Great hidden gems in Shikoku that are worth a visit: Nagoro, the scarecrow village, architecture by Kengo Kuma in Yusuhara Town, and more

TIt is said that the Heike Clan built this bridge to access the riding grounds of Heike. There are two bridges, the Man Bridge and the Woman Bridge, together called the Wedded Bridge. Beside the Woman Bridge, you can experience riding a human-powered lift, yaen, and cross the valley by hauling on a rope.

At 1,955m in height, Mt. Tsurugi is the second highest mountain in western Japan. However a climb to the top is not so difficult when going by the "climber's lift" to a trail high in the mountains followed by a one hour walk to the very top. On a clear day the view from the summit reaches out to the Pacific Ocean, the Seto Inland Sea, the Kii Peninsula and Okayama Prefecture on mainland Japan.

The valley, formed by the erosion of the Yoshino River, presents a thousand different and strange views. From the sightseeing boat, visitors can enjoy the beauty of this deep ravine, its conglomerate schist (designated as a natural treasure by Tokushima Prefecture), and the beauty of the ravine from season to season.

It is a nationally designated Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. The village is formed on a steep slope, and the difference between the highest and lowest points is approximately 390 meters, making it the steepest among the designated areas. Houses built from the mid-Edo period to the early Showa period (late 17th century to early 20th century), stone walls made by piling up stones one by one, and fields remain, providing not only nostalgic scenery but also high historical value in terms of the ingenuity used to form the village on the slope. The entire village can be seen from the “Ochiai Settlement Viewing Point” on the opposite side.Buckwheat flowers blooming all over the fields are also a highlight. Although the origins of the village are not known, the Iya region, including Ochiai Village, has legends of fallen Heike warriors and pioneer folklore.  

A Library in the Clouds: Yusuhara Town Library This library was designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma, who is also known for his design of the New National Stadium. The library makes extensive use of Yusuhara-grown timber, creating a relaxing space where visitors can enjoy the feel and smell of the wood. The library also features bouldering facilities and a café corner.

The Yusuhara Town General Office, built in 2016, was created with the important concepts of “disaster prevention base function,” “convenience for residents,” and “environment and use of Yusuhara timber. The warm atmosphere of the building is made of Yusuhara cedar grown in the headwaters of the Shimanto River. It is a masterpiece of architecture that you will want to admire not only from the outside, but also inside.

The “Kumo-no-Ue-no Gallery (Wooden Bridge-Shaped Art Gallery),” created with the desire to create a building that would blend in with the forests of Yusuhara, is truly a representative work of “負ける建築 (makeru-architecture),” which is synonymous with Kengo Kuma. The building, with its spreading branches and leaves that create light and shadows like sunlight filtering through trees, is the only building in the world to be built using the traditional timber expression of Japanese architecture as a motif, and is the only building in the world to be built using the frame structure method.

”Machi-no-Eki Yusuhara (Community Market and Hotel)”, a town station that combines the sale of Yusuhara's specialty products with a hotel. The thatched facade, which was designed by learning from the traditional thatched roofs in the town, not only gives the building a distinctive appearance, but also creates a comfortable interior environment as an exterior wall with excellent ventilation and heat insulation. The facility is lined with cedar pillars, creating an interior space that resembles a tour through a forest.

”YURURI Yusuhara(Yusuhara Town Integrated Welfare Facility)” is a complex welfare facility designed to fulfill residents' wishes to “continue to live with peace of mind in their own neighborhoods,” supporting their lives at home while playing an intermediate role between home and a special nursing home, and also having health and nursing care prevention functions. The exterior walls are clad with cedar boards from Yusuhara, and natural materials such as handmade Japanese paper produced in Yusuhara are used for the interior, making it a “town house” open to the residents of the town.

Karst topography is terrain created on the earth’s surface by dissolution of soluble rocks. The Karst highlands including Medurudaira and Onogahara extending approximately 25km, from 1,000m to 1,485m above sea level, are scenic driving routes. While the roads are closed during the snowy winter period, they are the perfect place to enjoy driving, cycling and camping through spring, summer and autumn. Relax and enjoy the refreshing scenery of cows feeding on a meadow or the starry sky at night.

The headwaters of the Shimanto River, the last clear stream in Japan, are located at Mount Irazu in the town of Tsuno. The fresh water that flows out of the green of the trees and moss-covered rock faces flows into the Pacific Ocean after a 196-km journey. Guided walks are available.

Nakatsu Gorge found along the Niyodo River system is a beautiful representation of the natural wonders of Shikoku, and is part of the prefectural nature park known as Niyodo Blue. A 2.3 km long path runs along the river, weaving between boulders and crossing the river several times over stepping stones. The whole experience will leave you feeling as if you've been transported to some mythical world. In autumn, the contrast between the red and orange hues of the foliage and the clear blue color of the river makes for quite a remarkable sight!

The old streets of the Yokaichi-Gokoku areas are lined with merchant houses, warehouses, and private residences from the late Edo, Meiji and Taisho periods. The areas are designated as ‘Important Preservation Districts’ thanks to the array of traditional local architecture on display. Enjoy rambling through the town with a pleasant breeze at your back while appreciating the continued lifestyles of the local residents. Unique and creative decorations can be seen on each building in this old-fashioned neighbourhood.

This theatre has been a centre of amusement for people in Uchiko from the Taisho period. The old building was saved from demolition and restored by dedicated local residents and today has become a versatile and well-used local venue. The inside of the theatre and backstage area can be explored on the days when there are no performances. Experience the life of a star actor standing on the main stage or Hanamichi (platforms running behind and through the audience) or have a seat in the Masu-seki (box seats) and appreciate the history of this prosperous theatre.

Yuge Shrine is a traditional shrine built in 1396. To enter visitors cross the covered “Taiko-bashi” bridge over the pond surrounding the shrine. Shrine parishioners return day after day flying flags to pray for rich harvests and the wellbeing of their families. The area around the shrine is well-known for its picturesque beauty. Along with the Taiko-bashi, the huge chinquapin trees add a solemn atmosphere to the site.

Using water from the clear Oda River, which is ideal for making washi, the factory produces high-grade calligraphy paper and kite paper used in the traditional kite battles held in the local Igasaki area. Designated as a traditional Japanese craft by the Japanese government, Ozu washi is said to have been made since the Heian period (794-1192), and is carefully crafted by hand by traditional artisans and craftspeople. Visitors to the factory can observe the washi manufacturing process and try their hand at making washi, and notepads and other small articles made of handmade washi are sold at the Ozu Washi Museum on the premises. Visitors can experience the beauty of traditional Japanese craftsmanship, which is overflowing with the beauty of usage.

The house is Kamihaga family (branch of the Honhaga family), a wealthy merchant, and is a representative building of the townscape with its massive plaster walls and the dignity of a famous family. The main house, storehouse, kettle house, and wax mill are all located on the spacious grounds, and visitors can learn about the wax production methods and processes of the time. Visitors can also tour the house, which shows the lifestyle of a wealthy merchant, and the high quality of the building materials can be seen throughout. The museum also has a beautiful garden and a rest area, making it a must-see facility for those who wish to explore the streets of Uchiko.

Uchiko Town is a town with a rich historical atmosphere. In this program, you can rent a kimono at a 140-year-old old house in the town. Walking around in kimono will make you feel like you are on a trip! We also recommend the “Photo Plan” in which you can have your photo taken by a professional photographer.

Although the castle tower was regrettably torn down in 1888, the four turrets were saved from demolition and are designated as National Important Cultural Properties of Japan. The wooden structure was restored in 2004. For more information about Castle Stay, click here (external website). Visitors to Ozu Castle can stay overnight in the restored wooden castle keep, the first castle stay experience in Japan. In the castle keep, you can spend an unprecedented luxurious time while enjoying the history of Ozu, the townscape, Iyo's nature, and food. Even if you do not stay at the castle, you can enjoy lodging, meals, and various tours in the castle town, which has revitalized the good old days of Ozu, while remembering the historical buildings, including registered tangible cultural properties, and their respective stories. Click here for details (external site) These efforts to preserve and revitalize the castle town, cultural assets, and old houses were ranked first in the Green Destinations Top 100 Stories 2022 (Top 100 sustainable tourism destinations in the world in 2022) by Green Destinations, an international certification organization for tourism (headquartered in the Netherlands). (Top 100 Sustainable Tourism Destinations in the World in 2022)" by Green Destinations (headquartered in the Netherlands), an international certification organization for tourism. For more information ”Enhancing local participatory platforms, to preserve an ebbing community and its built heritage” ”Preservation and revitalization of cultural assets in the castle town of Ozu.”

R Shimonada Station was known as Japan’s closest station to the sea until the construction of national highway 378 “Yuyake-koyake Line” along the shore. Nonetheless the station is still very popular with railway fans, and is a favourite location for shooting films and TV dramas, and was famously used to advertise Japan Rail’s Seishun 18 Ticket. The views are spectacular at any time: from the sunshine sparkling on the surface of the sea during the day, to the glowing sunset over the golden sea at dusk. If you go to Shikoku, don't miss the sightseeing train "Iyonada Monogatari（special sightseeing train）"! Inside the train, you can enjoy traditional Ehime crafts and meals while taking a close-up look at the Iyonada Sea and the beautiful sunset.

Kengo Kuma is a world-renowned architect who worked on the designs for the National Stadium (2019), the venue for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Yusuhara Town Office, created entirely from Yusuhara cedar; the Kumo-no-Ue-no-Gallery (Wooden Bridge-Shaped Art Gallery), designed to blend in with the forest; and Machi-no-Eki Yusuhara (Community Market and Hotel), which stands out with its thatched façade, are all buildings that he worked on. The Kumo no Ue no Library, which was constructed in 2018, is particularly impressive—great care was taken with both its exterior and its interior structure, creating an astonishing form inside and out.

Dogo Onsen Honkan is thought to be the oldest hot spring in Japan is mentioned in the ancient texts of the Kojiki and Manyoshu. The main building, a three-storey castle-style wooden structure has been designated an Important Cultural Property. The bathhouse is an iconic feature of Matsuyama in the novel “Botchan” and many other masterpieces of literature and film. After enjoying the smooth hot spring water, put on a Yukata robe, stroll around the local streets full of culture, and get into the spirit of this Onsen town. A new annex “Asuka-no-Yu”, adopting the architectural style of the 6th to 8th centuries, will be opened in September 2017. As for the Dogo Onsen Honkan, it has been undergoing conservation and repair work for about five and a half years since January 2019, but all buildings reopen on July 11, 2024 (Thursday).

This is a limestone cave within the Anagami Cave Ruins, a Jomon Period site located in Shirokawa Town, and was discovered by local residents in 1969. The cave is about 75 m long and 8 to 10 m high, and is well maintained so that visitors can look around the cave in peace, making it an attractive place to casually explore the cave. The caves offer a mysterious sight that was formed over many years. The stalagmites, which grow like bamboo shoots due to the accumulation of water drops falling from the tips of the stalactites, and the stone pillars connected to the stalactites and stalagmites, are breathtaking.

This memorial museum was built to commemorate the first step Ryoma took here on March 26, 1862, when he risked his life for the birth of modern Japan and began his journey. On the second floor, there are photos and videos showing the various mountain passes and valleys in the Kawabe area where Ryoma is said to have passed through, allowing visitors to trace the route he took to leave the domain.

This soy sauce brewery has been making soy sauce since 1753 using the Mushiro Koji Method, which involves fermenting wheat and soybeans on a Mushiro. *Mushiro is a woven straw rug. *Koji is a grain (rice, soybeans, wheat, etc.) on which koji mold is grown. Today, Kamebishiya is the only brewery in Japan that uses the Mushiro Koji Method to make soy sauce. The Mushiro Koji Method is also a registered intangible folk cultural property (No. 1, 2023) as Sanuki's soy sauce brewing technique. *Sanuki is the former name of Kagawa Prefecture. At the adjoining café, visitors can enjoy “soy sauce udon”, “moromi ice cream”, “mitarashi dango*(dumpling)”, etc. *Mitarashi dango is a traditional Japanese sweet made with skewered small round rice cakes and dipping them in a sweet and spicy soy sauce-based sauce. Don't miss the guest room “Nagare World” designed by world-renowned stone sculptor Masayuki Nagare and the old traditional space “Kawashima World” created by contemporary artist Takeshi Kawashima.

This is the renovated house of a businessman who previously ran successful soy sauce and Japanese sake brewing operations. Now it is a multipurpose facility that is centered around a tourism information center. In the garden there are stone basins for washing hands (Chozubachi) and stone lanterns (Ishitoro). The house is left as it was built – there is a tea room with sliding doors (Yukimishoji – ‘viewing the snow’ doors) through which the garden can be viewed, and a lovely tatami room. Inside the facilities you will find a popular fish restaurant, a shop that sells antique kimono and obi (kimono sash), and an insect shop that has hard-to-find Japanese rhinoceros beetles. A unique line-up! You can experience making Kagawa’s traditional confectionery Wasanbon and making leather key holders and corsages. Higashi Kagawa is Japan’s number one producer of gloves, and you can try your hand at making gloves here as well.

The Glove Gallery is located in Higashikagawa City, which has the largest glove market share in Japan (over 90% of the national market share).In the historical townscape of Hiketa area, gloves, a local industry, are exhibited as art. The gallery building is a renovated glove factory that was actually in use until around 1998, and is now lined with retro old tools and sewing machines. Visitors can observe the glove manufacturing process and purchase original brand gloves.

Sanuki Wasanbon sugar is a traditional industry in Higashikagawa City. Mitani Sugar Hane Sanuki Honpo Co., Ltd. has been in business since the Edo period, and continues to preserve the manufacturing process that has been in use since the Edo period. The raw material, locally grown sugarcane, is squeezed and boiled to produce “Hakushita Sugar. The sugar is then ground on a tray and pressurized to remove the nectar, resulting in pure white Wasanbon sugar. Please try the refined sweetness and smooth texture of this time-consuming Wasanbon sugar.

The zoo has been talked about as a zoo with a free-flowing climate. Not only can visitors interact with many animals, but they can also touch predators such as tigers and leopards when they are babies. There are also show times for goats, dogs, and various other animals, where you can watch their powerful performances. You can also take advantage of zoo workcations, and after concentrating on your work, you can refresh yourself by enjoying interaction with the animals in the time in between.

Shiroyama is a mountain where earthworks and fortifications were built in preparation for enemy attacks. Hiketa Castle was the first castle in Sanuki Province (＊Sanuki is old name of Kagawa Prefecture.) built with all-stone walls around the end of the Warring States Period. The stonewalls from that time still remain.