Shikoku & Naoshima: Japan’s Quiet Art & Sacred Landscapes

An eight-day journey through Shikoku and Naoshima, blending contemporary art, pilgrimage routes, river valleys, living crafts, and refined architecture which is designed for repeat visitors seeking Japan beyond the Golden Route.

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Trip Overview

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Travellers:

6-8 guests

Language:

English

Best Season:

Oct- Jan

Duration:

7 Nights/8 Days

Tour Type:

Cultural and Luxury

Description:

The Experience

This journey unfolds away from Japan’s familiar corridors, moving at a gentler pace through landscapes and ideas that feel quietly resolved rather than performative. In Shikoku, days are shaped by rivers instead of timetables, by craft traditions still embedded in daily life. There is time to notice details and clarity of the Niyodo River, the texture of handmade washi paper, the hush of a hilltop castle at dusk.

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Art and architecture enter the journey not as highlights but as conversations with place. On Naoshima, concrete museums are carved into earth and light, their restraint amplifying what surrounds them rather than competing for attention.On Naoshima, concrete museums are carved into earth and light with vine bridges in hidden valleys, and small-market meals anchor the experience in continuity rather than spectacle. The result is a week that feels cohesive and unforced , contemporary Japan revealed through silence, craft, and considered design.

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Who This Trip Is For

This itinerary is for travellers who already know Japan, or feel no urgency to see everything at once. It suits those drawn to art, architecture, and landscape, and who value atmosphere over accumulation. If you enjoy places that reveal themselves slowly — through walking, watching, listening ; this journey will feel natural.

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It is especially well suited to repeat visitors, couples, or solo travellers who appreciate thoughtful pacing and are comfortable away from large cities and headline attractions.This is a quieter Japan ; one that rewards curiosity, patience, and an interest in how contemporary life and tradition continue to coexist.

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Highlights

Day 1 | Arrival in Osaka

Arrive in Osaka, where your private driver greets you for a seamless transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is intentionally unstructured — time to rest, stroll nearby streets, or enjoy a quiet first dinner in Kansai.

Overnight: Osaka

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Day 2 | Water, Whirlpools & Indigo Traditions

Begin on Awaji Island at Honpukuji Water Temple, a meditative architectural space where a lotus pond conceals a crimson sanctuary below — a signature dialogue between nature, light, and concrete.

Continue to Naruto for a cruise to witness the dramatic Naruto Whirlpools, formed by powerful tidal currents beneath the Seto Inland Sea.

In Tokushima, step into the vibrant world of Awa Odori at Awa Odori Kaikan, followed by a hands-on Awa-ai indigo dyeing workshop, exploring the origins of Japan’s iconic “Japan Blue.”

Overnight: Tokushima / Shikoku interior

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Day 3 | Iya Valley to Kochi — Japan’s Hidden Heart

Journey deep into the Iya Valley, one of Japan’s legendary hidden regions. Glide through Oboke Gorge, then cross the iconic Iya Kazurabashi, a swaying vine bridge suspended over a dramatic ravine.

After visiting Biwa Falls and a small folklore museum, descend toward the coast and arrive in Kochi. At Hirome Ichiba Market, taste freshly seared katsuo no tataki, followed by a visit to Kochi Castle and an evening walk through Katsurahama Park.

Overnight: Kochi

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Day 4 | Washi, Rivers & Ancient Baths

Begin with a hands-on session at Tosa Washi Kogei Mura, learning the centuries-old art of papermaking and pressing seasonal flora into handmade sheets.

Drift downstream on a traditional yakatabune boat along the crystalline Niyodo River, famous for its unreal blue clarity.

In the evening, arrive in Matsuyama and stroll Dogo Haikara Street, leading to Dogo Onsen. End the day with a private bath experience at Asuka-no-Yu, blending ancient ritual with refined design.

Overnight: Matsuyama

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Day 5 | Castles & Nostalgic Railways

Ascend to Matsuyama Castle, one of Japan’s finest original hilltop castles, enjoying panoramic views over the Seto Inland Sea.

Later, ride the charming Botchan Ressha, a retro steam-style tram connecting the city with Dogo Onsen — a brief but evocative journey into Meiji-era romance.

Overnight: Matsuyama

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Day 6 | Pilgrimage Roots & Garden Masterpieces

Visit Zentsu-ji, Temple 75 of the Shikoku Pilgrimage and birthplace of Kobo Daishi. The expansive grounds carry a profound sense of origin and spiritual calm.

Participate in a joyful Sanuki udon-making workshop, learning to knead, cut, and taste Kagawa’s famed noodles.

In the afternoon, wander Ritsurin Garden in Takamatsu — a masterpiece of pond-and-hill design — before free time in the Marugamemachi Shopping Arcade.

Overnight: Takamatsu

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Day 7 | Naoshima — Art Island Immersion

Cross the Seto Inland Sea by ferry to Naoshima.

Explore the subterranean Chichu Art Museum, where natural light defines the experience, followed by the Benesse House Museum.

Wander the Art House Project in Honmura, then visit the Lee Ufan Museum. End with Yayoi Kusama’s iconic pumpkins — the Yellow Pumpkin by the sea and the Red Pumpkin at Miyanoura Port.

Overnight: Takamatsu

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