[Drive] On-the-Road: A Drive through History and Nature
![[Drive] On-the-Road: A Drive through History and Nature](/image/rendering/attraction_image/92692/trim.960/2/1?v=0a576b491a0015628695d27ca18f72d8878b9312)
Six-day and five-night course to enjoy history and nature (e.g., unexplored areas such as Iya Valley and scenic drives)
START
【DAY 1】
1
Hiroshima Airport
Rent a car and leave
50 minutes by car
2
Hassakuya
A daifuku (sweet bean pasted-stuffed rice cake) shop located in Innoshima Ohashi Park on Innoshima Island in Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture. The shop’s Hassaku daifuku, an Onomichi specialty, are particularly renowned, and fans from around the country come here to enjoy them. Hassaku daifuku have a fresh flavor and are made Hassaku oranges stocked from contract farms on Innoshima Island and Ikuchi-jima Island wrapped in shiroan white bean jam covered with mochi glutinous rice. The shop also sells a variety of other fruit daifuku such as seasonal strawberry and grape daifuku. The shop has an eat-in space with free coffee and a view of Innoshima-ohashi Bridge.
40 minutes by car
3
Oyamazumi Shrine
The shrine dedicated to the tutelary deities of the sea, mountains and martial arts
Oyamazumi Shrine is the oldest shrine in Ehime, the head shrine of approximately 10,000 Yamazumi and Mishima shrines across the country. A gigantic 2,600-year-old sacred camphor tree stands in the centre of the shrine precinct. The shrine holds many items designated Important Cultural Properties including the Honden (the mail hall) and the Haiden (the hall of worship) and time will fly by as you wander around this mysterious place. The shrine has been worshipped as home to gods of the sea, mountains and warriors and many military generals dedicated arms to pray or give thanks for military victories. There is a treasure hall with displays of these arms within the shrine precincts. It is estimated that the collection of weapons and armoury are 80-percent of the nation’s National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties.
5 minutes on foot
4
Ikiki no Gomon
Mysterious tree that has been around for a long time
This camphor tree is located on the approach to the inner sanctuary of Oyamazumi Shrine. This huge old camphor tree, said to be about 3,000 years old and with a root circumference of about 30 meters, is designated as a natural monument of Ehime Prefecture. It is said that the natural hollow at the base of the trunk was used as a gate through which people used to pass to visit the inner sanctuary, hence the name "Seiki no Gomon" (Gate of Live Tree). Climbing the stone steps leading into the cavity, one can feel a great energy, and the shape of the trunk, with the appearance of an old tree, is a mysterious power spot that moves the visitor.
15 minutes by car
5
Roadside Station Tatara Shimanami
Taste the bounty of God's Island
This roadside station is located at the foot of the Tatara Bridge, one of the world's largest cable-stayed bridges. It is an excellent viewpoint from below the bridge as well as the Seto Inland Sea spreading out before one's eyes. The special products center sells a wide variety of island products and processed marine products, making it difficult to choose the right souvenir. There is also a restaurant where visitors can enjoy dishes using fresh ingredients such as flatfish, a local specialty of Omishima. Nearby are facilities for renting bicycles, a campground, and a hot spring, making it the perfect base for sightseeing on Omishima.
40 minutes by car
6
Towel Museum
A unique amusement venue located in Imabari, the Japan’s largest towel-producing town.
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.
60 minutes by car
7
Roadside Station Kazahaya no Sato Fuwari
A scenic roadside station with a view of the islands of the Seto Inland Sea against the backdrop of Mount Takanawa
Located in Kazahaya, on the northern edge of Matsuyama City, it enjoys an excellent location facing the verdant countryside at the foot of Mount Takanawa and the calm Sainada Sea in the Seto Inland Sea. The open-air market and product sales area offer a wide variety of fresh and safe local agricultural, forestry, and marine products, processed foods, and specialties. The market also has a restaurant where visitors can enjoy meals using fresh local fish and vegetables, as well as a snack corner selling popular ice cream, octopus balls, and jakoten, allowing visitors to enjoy the unique flavor of Kazahaya no Sato.
50 minutes by car
8
Dogo Onsen Honkan
A famous Onsen with 3,000 years of history
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).
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).
【DAY 2】
10 minutes by car
10 minutes by car
9
Matsuyama Castle
A famous castle of the Setouchi Region
Matsuyama Castle, in the style of the Momoyama period, is one of Japan’s few original surviving castles. Its 21 buildings are listed as Important Cultural Properties, and the castle is regarded as one of the three best ‘Renritsu-shiki Hirayama-jiro’ (Renritsu-shiki: an architectural style where the top castle tower is in the centre with smaller towers on either side; Hirayama-jiro: a castle built on a hill on a plain). The towers are all connected to defend the main castle building. The castle is a well-known symbol of Matsuyama and is written about in the prologue of the novel, “Clouds Above the Hill” by Ryotaro Shiba. It has been and will be guarding the city of Matsuyama for centuries!
50 minutes by car
10
Uchiko-Za
A historical Kabuki theatre with lifelong fans
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.
5 minutes by car
11
Tonkurimabushi (Pork and chestnut dish)
Would you like to try a dish with chestnuts and pork?
Tonkuri Mabushi is a dish made with chestnuts and pork with a kicking taste in the special soup stock that they made.
The volume of the pork and the flavor of the sauce is also powerful, yet the moderate sweetness of the chestnuts gives it a well-balanced taste.
Tonkuri Mabushi is a dish made with chestnuts and pork with a kicking taste in the special soup stock that they made.
The volume of the pork and the flavor of the sauce is also powerful, yet the moderate sweetness of the chestnuts gives it a well-balanced taste.
5 minutes by car
12
Ozu no Machinami
The Ozu District of Ozu City prospered as a castle town until the end of the Edo period. Beginning in the Meiji period, it had a booming sericulture and silk spinning industry. Having avoided the ravages of war, the district retains the centuries-old townscape from this time. Visitors can walk the streets and see the rows of merchant houses with namako walls.
5 minutes by car
13
Garyu Sanso
Get in touch with traditional Wabi-sabi aesthetics
Located on a scenic bend of the Hijikawa River, Garyu Sanso features the architectural style of the Sukiya-zukuri (a type of traditional tea house) and is known as the “Katsura Rikyu of Ozu”. The building abounds in sumptuous designs throughout. The great architect Kisho Kurokawa summed it up when he said, “Garyu Sanso is every bit as good as Katsura Rikyu. I would be willing to fall into debt to take ownership of it!” The building is an architectural masterpiece combining Japanese elegance and the beauty of ancient times. Come and let the fresh air cleanse your mind and escape from the everyday in these peaceful surroundings!
40 minutes by car
14
Uwajima Castle
An excellently-designed strong fortress facing Uwajima Bay
Uwajima Castle, along with Matsuyama Castle, is one of Japan’s twelve originally surviving castles. Once a strong fortress facing Uwajima Bay, the castle is enclosed within an irregular pentagon-shaped land area. The castle was built by Takatora Todo, a feudal lord known for his excellence in castle design. With steep flights of stone steps along its enormous stone walls, the three-storey, triple-layer castle tower stands prominently on a hill top. Inside the castle, you can enjoy the wooden interiors along with views of Uwajima city and Uwajima Bay in the distance.
30 minutes by car
15
Sukumo Resort Yashinoyu
You can relax after a hard day's work while enjoying the view of the Pacific Ocean from Shikoku's first large open-air terraced bath and open-air hinoki cypress bath. Be sure to enjoy our authentic fish cuisine, lavishly prepared with fresh seafood landed in Sukumo Bay.
【DAY 3】
60 minutes by car
60 minutes by car
16
Kashiwa, Okinoshima & Uguru islands
The sea around Kashiwa Island, which is connected to the town of Otsuki by a bridge, and around the inhabited islands of Okinoshima and Uguru off the city of Sukumo is relatively warm thanks to the Kuroshio Current that flows into the area. Over 1,000 kinds of fish inhabit the sea and there is a large coral reef colony in the area. A unique culture and lifestyle have taken root on these islands blessed with a mild climate. The islands boast beautiful landscapes, such as stone walls to protect houses from sea breezes and seasonal winds as well as terraced fields on slopes. The islands are also known as spots for marine sports including surf fishing and scuba diving.
80 minutes by car
17
Cape Ashizuri
Cape Ashizuri, located at the tip of the Ashizuri Peninsula jutting out into the azure Pacific Ocean, is the southernmost cape in Shikoku. An observatory on the cape commands a view of more than 180 degrees, allowing you to truly feel that the earth is round. You can see spectacular landscapes created by nature, and certainly feel the grandeur of the earth. Along trails in this area there are many mysterious places associated with Kobo Daishi, an ancient Japanese Buddhist monk also known as Kukai, and tours aimed at making you feel the so-called “seven wonders” in these locations are organized. You can also ride a glass-bottomed boat to view underwater scenes, such as coral and tropical fish, off the Tatsukushi and Minokoshi beaches near Cape Ashizuri.
50 minutes by car
18
Shimantoya
This souvenir shop is on the bank of the Shimanto River in Shimanto City, Kochi Prefecture and contains a restaurant on the second floor. It opened in 1967. The first floor sells processed goods such as natural eel, shrimp, sweetfish, and seaweed from the Shimanto River, which is said to be Japan’s last remaining limpid river. The chef, who is also a river fisherman, offers dishes such as grilled eel and rice, natural salt-grilled sweetfish, fried river shrimp, and other local cuisine. Depending on the season, you may be able to sit outside on the terrace and gaze at the river while you eat.
100 minutes by car
19
Yokonami Kuroshio Line
This road offers breathtaking scenery as it snakes for nearly 19 kilometers along the ridges of Yokonami Peninsula, which features a rias coastline. You can enjoy a sweeping view of Uranouchi Bay and the Shikoku Mountains, and the observation deck along the route offers a wonderful view of the Pacific Ocean and inner bay.
50 minutes by car
20
Katsurahama
A spot with great views and a bronze statue of Ryoma Sakamoto, a hero at the end of the Edo period.
Katsurahama Beach is one of the most famous scenic spots in Kochi Prefecture. It has long been known as a famous place for the moon, and the lyrics to the Kochi song "Yosakoi-bushi" (Yosakoi song) are also preserved here. The beach is a beautiful place where the green pine trees and the azure sea harmonize with each other, and the bronze statue of Ryoma Sakamoto, a hero of Kochi, is very famous for his gaze toward the rough waves of the Pacific Ocean. If you want to learn more about Ryoma, the nearby Ryoma Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum is a great place to visit. The entire beach area is called "Katsurahama Park," and there is a store in the park. There are also facilities such as "Tosainu Park" and "Katsurahama Aquarium," so it is recommended that you visit these and other places around the park.
30 minutes by car
21
Kochi City Accommodation check in
on foot
22
Hirome Market
Hirome Market is a commercial facility located next to Kochi Castle. It is also a place for locals and visitors alike to fill their stomachs with not only Kochi"s local cuisine, but also more international flavors. The inside of the nostalgia-inspiring market building is packed with approximately 65 street stall-style restaurants, busy fresh fish and meat shops, unique knickknack shops, and clothing boutiques.
With tables throughout, customers can get takeout from different restaurants and casually enjoy a variety of foods. Although you may notice people drinking during the day in the market, this too is a sight typical of Kochi, a place where the locals are known to like drinking.
With tables throughout, customers can get takeout from different restaurants and casually enjoy a variety of foods. Although you may notice people drinking during the day in the market, this too is a sight typical of Kochi, a place where the locals are known to like drinking.
23
Kochi City Accommodation
The images of the accommodation facilities are for illustrative purposes only
【DAY 4】
on foot
on foot
24
Kochi Castle
Fifteen structures at Kochi Castle, including its tower and the Otemon main gate, have been designated by the national government as important cultural properties. The castle was originally built in 1603 on the order of Yamauchi Katsutoyo, lord of the Tosa domain, but was burned down in a massive fire in 1727. The current castle tower was rebuilt in 1749.
Kochi Castle is Japan’s only castle where all the structures constituting its main building have been preserved. Since the castle’s structures are compactly situated, you can see its most important parts in a short period of time. Its tower is one of the 12 castle keeps that are still preserved in Japan. Kochi Castle is known as a popular photo spot because it is Japan’s only castle where you can capture both its Otemon and its tower in a single shot.
Kochi Castle, which is considered one of the top 100 castles in Japan, is situated on a hill in a park. The castle tower offers a breathtaking view of Kochi City. The San-no-maru area of Kochi Castle boasts 223 cherry trees, which are presently in full bloom, making it one of the finest cherry blossom viewing spots in the prefecture.
Kochi Castle is Japan’s only castle where all the structures constituting its main building have been preserved. Since the castle’s structures are compactly situated, you can see its most important parts in a short period of time. Its tower is one of the 12 castle keeps that are still preserved in Japan. Kochi Castle is known as a popular photo spot because it is Japan’s only castle where you can capture both its Otemon and its tower in a single shot.
Kochi Castle, which is considered one of the top 100 castles in Japan, is situated on a hill in a park. The castle tower offers a breathtaking view of Kochi City. The San-no-maru area of Kochi Castle boasts 223 cherry trees, which are presently in full bloom, making it one of the finest cherry blossom viewing spots in the prefecture.
80 minutes by car
25
The Peeing Boy of Iya Gorge
A dizzying succession of sheer cliffs lines a steep gorge carved out of the mountains by the Iya River. As a symbol of innocent courage, a statue of a peeing boy stands at the edge of a 200m precipice that is also noted for the seven curves along its rim.
20 minutes by car
26
Momijitei soba noodles restaurant
Momijitei is an Iya Soba (buckwheat noodles) restaurant in a converted traditional farmhouse with a marvelous atmosphere, situated above the Oboke Gorge. The restaurant specialty is handmade Soba noodles made with locally-sourced ingredients. Diners can ask for Udon noodles instead if they prefer (at the same price). In the winter months, the restaurant also serves Oden, which is very popular too. Diners enjoy impressive views of the gorge through the windows as they eat.
20 minutes by car
27
Vine Bridges in the Iya Valley
In ancient times the local people built many of these bridges for daily travel, using vines that grow wild in the mountains, yet only a few vine bridges still remain today. Looking down while crossing is enough to put butterflies in any visitor's stomach. Recognized as one of three kinds of unusual bridges in Japan, they are designated as an important folkloric property.
on foot
28
Biwa-no-taki (Biwa Waterfall)
Legend has it that the waterfall was named after the Heike warriors who used to play their biwa (Japanese lute) at the waterfall to comfort each other as they reminisced about their days in the capital of Kyoto.
45 mninutes by car
29
Oku-Iya Double Vine Bridge
The Oku-Iya Niju-Kazura Bridge is a secluded bridge surrounded by beautiful scenery.
It is said that the bridge was built about 800 years ago by the Heike clan to go to Mt Tsurugi.
Because two Kazura bridges, one male bridge and one female bridge, cross side by side, they are commonly called “Otoko-bashi Onna-bashi” (male bridge and female bridge) and “Meoto-bashi” (married couple bridge), respectively.
Nearby is “Yaen,” where visitors can cross a mountain stream while pulling a rope, making it a representative sightseeing spot of Okusha.
The bridge is made from a native plant called “shirakuchikazura.
View More Autumn Scenery
It is said that the bridge was built about 800 years ago by the Heike clan to go to Mt Tsurugi.
Because two Kazura bridges, one male bridge and one female bridge, cross side by side, they are commonly called “Otoko-bashi Onna-bashi” (male bridge and female bridge) and “Meoto-bashi” (married couple bridge), respectively.
Nearby is “Yaen,” where visitors can cross a mountain stream while pulling a rope, making it a representative sightseeing spot of Okusha.
The bridge is made from a native plant called “shirakuchikazura.
View More Autumn Scenery
45 minutes by car
30
Oboke-Iya Hot Spring Village Accommodation
Oboke-Iya Hot Spring Village is located in the middle of Shikoku. There are several hot springs of different qualities in the Iya Valley, one of the three most mysterious places in Japan, and in Oboke, where the Yoshino River flows through Shikoku Saburo. These hot spring resorts in the mountains heal their visitors with their beautiful nature and the kindness of their people.
For more information
For more information
【DAY 5】
80 minutes by car
80 minutes by car
31
Udatsu Townscape
Townscape with historic buildings
Along the historical streets of Wakimachi (dating from the Edo period, 1600-1868) can been seen Udatsu, or high-winged walls that break the continuous roofline. These extra dividers at the edges of the houses, made from clay-rich earth, were designed in part to prevent the spreading of fires. Wakimachi was an indigo dyeing center and home to many wealthy merchants, and rows of fine houses with classic tile roofs and storehouses have been preserved. To protect the architectural character, the national government has designated this district as an important preservation district for groups of historic buildings.
on foot
32
Mima Tourist Exchange Center Aizome Workshop
It is a base for tourism with three functions: the "Tourism Exchange Room," the "Aizome Studio," and the "Udatsuemon Tea House.
60 minutes by car
33
Sanuki Mengyo, Matsunami Store Main Branch
The restaurant has been in the noodle business for 90 years, spanning three generations. Especially popular is the "Tendon Set" (980 yen), which includes cola udon noodles and tendon. The generous portions at an affordable price are popular among people of all ages.
5 minutes by car
34
Ritsurin Garden
Designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty and listed in the Michelin Green Guide Japon in 2009.
Ritsurin Garden is a daimyo (feudal lord) garden, which was completed in 1745 over a period of one hundred years. Designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty, this spacious garden features 6 ponds and 13 landscaped hills. While strolling you can enjoy the changing landscape, therefore it is said that the variety of scenery has the attraction of "ippo ikkei" or a change in scenery with every step. In the garden there are buildings, such as Kikugetsu-tei teahouse, where you can have matcha (powdered green tea) while viewing the picturesque landscape, and the Sanuki Mingeikan (Folk Craft Museum), where Sanuki folk crafts are exhibited. You can also enjoy a ride on a Japanese boat, the “Senshu maru”.
There are approximately 300 cherry trees, mostly Somei Yoshino, and the beauty of the cherry blossoms reflected on the lake surface and the strange colors of the green pine trees are breathtaking. In addition, spring lighting will be held to coincide with the blooming of the cherry trees, and during the nighttime lighting period, special Japanese-style boat trips will be offered on Lake Kitako.
There are approximately 300 cherry trees, mostly Somei Yoshino, and the beauty of the cherry blossoms reflected on the lake surface and the strange colors of the green pine trees are breathtaking. In addition, spring lighting will be held to coincide with the blooming of the cherry trees, and during the nighttime lighting period, special Japanese-style boat trips will be offered on Lake Kitako.
10 minutes by car
15 minutes on foot
36
Takamatsu Marugame Town Shopping District
This is a large-scale shopping district with a total length of 470 meters in the center of Marugame Town, Takamatsu City, boasting a history of 400 years since the establishment of the town. There are more than 100 businesses in the district including restaurants, fashion stores, hospitals and pharmacies as well as daily goods stores. The redevelopment is attracting attention as it consolidates shopping districts and housing in an unprecedented way nationally.
15 minutes on foot
37
JR Hotel Clement Takamatsu
accommodation
【DAY 6】
30 minutes by car
30 minutes by car
38
Yakuriji Cable Car
The Yakuriji cable car was built to transport visitors to Yakuriji Temple, the 85th temple of the Shikoku Sacred Sites. It has been used by local residents for more than half a century since its opening in 1964.
Approximately 15 minutes by cable car and on foot
39
Temple 85, Yakuriji
【Highlights】
・Shodendo
Shodendo, located next to the Hondo, enshrines the statue of the deity Kangiten which was given to Mokujiki Ikuu Shonin by Empress Tofukumonin, wife of Emperor Go-mizunoō (reigned 1611-1629). The deity is believed to bring success in business, academics, and marriage. It is popularly known as Yakuri no Shoden-san (Eight Chestnuts Holy Heaven).
・Chushobodo
Chushobo is enshrined in the Chushobodo located behind the Hondo. Chushobo is one of the three major tengu (Japanese folk deities) of Sanuki. He is said to come down from the mountain at night, do good things for people, and return to his home in the morning. People place geta (wooden clogs) next to the Chushobodo and, if the geta are dirty the next day, it is said to be a sign that Chushobo has worked for that person.
・Shodendo
Shodendo, located next to the Hondo, enshrines the statue of the deity Kangiten which was given to Mokujiki Ikuu Shonin by Empress Tofukumonin, wife of Emperor Go-mizunoō (reigned 1611-1629). The deity is believed to bring success in business, academics, and marriage. It is popularly known as Yakuri no Shoden-san (Eight Chestnuts Holy Heaven).
・Chushobodo
Chushobo is enshrined in the Chushobodo located behind the Hondo. Chushobo is one of the three major tengu (Japanese folk deities) of Sanuki. He is said to come down from the mountain at night, do good things for people, and return to his home in the morning. People place geta (wooden clogs) next to the Chushobodo and, if the geta are dirty the next day, it is said to be a sign that Chushobo has worked for that person.
40
Yakuriji Cable Car
The Yakuriji cable car was built to transport visitors to Yakuriji Temple, the 85th temple of the Shikoku Sacred Sites. It has been used by local residents for more than half a century since its opening in 1964.
1 minutes by car
41
Yamadaya Main Shop
Yamadaya is a popular udon restaurant in Mure Town, Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture, famous for the queues often found at the restaurant. The specially prepared udon noodles made with traditional techniques and using their special flour and local water have a fine reputation for being smooth in texture and high in taste. Popular dishes include their kama-bukake with hot noodles and chewy texture, and their tempura udon topped with a large shrimp. The restaurant is housed within a stately looking Japanese house designated as a National Tangible Cultural Property and the immaculately maintained garden is also very beautiful.
45 minutes by car
42
Shirotori-jinja Shrine
This shrine is said to be the place where the spirit of Yamatotakeru-no-mikoto (the son of Yamatotakeru) is said to have landed as a swan. Grand festivals are held in spring, summer, and fall. Miyama, commonly known as "Mt. Miyama," located within the shrine, is 3.6 m above sea level, and is the lowest mountain in Japan, which has been promoted as a local attraction. Shiratori Shrine issues a mountain climbing certificate.
40 minutes by car
43
Onaruto Bridge Museum Eddy
The museum introduces the mechanism of Naruto's whirlpools and the structure of Onaruto Bridge from various angles, making full use of video and simulation equipment under the theme of whirlpools and bridges.
30 minutes by car
44
Tokushima Awaodori Airport
GOAL