouragement from the Japanese making the climb with you. Other sights of Kotohira include the Kanamaruza kabuki theatre, one of Japan’s oldest playhouses, dating back to the 1830s and a sake museum. Tonight you have an included evening meal at your riverside ryokan accommodation.
Day 12 Takamatsu
Meals: Breakfast
From Kotohira complete your circle around Shikoku Island with a stay in the attractive city of Takamatsu. Here the main draw is Ritsurin Koen - one of the best traditional gardens in Japan. You may also like to visit one of the several interesting museums in Takamatsu including the Sanuki Folkcraft Museum and a sculpture garden designed by Isamu Noguchi. Also of interest is the plateau of Yashima, an ancient battle ground with views of the Inland Sea and nearby Shikoku-Mura, a collection of traditional houses displaying Shikoku architecture and construction techniques.
Day 13 Naoshima
Meals: Breakfast/Dinner
Now for something completely different! Today you will head by ferry to Naoshima Island, just off Shikoku. This traditional, rural island has become home to a World class collection of art museums and galleries and is now a fantastic showcase of contemporary art and sculpture.
Day 14 Naoshima
Meals: Breakfast/Dinner
A full day on Naoshima to explore the island - we recommend bicycle hire but you can also get around by bus or taxi. The main Benesse museum, designed by the famous Japanese architect Tadao Ando is the main draw and includes work by Andy Warhol, David Hockney, Bruce Nauman and Jasper Jones.
Day 15 Osaka
Meals: Breakfast
Today you will bid farewell to Shikoku and travel by ferry back across to Honshu, Japan’s ‘mainland’. A short train ride and you will be in the heart of modern Osaka, the largest city in the Kansai region. Your final afternoon and evening will be a huge contrast from the peaceful rural scenes of Shikoku as you check out the bright lights of this vibrant city. Osaka’s colourful central streets are a great place for people watching, and offers some great souvenir shopping opportunities. Osaka is famous thoughout Japan for its hearty food and drink and enthusiastic party spirit. What better way to celebrate the final day of your trip in style than by letting down your hair and joining the locals for some good food, good drink and a guaranteed good time!
Day 16 Depart
Meals: Breakfast
The time has come to say 'sayonara' to Japan as you make the short transfer back to Kansai International Airport for your flight home. In just two short weeks you will have seen a side of Japan that few foreigners and even many Japanese have never seen.
Photos
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Pricing Information
| 2012 | |||
| Standard Price: | £1790 (Single Price: £2210) | ||
| Upgrade Price: | £2960 (Single Price: £3920) | ||
Extra Nights: |
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Standard Grade |
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| Start: Twin Share pp £60
Single pp £60
End: Twin Share pp £70 Single pp £85 |
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Superior Grade |
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| Start: Twin Share pp £115
Single pp £175
End: Twin Share pp £90 Single pp £110 |
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Accommodation
Karasuma Kyoto Hotel
Kyoto
Moderate Hotel
The Karasuma Kyoto Hotel is located right in the centre of Kyoto and enjoys easy access to all of the city's main sights. There are also numerous shops and restaurants on the doorstep here. Rooms are moderately sized but clean and comfortable and fully en-suite. The hotel features its own restaurant, Starbucks coffee shop and bar. English speaking staff are usually available.
Tatsue-ji Temple
Tokushima
Minshuku (JP)
Tatsue-ji is temple number 19 on Shikoku's famous 88 temple circuit, Japan's most significant Buddhist pilgrimage route. You will be staying in temple lodgings alongside many 'Henro', the pilgrims making their way around the circuit. Rooms are basic, with shared bath and toilet facilities, but you get the chance to experience life at the temple, including attending morning prayers and enjoying meals of traditional shoujin ryori, Buddhist vegetarian cuisine.
Ku Nel Asob
Iya Valley
Minshuku (JP)
In the Iya Valley, you'll be staying at the 'eco guesthouse', Ku Nel Asob. The 90 year old guesthouse is located amongst stunning mountain scenery ideal for walks. The accommodation is basic but this is all part of the experience! There are no meals provided, but there is a supermarket near the train station to pick up food to cook in the shared kitchen. This will give you the chance to live like a true Japanese local! The owner, Mr Nori, speaks good English and will do everything he can to provide information about the local area and make your stay comfortable.
Richmond Hotel Kochi
Kochi
Moderate Hotel
The Richmond Hotel offers stylish, modern guestrooms in a great central location, just a few minutes walk from Kochi station and the famous Harimayabashi bridge. The hotel has two of its own restaurants, and also offers internet access, including PC rental, so you can surf the net in your room. The streets around the hotel have a wide choice of shopping, dining and entertainment options, so you can enjoy Kochi's vibrant atmosphere to the full!
Uwajima Kokusai Hotel
Uwajima
Japanese Style
This is a western style hotel building, but with traditional Japanese style guestrooms. Rooms are ensuite and the hotel also offers a large bath-house, perfect for a relaxing soak, along with a coffee lounge and a small giftshop. Located just a couple of minutes on foot from Uwajima station, this is a great base for exploring.
Hotel Dogo Patio
Matsuyama
Business Hotel
A comfortable western-style hotel in a fantastic location, right opposite the famous Dogo Onsen bath-house. Rooms are modern and have full ensuite facilities. The hotel offers internet access in the lobby and a sushi restaurant on the ground floor, perfect for an evening meal.
Kotobuki Ryokan
Kotohira
Ryokan (JP)
Conveniently located just 2 minutes from the steps leading to Konpira-san shrine, this traditional Ryokan is run by very friendly owners who speak a smattering of English. Bathing is in communal baths only though they are available for private use on request. Food is served in the traditional dining room.
Dormy Inn Takamatsu
Takamatsu
Business Hotel
The Dormy Inn is a modern western style hotel well-located between Takamatsu Station and the famous garden, Ritsurin-koen. Rooms are on the small side, but are clean and comfortable. The hotel offers a free laundry service and on the top floor there are several indoor and outdoor hot spring baths, as well as a sauna. The included Japanese style breakfast is served in the hotel restaurant each morning.
Minshuku Ishi Shoten
Naoshima
Japanese Style
A small family run ryokan with just three Japanese style rooms close to Honmura and within easy access of the art projects. The owners are extremely friendly and will ensure you have a relaxing and comfortable stay in a friendly home from home environment. The restaurant is just a short walk across the road serving excellent food and you can rent bikes to explore the island.
Nanba Dotonbori Hotel
Osaka
Business Hotel
This smart business hotel has quickly become an InsideJapan Tours favourite. Renovated in 2009, the Dotonbori Hotel offers compact, but comfortable modern rooms and fantastic services: free bicycle rental and DVD hire, English language area guides, free computer hire and internet access and a complimentary phone call home on check-in. Staff will even take a photo of you and turn it into a postcard for you to send home! The hotel is in a great location in downtown Osaka, just a short walk from the restaurants and bars in neon-lit Dotonbori. A buffet breakfast is prepared each morning with a mix of western and Japanese dishes with locally produced, organic ingredients.
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