Beyond the Golden Route: Art, Pristine Landscapes and Living Crafts
This itinerary is meticulously crafted for well-traveled guests—especially those returning to Japan—who seek a deeper, more atmospheric connection to the archipelago. Moving beyond the standard landmarks, this journey harmonizes untouched natural landscapes and immersive hands-on traditions with a world-class art and architecture experience.
The exploration centers on Shikoku, often regarded as Japan's last hidden sanctuary, where secluded valleys and pristine rivers meet the cutting edge of contemporary design. Your journey spans the architectural wonders of Tadao Ando on the art island of Naoshima, the "Japan Blue" indigo traditions of Tokushima, and the historic willow-lined canals of Kurashiki. Whether you are soaking in the ancient waters of Dogo Onsen or drifting down the crystalline Niyodo River, every moment is a seamless blend of modern aesthetics and classical elegance.
We specialize in private, fully customizable travel. From the pacing of your museum visits to the curation of your culinary experiences, every detail is refined to match your personal style, ensuring an exclusive and unforgettable passage through Japan's hidden heart.
*The price is based on a private tour.
Travelers Highlights Travel
Highlights
Stroll through Kurashiki's Bikan District among white-walled storehouses and weeping willows.
Immerse yourself in authentic Awa Odori at Tokushima's Awa Ikeda Hall—watch a vibrant performance and master the iconic dance steps yourself!
Step into Japan's Iya Valley, feel the sway of the ancient vine bridge and drift along its pristine river.
Indulge in Shikoku's diverse regional specialties and discover the authentic local flavors from across the island.
Enjoy a hands-on Tosa Washi paper-making workshop, crafting unique postcards decorated with beautiful pressed flowers.
Explore Naoshima's Chichu Art Museum by Tadao Ando and encounter Yayoi Kusama's Yellow Pumpkin bathed in natural light.
Soak in Japan's oldest Dogo Onsen and feel the warmth of its historic spring waters.
Take a boat ride in Ritsurin Garden and admire the seasonal beauty of this national scenic treasure from the water.
Suggested Itinerary Details
Day 1
Osaka Arrival
- Welcome to Japan! Upon arrival at Osaka Airport, your private driver will warmly welcome you and provide a seamless transfer to your hotel, ensuring a smooth and stress-free start to your journey. Take a moment to settle in and enjoy the local surroundings.
- The rest of the day is free for you to explore nearby streets at your own pace or simply relax and unwind.
Day 2
Architecture, Nature, and Cultural Experiences
- Start your day on Awaji Island at Honpukuji Temple: The Water Temple (Mizumido), a contemporary masterpiece by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Tadao Ando. Unlike traditional temples, this "Water Temple" features a serene lotus pond as its roof. Descend the narrow staircase at the center of the pond into a vermilion-lit sanctuary, where modern concrete minimalism beautifully blends with ancient Buddhist symbolism, creating a tranquil and unforgettable space.
- Next, travel to Naruto for a 30-minute cruise on the sightseeing ship Wander Naruto, offering first-class seats on the upper deck. Feel the sea breeze as you watch powerful currents form the famous Naruto Whirlpools, a breathtaking natural spectacle.
- Continue to Tokushima City and step into the lively world of Awa Odori at the Awa Odori Kaikan Hall. Learn about the history, costumes, and instruments of Japan's iconic dance, then enjoy a dynamic live performance by professional dancers.
- Conclude the day with a hands-on Awa-Ai Indigo Dyeing Workshop, exploring Tokushima's centuries-old "Japan Blue" tradition.
Naruto Whirlpools Sightseeing Cruise
Awa Odori
Day 3
Hidden Valleys and Living Culture
- The day begins deep in the mountains of Shikoku with a journey into the remote Iya Valley, one of Japan's legendary "Three Hidden Valleys." A scenic boat ride through the Oboke Gorge follows the emerald waters of the Yoshino River, framed by towering rock cliffs shaped over millions of years. The experience continues at the iconic Iya Kazurabashi vine bridge, where its gentle sway and open structure reveal dramatic views of the valley below. Nearby, Biwa Falls and a small folklore museum offer a quiet insight into the traditional life of the region's mountain communities.
- In the afternoon, the pace shifts upon arrival in Kōchi City. Hirome Ichiba Market showcases the city's lively food culture, with long communal tables and open kitchens filled with local energy. The highlight is katsuo no tataki, seared over straw flames, releasing a distinctive smoky aroma unique to the region.
- The day concludes with a visit to Kōchi Castle, one of Japan's few surviving original castles, where historic architecture and stone walls preserve the atmosphere of the Edo period. A leisurely walk through Katsurahama Park follows, where pine-lined paths, deep blue coastal views, and the statue of Sakamoto Ryoma create a calm and evocative ending.
Iya Valley
Kōchi Castle
Day 4
Craft Traditions and Serene Moments
- Begin the day with a hands-on introduction to Tosa Washi, one of Japan's three most renowned traditional papers with a history spanning over a thousand years. At Tosa Washi Kogei Mura QRAUD, you experience the delicate papermaking process and decorate your work with seasonal flowers, pressing natural beauty directly into the fibers.
- Continue into the heart of Kochi's natural scenery with a traditional yakatabune cruise along the Niyodo River, celebrated for its exceptional clarity and luminous blue tones. Drifting gently downstream, the river reveals fish, smooth stones, and reflections of forested mountains beneath the surface, offering a calm and restorative encounter with nature.
- In the afternoon, arrive at Dogo Haikara Street, the nostalgic shopping arcade leading to Japan's oldest hot spring. The Taisho-era atmosphere comes alive through local sweets, Ehime citrus drinks, and specialty goods such as Imabari towels, while the iconic Botchan Karakuri Clock marks the passage of time with music and movement.
- The day concludes at Dogo Onsen Annex Asuka-no-Yu with a pre-booked private bath experience. Combining ancient bathing traditions with refined modern design, this quiet soak—enhanced by wearing the traditional yutabira—provides a serene and intimate ending to a day shaped by craft, landscape, and timeless ritual.
Dogo Onsen Area
Day 5
Castle Views and Nostalgic Railways
- In Matsuyama, start your day at the historic Matsuyama Castle, one of Japan's few remaining original hilltop castles. Take the cable car up to the main keep for effortless ascent, then walk down along stone steps winding past ancient walls, sloping stone foundations, tranquil gardens, and pine forests, enjoying panoramic views of the city and the Seto Inland Sea while soaking in the atmosphere of the Edo period.
- Later, board the Botchan Ressha, a charming vintage steam-engine-style tram connecting central Matsuyama with the historic Dogo Onsen district. The short ride through city streets evokes the romance of the Meiji era and provides a delightful introduction to the hot spring quarter, perfectly blending history and nostalgia in a single journey.
Matsuyama Castle
Take A Botchan Ressha Ride
Day 6
Shikoku Heritage and Culinary Experience
- In Kagawa, begin your day at Zentsuji Temple, the birthplace of Kobo Daishi and Temple 75 on the Shikoku pilgrimage. Wander the expansive grounds and step into the Mieidō Hall, built on the site of his birth, soaking in the serene atmosphere and a profound sense of spiritual origin.
- Next, Master Sanuki udon-making through a fun, rhythmic workshop. Craft chewy noodles to music, enjoy a fresh tasting, and take home your graduation certificate!
- Later, stroll through the stunning Ritsurin Garden in Takamatsu. Explore its six ponds and thirteen landscaped hills, each turn offering a new picturesque view. Take a peaceful boat ride across tranquil waters, pause in traditional teahouses, and admire the harmonious blend of nature and design that makes this garden a true masterpiece of Japanese landscape artistry.
- Conclude your day at the Takamatsu Marugamemachi Shopping Arcade, where a magnificent crystal dome crowns a vibrant, weather-proof promenade filled with international brands and local specialty shops.
Zentsū-ji Temple(Birthplace of Kōbō Daishi)
Master the art of handmade Sanuki udon
Day 7
Art Island Immersion - Naoshima's Masterpieces
- Begin your day with a scenic 50-minute ferry ride from Takamatsu to Naoshima, smoothly crossing the Seto Inland Sea. Your artistic exploration starts at the Chichu Art Museum. Built underground by architect Tadao Ando, it uses only natural light to illuminate its spaces and artworks, creating a profound dialogue with the environment.
- Next, visit the Benesse House Museum, also designed by Ando. Perched on a hilltop, it blends art, architecture, and stunning sea views seamlessly. Discover artworks both inside the museum and scattered along the outdoor coastline and forest.
- Then, delve into Honmura district for the Art House Project, where traditional houses and temples are transformed into captivating contemporary art installations. A short walk leads to the Lee Ufan Museum, another Ando structure housing the artist's serene meditative works in stone, iron, and concrete.
- Conclude your island journey with Yayoi Kusama's iconic pumpkins. See the vibrant Yellow Pumpkin on a historic pier, then return to Miyanoura Port to find the Red Pumpkin. Step inside this symbolic sculpture for a unique photo opportunity, perfectly capturing the playful and immersive spirit of Naoshima, before your ferry returns to Takamatsu.
Benesse House Museum
Art House Project
Day 8
Historic Charm and Artistic Treasures in Kurashiki
- Your final day begins in the timeless Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter. Stroll alongside a willow-lined canal, past iconic white-walled storehouses with black-tiled roofs, where traditional boats glide quietly by. This exquisitely preserved area offers a peaceful retreat into the quiet beauty of old Japan, perfect for a final leisurely exploration.
- Continue to the prestigious Ohara Museum of Art, Japan's first private museum of Western art. Set within a serene garden, its collection features masterpieces by artists such as El Greco, Monet, and Matisse, providing a contemplative and world-class conclusion to your artistic journey.
- Following your visit, you will be privately transferred to Kansai International Airport (KIX) for your departure, timed according to your flight schedule. As you depart, you carry with you the profound tranquility and inspired vision that define this unique passage through Japan's hidden heart.
Ohara Museum of Art
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
Hand-Picked Hotels
We have selected hotels with different styles and for different budgets. Let us know your preferences and we will help you find the right one.
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Osaka Excel Hotel Tokyu
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AoAwo Naruto Resort
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Jyoseikan(Japanese Inn)
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Funaya(Japanese Inn)
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Royal Park Hotel Takamatsu
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Tour Price:
8 days from
US$6,559 p/p (with 4-star hotel options)
- The price is based on a private tour for 2 people during the low season.
- The price varies based on program, travel date, number of people.
- We could also price a tour including both 4-star and 5-star hotels for you.
- We accept payments in multiple currencies (GBP, AUD, CAD, EUR...).
Price Includes:
- Transportation:private transfers.
- English-speaking local guide is available for the sightseeing day, excluding airport/train station pick-up/drop-off.
- Attraction tickets and itinerary activities
- Accommodation for all nights
- Hotel breakfasts are included. Lunch and dinner are not included unless specified in the itinerary.
- 24/7 helpline while touring
- Governmental taxes
Price Excludes:
- International flights not mentioned in the itinerary
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Visa fee, if applicable
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Personal expenses
Tour code: ah-jp-41
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