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Japan's hidden island: Temples & festivals in Shikoku

11 days from $6,395pp

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Tour highlights

  • White-water rafting in the spectacular Oboke Gorge.

  • The hot spring baths of Matsuyama.

  • Driving through rural scenery.

  • The art museums on Naoshima Island.

Price includes:

  • Fully insured vehicle rental
  • All accommodations
  • 24-hour support while you travel
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Itinerary idea in detail

Ask us if you would also like us to arrange your international flights at our preferred rates.

  • You arrive in Tokyo, and continue on a connecting flight to Osaka airport. Here you will be met by an airport representative who will give you your trip documents and ensure a smooth arrival. From the airport, you will take a shared transfer to your hotel not far away.

  • Travel by bus to Tokushima via Awaji-jima Island and across the world's longest suspension bridge that links the main island of Honshu to Shikoku.

  • Explore Tokushima town. We recommend incorporating a visit to Tokushima's most famous export to the rest of the country, the Bunraku puppet theater to see a performance.

  • Take a scenic coastal train ride to Takamatsu, home to one of Japan's most beautiful gardens the Ritsurin-Koen and regarded as one of the top three.

  • Today, take a short ferry ride to visit nearby Naoshima island and its world-class art museums. There are other modern art installations of the surrounding smaller islands if time allows.

  • Pick up your hire car and drive from Takamatsu to the rural and removed Iya Valley. Explore the area by car and on foot in the afternoon helped by the advanced GPS system provided with all rental cars. There is some breath-taking mountainous scenery to enjoy complete with beautiful waterfalls depending on the season.

  • Start this morning with some light activity — white-water rafting in the Oboke Gorge. The course is suitable for beginners and children too.

  • Drive to the small town of Kannonji and then drop the car off here. Take the train onward west to Matsuyama, Shikoku's principal city and oldest hot spring resort in Japan. The west has a different feel to the east of Shikoku.

    Stay at Matsuyama Tokyu REI   
  • Explore the castle and gardens or just relax and rewind in the hot springs of your hotel.

    Stay at Matsuyama Tokyu REI   
  • Travel by train across to Okayama, stopping to see another top-rated gardens including the Korakuen Garden before continuing east to Tokyo. The evening is at leisure to catch up on any last-minute sightseeing or simply enjoy your final evening in Japan wining and dining.

  • You will be taken to the airport by shared transfer.

Accommodation options

While the itinerary price reflects the suggested accommodations, Audley trips are 100% tailor-made, and a specialist can help you select the option best suited to your tastes and budget.

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The specialist who designs your trip to Japan will have explored the country many times and, in some cases, lived there. Their first-hand knowledge gives us the belief that no other travel company can match our expertise in helping you plan your trip.

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When to go

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Place Daily max temperature (°F) Monthly rainfall (mm)
Tokyo
 
Osaka
 
Tokushima
 
Takamatsu
 
Iya Valley
 
Matsuyama
 

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