Comfortable Drive & Cycling Appreciation Trip
Five-day and four-night course to experience magnificent nature (e.g., a scenic spot drive and cycling on the Shimanami Kaido)
START
5 minutes on foot from Takamatsu Station
1
Takamatsu Castle Tamamo Park
30-minute visit
One of the ‘Three Water Castles of Japan’ (*castles that use sea water from the nearby ocean in their moat) , the ruins of Takamatsu Castle are now open as a park. Also known as Tamamo Castle.
A popular way to visit is on the wooden boats that travel up the moats, which are connected to the ocean. In addition to enjoying the castle from the water, you can also experience feeding the sea bream that swim in the moat.
Inside the park, the Hiunkaku is a reconstruction that brings together the bungalo of the castle lord and the guest annex. This beautiful building, combining Japanese tradition and Western techniques, is an Important Cultural Heritage site. The building faces the Kareyamasui Tei-en, a type of garden that uses rocks, boulders and sand to represent water and mountain scenery. Currently, it is rented out for tea parties and other gatherings.
There are many events held here, such as the spring cherry blossom viewing and the plant market. In the autumn there is the chrysanthemum exhibit. This site holds a special place in the hearts of the local people.
A popular way to visit is on the wooden boats that travel up the moats, which are connected to the ocean. In addition to enjoying the castle from the water, you can also experience feeding the sea bream that swim in the moat.
Inside the park, the Hiunkaku is a reconstruction that brings together the bungalo of the castle lord and the guest annex. This beautiful building, combining Japanese tradition and Western techniques, is an Important Cultural Heritage site. The building faces the Kareyamasui Tei-en, a type of garden that uses rocks, boulders and sand to represent water and mountain scenery. Currently, it is rented out for tea parties and other gatherings.
There are many events held here, such as the spring cherry blossom viewing and the plant market. In the autumn there is the chrysanthemum exhibit. This site holds a special place in the hearts of the local people.
5 minutes on foot, 55 minutes by boat from Takamatsu Port
2
Naoshima
360～420-minute visit and lunch
After about an hour on a ferry from Takamatsu Port, you will arrive at Miyanoura Port, and be welcomed by Yayoi Kusama's “Red Pumpkin”, the symbol of Naoshima.
On Naoshima, which is known as an art island, art is blended into island life. "Chichu Art Museum" and "Benesse House Museum" were designed by the world-famous architect Tadao Ando. The "Art House Project" utilizes many unused houses in the town.
In addition to art, Naoshima is full of attractions. This beautiful island is rich in nature and delights visitors all year round. The arrival of spring brings the blooming of island azaleas. In summer you can enjoy swimming and fishing in the sea. There are many restaurants and cafes where you can taste the delicious fish of the Seto Inland Sea. At the Marine station “Naoshima”, you can find many local souvenirs.
On Naoshima, which is known as an art island, art is blended into island life. "Chichu Art Museum" and "Benesse House Museum" were designed by the world-famous architect Tadao Ando. The "Art House Project" utilizes many unused houses in the town.
In addition to art, Naoshima is full of attractions. This beautiful island is rich in nature and delights visitors all year round. The arrival of spring brings the blooming of island azaleas. In summer you can enjoy swimming and fishing in the sea. There are many restaurants and cafes where you can taste the delicious fish of the Seto Inland Sea. At the Marine station “Naoshima”, you can find many local souvenirs.
55 minutes by boat to Takamatsu Port
3
Takamatsu Accommodation
*The images of the accommodation facilities are for illustrative purposes only
20 minutes by train from Takamatsu Station to Utazu Station and then 15 minutes by car
4
Seto Ohashi Memorial Park
40-minute visit
The Seto Ohashi Bridge is one of the world's largest bridges for combined use by automobiles and trains. The commemorative park was founded by renovating the site of the Memorial Exposition of the bridge building. You can see all aspects of this massive construction project at the Seto Ohashi Memorial Hall.
In this expansive space there are grass lawns, large-scale playground equipment and Mizu no Kairo (Water Road), a fountain that forms the shape of the bridge. There are also sporting fields and a Target Bird Golf Course, which makes this spot popular with sports fans as well.
The "Onibyobu" (Ogre's Tiered Wall), a remarkably eye-catching large stone sculpture, is a work of the world-famous sculptor Masayuki Nagare. The tunnel "Kuguridaki Waterfall" is 50 meters wide and you can actually go through the waterfall. Right next to the park, there are more attractions, such as the Kagawa Prefectural Higashiyama Kaii Setouchi Art Museum and the 108-meter-high Seto Ohashi Tower, where you can look over the Seto Inland Sea.
In this expansive space there are grass lawns, large-scale playground equipment and Mizu no Kairo (Water Road), a fountain that forms the shape of the bridge. There are also sporting fields and a Target Bird Golf Course, which makes this spot popular with sports fans as well.
The "Onibyobu" (Ogre's Tiered Wall), a remarkably eye-catching large stone sculpture, is a work of the world-famous sculptor Masayuki Nagare. The tunnel "Kuguridaki Waterfall" is 50 meters wide and you can actually go through the waterfall. Right next to the park, there are more attractions, such as the Kagawa Prefectural Higashiyama Kaii Setouchi Art Museum and the 108-meter-high Seto Ohashi Tower, where you can look over the Seto Inland Sea.
15 minutes by car to Utazu Station, 3 minutes by train to Marugame Station and then 10 minutes on foot
5
Marugame Castle
90-minute visit
Marugame Castle was constructed about 400 years ago. The keep tower (the highest part of the castle, used as a look-out) is made of wood, a rare style of construction in Japan, and has been designated as an National Important Cultural Heritage. The stone wall that that leads up to the keep tower is the largest of its kind in Japan, at a height of approximately 60 meters. The elegant curvature of the wall is one of its finest features.
This castle was chosen as one of Japan’s Best 100 Castles. The determination is made by a group of specialists that cover the fields of architecture, engineering, archeology and history, and it is on of the cultural prides of the country.
There is a charge for entering the keep tower, but entrance to the compound is free and there is plenty of space for strolling around. It is a popular place for taking walks, and is also a place for the community to gather.
In the spring, the approximately 1,200 cherry trees bloom. May 3-4 is the annual Marugame Castle Festival, where many different events are held.
Noteworthy events, etc.
・Marugame Castle Experience
・Marugame Castle Road
This castle was chosen as one of Japan’s Best 100 Castles. The determination is made by a group of specialists that cover the fields of architecture, engineering, archeology and history, and it is on of the cultural prides of the country.
There is a charge for entering the keep tower, but entrance to the compound is free and there is plenty of space for strolling around. It is a popular place for taking walks, and is also a place for the community to gather.
In the spring, the approximately 1,200 cherry trees bloom. May 3-4 is the annual Marugame Castle Festival, where many different events are held.
Noteworthy events, etc.
・Marugame Castle Experience
・Marugame Castle Road
10 minutes on foot
6
Marugame Station
60-minute lunch around the station
*The images of the food are for illustrative purposes only
15 minutes by train to Takuma Station from Marugame Station, 20 minutes by bus
7
Chichibugahama Beach
180-minute visit and photography opportunity
Chichibugahama Beach boasts a 1km-long beach which attracts many visitors every summer.
Recently, Chichibugahama has become well-known as a spot where visitors can take incredible natural mirror photos like in Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia.
If there is no wind to disturb the water surface, at low tide the sky is beautifully reflected in the tide pools that form in the sand, creating a natural mirror effect.
At sunset, the scenery becomes even more fantastic, enough to earn the title as one of the "Top 100 Sunset Spots in Japan."
We recommend that you come visit with your camera in hand.
・Please be respectful of strangers in your photographs. If someone you don’t know is in your photo, ask them for permission before using the photo on social media, etc.
・This beach has been kept clean by local volunteers for 20 years. Please take your trash home with you and do not litter.
・Be aware that the toilets by the beach are not flush-toilets.
・The beach is wet and sandy- bring rain boots (or beach sandals in summer), a towel, etc., for a more pleasant experience.
・Please be thoughtful and abide by the rules, and have fun photographing!
Recently, Chichibugahama has become well-known as a spot where visitors can take incredible natural mirror photos like in Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia.
If there is no wind to disturb the water surface, at low tide the sky is beautifully reflected in the tide pools that form in the sand, creating a natural mirror effect.
At sunset, the scenery becomes even more fantastic, enough to earn the title as one of the "Top 100 Sunset Spots in Japan."
We recommend that you come visit with your camera in hand.
・Please be respectful of strangers in your photographs. If someone you don’t know is in your photo, ask them for permission before using the photo on social media, etc.
・This beach has been kept clean by local volunteers for 20 years. Please take your trash home with you and do not litter.
・Be aware that the toilets by the beach are not flush-toilets.
・The beach is wet and sandy- bring rain boots (or beach sandals in summer), a towel, etc., for a more pleasant experience.
・Please be thoughtful and abide by the rules, and have fun photographing!
20 minutes by bus,20 minutes by train to Kan-onji Station from Takuma Station
8
Kan-onji Accommodation
*The images of the accommodation facilities are for illustrative purposes only
65 minutes by train to Imabari Station from Kan-onji Station, 15 minutes by car
9
Sunrise Itoyama Cycling Station
Rent a bicycle
Sunrise Itoyama is a cycling terminal at the foot of the Kurushima-Kaikyo Bridge. Bicycles are available to rent and this is the perfect starting point for a ride around the inland sea! Riders can use the pedestrian lanes on the connecting bridges while taking in stunning views and the refreshing breezes of the Seto Inland Sea! You will quickly lose track of time on this one-of-a-kind cycling experience. In addition to cycle rental the terminal also offers convenient accommodation for exploring the Shimanami Kaido. The night view from the rooms is mesmerising, especially when the bridge is illuminated.
Cycling
10
Kirosan Observatory Park
The most spectacular view on the Shimanami Kaido
The observatory park is located at the top of Mt. Kiro at the southernmost point of Oshima Island. The view from here is known as the most spectacular on the Shimanami Kaido. On fine days the view extends as far as Mt. Ishizuchi, the highest mountain in western Japan. In the evenings, views of the sunset and the illuminated Kurushima-Kaikyo Bridge are exceptional. The observatory itself is unobtrusively located within the mountaintop and surrounded by trees to preserve the natural landscape. Along with the stunning views, the observatory is also acclaimed for its uniqueness designed by Kengo Kuma, winner of the Pritzker Architecture Prize Of architecture.
Cycling
11
Mt. Sekizen
An awesome 360° panoramic view from the observatory
Located on the centre of Iwagi-jima, Mt. Sekizen is known as “Iwagi-Fuji”. The observatory at the top of the mountain provides a magnificent 360° panoramic view. You can look out over the islands of the Seto Inland Sea with the Chugoku and Shikoku Mountains in the distance. This is also a popular scenic place for cherry blossoms in spring. The mountain in pink is utterly impressive, with approximately 3,000 cherry blossom trees lining the roads and trails, known as “the celestial robes of an angel”.
Cycling
12
Sunrise Itoyama Cycling Station
Return the bicycle
Sunrise Itoyama is a cycling terminal at the foot of the Kurushima-Kaikyo Bridge. Bicycles are available to rent and this is the perfect starting point for a ride around the inland sea! Riders can use the pedestrian lanes on the connecting bridges while taking in stunning views and the refreshing breezes of the Seto Inland Sea! You will quickly lose track of time on this one-of-a-kind cycling experience. In addition to cycle rental the terminal also offers convenient accommodation for exploring the Shimanami Kaido. The night view from the rooms is mesmerising, especially when the bridge is illuminated.
13
Imabari Accommodation
*The images of the accommodation facilities are for illustrative purposes only
25 minutes by car from Imabari Station
14
Towel Museum
60-minute visit
This is the world’s first towel museum dedicated to the art of towel manufacturing. The unique museum has much to offer including displays of intricate traditional towels, works of art made from towels, an exhibition on the towel-making process, and there is even a garden area rich with seasonal beauty. The museum café offers pleasant lunches or afternoon teas and an enticing range of original goods and local products are available in the museum shops.
90 minutes by car
15
Omogo Gorge (Omogokei)
90-minute visit and lunch
Located at the foot of Mt. Ishizuchi, the Omogo Gorge is well known as a national scenic site and delights visitors with its seasonal beauty. The water in the gorge is crystal clear and you can see to the bottom of the river even from the walking trails. There are two trails; one is the Honryu (main stream) Route including scenic beauty spots such as Goshiki-kawara, Momiji-kogen, and Toraga-taki. The other is the Teppo Route, a relaxing trail along the tranquil Teppo River. The gorge is popular with visitors seeing the autumn foliage in early November.
80 minutes by car
16
Shikoku Karst
Drive
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.
60 minutes by car
17
Niyodo Blue
Niyodo Blue is a mysterious color born from the miraculously clear Niyodo River. It was named by the photographer Nobuyuki Takahashi, who was entranced by its beauty while taking a series of scenic shots.
A flow of cobalt blue, transparent down to the riverbed...
Deep blue waterfall basins that drink deeply of the clear waters...
Beautiful azure pools, like spills of ink on the landscape...
The river holds many distinct natural colors over its 124km in length, owing to differences in the environment, the position of the sun, and the changing of the seasons. Its beauty has become well-known in recent years, and visitors continue to increase by the year. Its popularity is partially due to the convenience of access from nearby Kochi City. Please see for yourself the mysterious blues created by the Niyodo River and its tributaries, which have continuously ranked number 1 in Japan for water quality.
A flow of cobalt blue, transparent down to the riverbed...
Deep blue waterfall basins that drink deeply of the clear waters...
Beautiful azure pools, like spills of ink on the landscape...
The river holds many distinct natural colors over its 124km in length, owing to differences in the environment, the position of the sun, and the changing of the seasons. Its beauty has become well-known in recent years, and visitors continue to increase by the year. Its popularity is partially due to the convenience of access from nearby Kochi City. Please see for yourself the mysterious blues created by the Niyodo River and its tributaries, which have continuously ranked number 1 in Japan for water quality.
18
Niyodogawa Accommodation
*The images of the accommodation facilities are for illustrative purposes only
90 minutes by car
19
The Ekin Museum
45-minute visit
The Ekin Museum is located in Akaoka Town, Konan City, and displays folding screens painted by the artist Ekin. Ekin is the fond nickname used in central Kochi for Kinzo Hirose, an ukiyoe artist from the late Edo Period into the Meiji Period. Ekin was a talented artist from a young age, and learned the skills of painting as a student of the Kano School—historically Japan’s greatest school of painting. From there, he rose to become official artist of the Tosa Domain (modern-day Kochi). Ekin later left the Tosa Domain and moved to Akaoka Town, calling himself the town painter Kinzo. Using a warehouse as his studio, he painted the types of votive pictures and pictures for theater that the common people enjoyed, and became loved by the local fishermen and farmers.
Two elaborate plans were devised to display Ekin’s works in the Ekin Museum. One was “darkness and Ekin.” Displayed in a dim room to the wavering light of candles, the richly colored pictures look as though they might come to life at any moment. The other was “warehouse peepholes.” Of the 23 original paintings which have been damaged over the years, generally two are on display and can be seen through two peep holes drilled into the wall.
There is also a reference room called “100 Stories of Ekin,” in which you can learn more about the man’s mysterious life. Akaoka holds a yearly event in July called the “Tosa Akaoka Ekin Festival,” in which each household specially displays their folding screens. Many tourists come to see the town painted in Ekin’s colors.
Two elaborate plans were devised to display Ekin’s works in the Ekin Museum. One was “darkness and Ekin.” Displayed in a dim room to the wavering light of candles, the richly colored pictures look as though they might come to life at any moment. The other was “warehouse peepholes.” Of the 23 original paintings which have been damaged over the years, generally two are on display and can be seen through two peep holes drilled into the wall.
There is also a reference room called “100 Stories of Ekin,” in which you can learn more about the man’s mysterious life. Akaoka holds a yearly event in July called the “Tosa Akaoka Ekin Festival,” in which each household specially displays their folding screens. Many tourists come to see the town painted in Ekin’s colors.
20
In the city of Kami
60-minute lunch
*The images of the food are for illustrative purposes only
25 minutes by car
21
Ryuga Cave
90-minute visit
The Ryuga Cave is a roughly 4-km limestone cave which took approximately 175 million years to form. It is one of Japan’s best-known limestone caves and designated by the government as a natural monument/historical site. About a 1-km part of the cave is open to the public and you can view some mysterious scenes there.
Near the exit are the remains of cave-dwelling communities during the prehistoric Yayoi period (from around the mid-3rd century BC to the mid-3rd century AD). In particular, Yayoi earthenware covered with calcareous sinter, known as “a divine pot,” is extremely rare and an echo of an ancient world.
A recommended route is the “Adventure Course,” which is so small that you must kneel down to go forward while relying solely on a headlight. At the Chincho (Rare Birds) Center that is adjacent to the cave, you can see long-tailed cocks, designated by the government as a special natural treasure.
Near the exit are the remains of cave-dwelling communities during the prehistoric Yayoi period (from around the mid-3rd century BC to the mid-3rd century AD). In particular, Yayoi earthenware covered with calcareous sinter, known as “a divine pot,” is extremely rare and an echo of an ancient world.
A recommended route is the “Adventure Course,” which is so small that you must kneel down to go forward while relying solely on a headlight. At the Chincho (Rare Birds) Center that is adjacent to the cave, you can see long-tailed cocks, designated by the government as a special natural treasure.
45 minutes by car
22
Sunday Market (Sundays only)
The Sunday Market is an open-air market that has continued for more than 300 years since the Edo period. The market is held on one lane of a main street, which extends from the Otemon main gate of Kochi Castle, from the early morning to evening of every Sunday. About 500 stores line the street during the fair, where you can buy Kochi’s varied products, including vegetables, fruits, flowers and garden trees as well as daily necessities. At the market, customers talk loudly in the Kochi dialect with venders, who are also producers. It is popular with visitors because they can truly feel that they are in Kochi.
On other days, smaller-scale open-air markets are held in various places in the prefecture.
On other days, smaller-scale open-air markets are held in various places in the prefecture.
23
Kochi Accommodation
*The images of the accommodation facilities are for illustrative purposes only
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