[Drive (from outside Shikoku)] Course : Enjoying Great Hot Springs and Gourmet Cuisine (5 nights 6 days, Kansai International Airport → Hyogo → Okayama → Kagawa → Ehime → Matsuyama Airport)
![[Drive (from outside Shikoku)] Course : Enjoying Great Hot Springs and Gourmet Cuisine (5 nights 6 days, Kansai International Airport → Hyogo → Okayama → Kagawa → Ehime → Matsuyama Airport)](/image/rendering/attraction_image/89335/trim.960/2/1?v=ca552a62b19f395c11594dcb856af336f6a8df1f)
[Day 1]
Kansai International Airport / Nishiyama Sake Brewery “koden” / Tamba Traditional Crafts Park Tachikui Sue-no-sato / Arima Onsen Hot Spring town
[Day 2]
PELLETERIA / Hakuun Makoto / Kirakira-zaka (shiny hill) / Iwatsuhime Shrine / Ako Onsen Hot Spring town
[Day 3]
Yoshima Parking Area (rest area) / Temple 75, Zentsūji / Nakano Udon School Kotohira Campus / Konpira Hot Spring Resort
[Day 4]
Besshi Copper Mine Tonaru "Machu Picchu of Japan" / Sunrise Itoyama Cycling Station (Bicycle Rental) / Rest stop "Roadside Station" Yoshiumi Iki-iki kan / WAKKA
[Day 5]
Sunrise Itoyama Cycling Station (Return Bicycle) / SHIMANAMI KAZE no RESTAURANT / Matsuyama Castle / Ehime Children's Castle / Dogo Onsen Honkan / Kadoya Dogo Tsubakizaka Branch / Dogo Hot Spring Town
[Day 6]
Matsuyama Airport
Kansai International Airport / Nishiyama Sake Brewery “koden” / Tamba Traditional Crafts Park Tachikui Sue-no-sato / Arima Onsen Hot Spring town
[Day 2]
PELLETERIA / Hakuun Makoto / Kirakira-zaka (shiny hill) / Iwatsuhime Shrine / Ako Onsen Hot Spring town
[Day 3]
Yoshima Parking Area (rest area) / Temple 75, Zentsūji / Nakano Udon School Kotohira Campus / Konpira Hot Spring Resort
[Day 4]
Besshi Copper Mine Tonaru "Machu Picchu of Japan" / Sunrise Itoyama Cycling Station (Bicycle Rental) / Rest stop "Roadside Station" Yoshiumi Iki-iki kan / WAKKA
[Day 5]
Sunrise Itoyama Cycling Station (Return Bicycle) / SHIMANAMI KAZE no RESTAURANT / Matsuyama Castle / Ehime Children's Castle / Dogo Onsen Honkan / Kadoya Dogo Tsubakizaka Branch / Dogo Hot Spring Town
[Day 6]
Matsuyama Airport
START
[Day 1]
1
Kansai International Airport
At Kansai International Airport, the gateway to the Kansai region, you will rent a car and depart.
©Kansai Airports
©Kansai Airports
2
Fermented food lunch at Nishiyama Sake Brewery “koden”
Nishiyama Sake Brewery, a long-established sake brewery founded in 1849, has close ties with Japan’s famous cultural figures including Kyoshi Takahama. Its representative brand “Kotsuzumi” was also named by him.
Also, the design of the sake bottles, the notation of the brewery, and so on are all designed by artist Hirosuke Watanuki.
In August 2024, under the theme of “Sake, Fermentation, and the Arts: Transmission and Inheritance”, “koden” that has a café, sweets shop, gallery, and other facilities newly opened!
Please enjoy a fermented food lunch in a facility that makes use of a wooden sake brewery built in 1896, where you can experience the makanai (staff meal) of Nishiyama Sake Brewery which has been protecting the health of the brewery workers.
You can make reservation of brewery tours that allow visitors to stroll the brewery grounds and view the works of artists associated with the brewery.
Also, the design of the sake bottles, the notation of the brewery, and so on are all designed by artist Hirosuke Watanuki.
In August 2024, under the theme of “Sake, Fermentation, and the Arts: Transmission and Inheritance”, “koden” that has a café, sweets shop, gallery, and other facilities newly opened!
Please enjoy a fermented food lunch in a facility that makes use of a wooden sake brewery built in 1896, where you can experience the makanai (staff meal) of Nishiyama Sake Brewery which has been protecting the health of the brewery workers.
You can make reservation of brewery tours that allow visitors to stroll the brewery grounds and view the works of artists associated with the brewery.
3
Tamba Traditional Crafts Park Tachikui Sue-no-sato & tour of the kiln
Tamba Tachikui is surrounded by mountain scenery and has abundant greenery.
Tamba-yaki, which has been handed down for over 800 years, is one of the six oldest kilns in Japan, and Tamba Tachikui is the center of the pottery production area.
Inside the facility, there are “Pottery Alley” where Tamba pottery is displayed and sold, pottery classes, restaurants, and so on.
There are many Tamba pottery kilns close to Tamba Traditional Crafts Park Tachikui Sue-no-sato, so find your favorite kiln in Kiln Yokocho.
Tamba-yaki, which has been handed down for over 800 years, is one of the six oldest kilns in Japan, and Tamba Tachikui is the center of the pottery production area.
Inside the facility, there are “Pottery Alley” where Tamba pottery is displayed and sold, pottery classes, restaurants, and so on.
There are many Tamba pottery kilns close to Tamba Traditional Crafts Park Tachikui Sue-no-sato, so find your favorite kiln in Kiln Yokocho.
4
Arima Onsen Hot Spring town
Arima Onsen is the only hot spring that is counted as both one of Japan’s “Three Oldest Springs” and “Three Famous Springs”.
Visitors can enjoy two different types of hot spring water: “Kin-sen (gold spring)”, which is Arima’s famous brownish water containing iron and salt, and “Gin-sen (silver spring)”,which is a clear, colorless spring popular among women for its skin-softening properties.
Yumotozaka, the main street of Arima Onsen, has the atmosphere of a traditional hot spring resort. You can enjoy strolling through the many long-established and fashionable stores that blend in with the retro atmosphere of the town.
©KOBE TOURISM BUREAU
Visitors can enjoy two different types of hot spring water: “Kin-sen (gold spring)”, which is Arima’s famous brownish water containing iron and salt, and “Gin-sen (silver spring)”,which is a clear, colorless spring popular among women for its skin-softening properties.
Yumotozaka, the main street of Arima Onsen, has the atmosphere of a traditional hot spring resort. You can enjoy strolling through the many long-established and fashionable stores that blend in with the retro atmosphere of the town.
©KOBE TOURISM BUREAU
[Day 2]
5
PELLETERIA
Pelleteria is a communication spot where you can thoroughly enjoy Himeji’s traditional industry of leather, through activities such as viewing, learning and experiencing. Materials that teach the history of Himeji leather are on display, and there is also a café where you can enjoy meals and sweets. Various original genuine leather product-making experiences are available for a wide range of participants, from young children to the elderly. (You can decide which product to make on the day of your visit.) Instructors are always on-site to provide support.
Reservations are required for the produce-making experience. Please make a reservation through this inquiry form:
https://pelletteria.uniters.co.jp/contact/
© PELLETTERIA
Reservations are required for the produce-making experience. Please make a reservation through this inquiry form:
https://pelletteria.uniters.co.jp/contact/
© PELLETTERIA
6
Lunch at Tempura Seasonal Cuisine Hakuun Makoto
Tempura Seasonal Cuisine Hakuun Makoto, located in a bustling area of Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture, offers authentic Japanese cuisine.
With the sea and mountains nearby, Himeji is blessed with a rich natural environment, and the dishes here highlight ingredients cultivated in this area, each offering exceptional flavors.
Among this restaurant’s proud offerings is the “tempura,” which is a dish known to truly test a chef’s skill. To enhance the carefully selected ingredients from Himeji, they use a thin batter that lightly envelops them. Each piece is meticulously prepared and fried with skilled craftsmanship, ensuring a quality experience that will create lasting memories.
With the sea and mountains nearby, Himeji is blessed with a rich natural environment, and the dishes here highlight ingredients cultivated in this area, each offering exceptional flavors.
Among this restaurant’s proud offerings is the “tempura,” which is a dish known to truly test a chef’s skill. To enhance the carefully selected ingredients from Himeji, they use a thin batter that lightly envelops them. Each piece is meticulously prepared and fried with skilled craftsmanship, ensuring a quality experience that will create lasting memories.
7
Kirakira-zaka (shiny hill)
“Kirakira-zaka (shiny hill)” at Ako Misaki overlooks the Seto Inland Sea. It was named after the fact that people can watch the shiny blue sky and the blue ocean. The Gently sloping street is paved with cobblestones and has a wonderful atmosphere.
Along the road, there are cafes, gelato shop, glasshouses, and so on.
Along the road, there are cafes, gelato shop, glasshouses, and so on.
8
Iwatsuhime Shrine
Iwatsuhime Shrine at the coast of Ako Misaki has been selected as one of the “100 best place to see the sunset”. It is a photo spot where you can take pictures of the torii gate, the sky, and the sea together.
It is also attracting attention as a power spot with “Hime-mamori” (princess charm) and “limited edition of red ink stamps”.
In front of the shrine, there is a calm and beautiful view of the sea.
It is also attracting attention as a power spot with “Hime-mamori” (princess charm) and “limited edition of red ink stamps”.
In front of the shrine, there is a calm and beautiful view of the sea.
9
Ako Onsen Hot Spring town
Ako Onsen is a hot spring town located on a hill along the coast facing the Sea of Harima, with a beautiful view of the Seto Inland Sea.
It is also known as “reviving hot spring” because of its excellent quality of water, which is rich in minerals and smooth to the touch. It is also said to be highly effective in retaining heat, and is loved by many people.
It is also known as “reviving hot spring” because of its excellent quality of water, which is rich in minerals and smooth to the touch. It is also said to be highly effective in retaining heat, and is loved by many people.
[Day 3]
10
Yoshima Parking Area (rest area)
Located almost in the center of the strait section of the Seto-Chuo Expressway (Seto Ohashi Bridge), Yoshima Parking Area (rest area) is an excellent viewing point.Adjacent to the parking lot is the Yoshima Plaza, which includes a food court, stores, and an information center. The observatory at the Plaza also offers a panoramic view of the many islands and vessels of all sizes passing by.
11
Temple 75, Zentsūji
【History of the temple】
According to a text called Tado-gun Byoubu-ura Zentsu-ji no Ki (from the middle of the Edo period), Zentsūji was built by Kobo Daishi, who had returned from Tang Dynasty China. He built Zentsūji on a site donated by his father. It was laid out in imitation of Seiryuji Temple in Changan, where his teacher, the priest Keika, lived. The temple was called Zentsūji after Zentsu, Kobo Daishi’s father.
According to a text called Tado-gun Byoubu-ura Zentsu-ji no Ki (from the middle of the Edo period), Zentsūji was built by Kobo Daishi, who had returned from Tang Dynasty China. He built Zentsūji on a site donated by his father. It was laid out in imitation of Seiryuji Temple in Changan, where his teacher, the priest Keika, lived. The temple was called Zentsūji after Zentsu, Kobo Daishi’s father.
12
Nakano Udon School Kotohira Campus (Udon noodle Making Experience)
Graduate in About 60 Minutes!
Come Empty-Handed and Make Your Own Udon!
Our udon teachers will teach you everything you need to know to make authentic Sanuki udon noodles, from kneading the dough to rolling it out and boiling it. After you make your noodles, you'll get to enjoy them with everyone else. There's nothing like the taste of udon you've made yourself!
You can also take your udon home with you as a souvenir. We'll give you a graduation certificate, a secret recipe book, and a rolling pin as souvenirs. Please feel free to join us!
Come Empty-Handed and Make Your Own Udon!
Our udon teachers will teach you everything you need to know to make authentic Sanuki udon noodles, from kneading the dough to rolling it out and boiling it. After you make your noodles, you'll get to enjoy them with everyone else. There's nothing like the taste of udon you've made yourself!
You can also take your udon home with you as a souvenir. We'll give you a graduation certificate, a secret recipe book, and a rolling pin as souvenirs. Please feel free to join us!
13
Konpira Hot Spring Resort (lodging)
This gorgeous hot spring village is located at the foot of Konpira-san ( Kotohira-gu Shrine).
In the vicinity are not only the famous Kotohira-gu Shrine and Kanamaru-za(Japan's oldest existing playhouse for kabuki), but also the Sake Museum, which was renovated from a sake brewery, the Sea Science Museum, and the town's History and Folklore Museum.
In the vicinity are not only the famous Kotohira-gu Shrine and Kanamaru-za(Japan's oldest existing playhouse for kabuki), but also the Sake Museum, which was renovated from a sake brewery, the Sea Science Museum, and the town's History and Folklore Museum.
[Day 4]
14
Besshi Copper Mine Tonaru "Machu Picchu of Japan"
A legacy that conveys the history of the Besshi Copper Mine to the present day
The industrial heritage of the Besshi Copper Mine still exists deep in the mountains of Niihama. At its peak, the town was a bustling place where many people lived, but with the closure of the Besshi Copper Mine, only the ruins of the town remain. In recent years, the town has been called “Machu Picchu of the Orient” because of its stone walls, brick buildings, and high location, attracting many tourists. The site, which is located at an altitude of around 750 meters, also offers a spectacular view of the city of Niihama and the distant Seto Inland Sea on a clear day.
In addition to the Tonaru Historical Museum, which displays a diorama of a realistic reproduction of a town and school from the past, the area also has a copper theme museum displaying copper products, the Tonaru Learning Center where visitors can learn through video, a nature exhibition room, and other facilities.
In addition to the Tonaru Historical Museum, which displays a diorama of a realistic reproduction of a town and school from the past, the area also has a copper theme museum displaying copper products, the Tonaru Learning Center where visitors can learn through video, a nature exhibition room, and other facilities.
15
Sunrise Itoyama Cycling Station (Bicycle Rental)
Enjoy the refreshing sea breeze and natural surroundings on a ride around the Seto Inland Sea!
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.
16
Rest stop "Roadside Station" Yoshiumi Iki-iki kan
Taste Oshima's seafood with a view of the Kurushima Straits
Located at the foot of the Oshima side of the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, this roadside station is an ideal rest stop along the Shimanami Kaido. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing seafood barbecue over a charcoal grill while gazing at the Seto Inland Sea stretching out before them. In addition, the restaurant offers a menu of fresh seafood and locally produced ingredients, and the store sells a variety of vegetables, fresh fish, and specialties from the island, as well as a full lineup of souvenirs. Visitors are welcomed by a huge fish tank in the center of the restaurant, where sea bream, flatfish, and other fish swim peacefully.
17
WAKKA
WAKKA on the Shimanami Kaido is a comprehensive tourism facility located on Omishima Island, the center of the Shimanami Kaido, known as a sacred place for cyclists.Located in an excellent location overlooking the Seto Inland Sea, WAKKA offers not only cycling, but also lodging, a café, and a variety of other activities.The most attractive feature is the extensive cycling support. In addition to bicycle rentals, a number of services are available to make cycling more comfortable, such as bicycle return service and bicycle loading cabs.Another attraction is the variety of accommodations and cafes. Visitors can choose from ocean-view cottages, dome tents, dormitories, and more to suit their travel style, and at the café, they can enjoy a special menu using local ingredients.The facility is loved by many people, including cycling enthusiasts as well as those who want to enjoy nature and spend a relaxing time.
Access: Get off at Omishima IC of Nishi-Seto Expressway (Shimanami Kaido) and turn left and go straight for 3 minutes.
Parking: Available
➤Click here for the official website.
Access: Get off at Omishima IC of Nishi-Seto Expressway (Shimanami Kaido) and turn left and go straight for 3 minutes.
Parking: Available
➤Click here for the official website.
[Day 5]
18
Sunrise Itoyama Cycling Station (Return Bicycle)
19
SHIMANAMI KAZE no RESTAURANT
Located inside Sunrise Itoyama in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, KAZE no RESTAURANT offers Italian cuisine made with fresh local ingredients while enjoying a spectacular view of the Kurushima Straits.The view of the sea and sky from the large windows impresses visitors.Available from morning to dinner, it is also a great place to stop by for a breather after cycling on the Shimanami Kaido.
➤official website
➤official website
20
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!
21
Ehime Children's Castle
A castle for children where they can play and learn
The Children's Castle is located on a large site in a forest full of nature, where children are constantly heard playing.There are a variety of rides, including a road train that circles the park and a cycle monorail that runs at the highest point in the park!The castle itself is built like a jungle gym and can be enjoyed in any weather.
22
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).
23
Kadoya Dogo Tsubakizaka Branch
Kadoya Dogo Tsubakizaka Branch, located right next to Dogo Onsen Annex Asukanoyusen, is famous for Uwajima tai-meshi, a local dish of Ehime.
In addition to their signature tai meshi, you can enjoy other delicacies made with local ingredients, such as jako-ten (fish cake), a specialty of Uwajima, and boiled or grilled local fish.
When you visit Dogo Onsen, why not stop by and enjoy the taste of Ehime?
➤official website
In addition to their signature tai meshi, you can enjoy other delicacies made with local ingredients, such as jako-ten (fish cake), a specialty of Uwajima, and boiled or grilled local fish.
When you visit Dogo Onsen, why not stop by and enjoy the taste of Ehime?
➤official website
24
Dogo Hot Spring Town
*This is an image.
[Day 6]
25
Matsuyama Airport
Ehime's gateway to comfortable air travel
The gateway to Ehime Prefecture. The largest airport in Shikoku.
In addition to restaurants, there is a shopping zone that sells a variety of souvenirs, including products exclusive to Matsuyama Airport, and a business lounge where visitors can spend time before their flight.
In particular, the observation deck is a recommended spot where photographers and visitors can watch airplanes take off and land up close.
In addition to restaurants, there is a shopping zone that sells a variety of souvenirs, including products exclusive to Matsuyama Airport, and a business lounge where visitors can spend time before their flight.
In particular, the observation deck is a recommended spot where photographers and visitors can watch airplanes take off and land up close.
GOAL