[Drive (from outside Shikoku)] Plan to/from Hyogo or Okayama Prefectures

The Honshu-Shikoku bridges “Kojima-Sakaide Route” (opened on April 10, 1988) are a beautiful sight with their majestic bridges set in the nature of the Seto Inland Sea. In the Ban’nosu area of Sakaide City, there is the Seto-ohashi Memorial Park, where visitors can get a close-up view of the bridge.
Adjacent to the memorial hall where visitors can learn about the history of the construction of the Seto-ohashi Bridge and the structure of the bridge, a lawn area, a marine dome, and a soccer field, the Seto-ohashi Tower, which offers a 360-degree view of the bridge and the Seto Inland Sea, is also popular.

Click here for more information about Seto-ohashi Memorial Park.

【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.

Sometime during the Kamakura period (1185-1333), the Tanjoin (birth temple) was built on the site of the former Saeki family (his family) residence. Until the Edo period (1603-1867), Zentsūji and Tanjoin were separate temples with separate head priests, but during the Meiji period (1868-1912), they became one temple, called Zentsūji. Today the temple is the head temple of the Zentsuji School of Shingon Buddhism and the 75th temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage.

The full name of the temple is Byōbuura Gogakuzan Tanjōin Zentsūji. Gogakuzan (Five Peak Mountain). This comes from the five mountains to the west of the temple: Koshikizan, Fudenoyama, Gahaishisan, Nakayama, and Hiageyama. The name, Byōbuura (Folding Screen Bay) comes from the appearance of the mountains which stand in a row like a folding screen. The name, Tanjōin indicates that this is the place where Kobo Daishi was born. Zentsūji, the birthplace of Kobo Daishi, has long been one of the three great spiritual sites of Kobo Daishi, along with Toji Temple in Kyoto and Koyasan in Wakayama.

The vast temple grounds, covering a total area of about 45,000 square meters, are divided into two parts: the East Wing, called the Garan, and the West Wing, called the Tanjōin. The Garan, where the Kondo, the five-storied pagoda, and other buildings stand, has been part of the temple since the temple's foundation. The Tanjōin, with the Mieido at the center, is the site of the Saeki family's former residence, where Kobo Daishi was born. Together, they show Zentsūji’s connections with Kobo Daishi’s birth and family life.


【Highlights】
・Kondo
The original Kondo, another name for the Hondo, was destroyed in 1558 by a fire caused by Miyoshi Jikkyu, an important samurai of the Sengoku period. The present building was completed in 1699. The principal image, a seated Yakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha), is a huge statue, three meters tall, and was created in 1700 by Kitagawa Uncho, an Omuro Buddhist sculptor.

・Five-storied Pagoda
The five-storied pagoda is 43 meters tall and is widely known as the symbol of Zentsūji. Since its construction, the pagoda has collapsed and burned down several times due to heavy winds and fires, but was rebuilt each time. The present pagoda was rebuilt in 1845 by order of Emperor Ninko, and was completed in 1902. Statues of four of the Gochi Nyorai (Five Wisdom Buddhas) are enshrined on the first floor. The pagoda is open to the public during the holidays at the beginning of May every year.

・Mieido
The Mieido is built on the site of the residence of the Saeki family and has the principal image of Mehiki Daishi, made by Kobo Daishi himself. The present building was rebuilt in 1831 and extensively renovated in 1937. There is a 100-meter long Kaidan Meguri in the basement, a tunnel where visitors can unite with Kobo Daishi and remove evil while chanting the Gohogo sutra in the darkness.

　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

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.

Built on the site of a relocation camp where German prisoners of WWI lived for three years, the Deutsches Haus displays mementos of their daily life, tools, and cultural objects. The soldiers interacted with the local community and formed an orchestra that presented the first performance in Japan of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony.

Uzunomichi is a 450-meter walkway and whirlpool observation facility located inside the Great Naruto Bridge, a bridge connecting Honshu and Shikoku. Visitors can experience the whirlpools and the Great Naruto Bridge up close. In Naruto Park, there are many other attractions, including an observation deck overlooking the Great Naruto Bridge and the whirlpools, scenic spots, the Great Naruto Bridge Memorial Museum "Eddy", the Otsuka International Art Museum, Escahill Naruto, and sightseeing boats. Enjoy a sightseeing tour using the walkway!

* The image is for reference only.

Here you can find daily performances of the Awa puppet theatre, at the former residence of Bando Jurobe who is said to be the leading character in the puppet play "Keisei Awa no Naruto". Also on display are wooden puppets and items related to the theatre.

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.

The roadside station has a confectionery studio that sells specialty Shingu tea and Daifuku, a cafe where visitors can taste sweets and dishes made from Shingu tea, a corner where visitors can experience drinking Shingu tea, and a restaurant. There is also a hot spring and cottages for visitors to relax and unwind.
The river flowing in the vicinity is surrounded by greenery and a relaxing atmosphere, allowing visitors to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and relax in a different world surrounded by beautiful water, air, and greenery.

The park has a flower garden where visitors can enjoy seasonal flowers from spring through fall.
It is also a perfect gate away since it also has complete accommodation which includes a dog run, restaurant, and children's playground equipment.

The Kochi Tabi Hiroba, found in front of JR Kochi Station in the center of Kochi Prefecture, is something all visitors to the area should stop by and see at least once. It’s a great starting point for Kochi sightseeing. At the Kochi Tourist Information Center, “Tosa Terrace”, they have all the sightseeing information tourists could want for a fun trip around Kochi. Inside, the general tourist information desk is decked out in the style of “Machiya” traditional townhouses. They have information on all the tourist sites and the best food in town, as well as on lodgings such as hotels, information about delivering your luggage to your accommodation, and of course, they sell public transport tickets. They have pamphlets on tourist sites and activities, and a corner for introducing seasonal sightseeing information in Kochi Prefecture.

The Kochi Tabi Hiroba also boasts a display of items from the ancestral home of historical patriotic hero, Ryoma Sakamoto, via the Bakumatsu Patriot Film Hall. These items were used in the filming of the Taiga drama “Ryomaden” about Sakamoto’s life, and inside the building is a reproduction of the set used in filming. The set is a masterful replica of a Bakumatsu building, and will charm viewers whether or not they’re fans of this historical period, which marked the end of Shogunate rule. You can also take a photo with someone dressed as Ryoma for a fun trip through time into Bakumatsu Japan. Also located in the same building is the Tosa-ya Shop, with all the Kochi souvenirs and regional products you could want. They also sell packs of Kochi sweets to eat while you take a break. Please stop by at the Kochi Tabi Hiroba to complete your Kochi Prefecture experience. They’ll give you information on beautiful sights and activities, and help you to get in touch with nature, historical landmarks, and delicious local cuisine.

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.

* The image is for reference only.

Try your hand at traditional Japanese washi papermaking at Tosa Washi Craft Village QRAUD in Ino Town, and create your own postcard or paper using traditional techniques. Situated next to the Niyodo River, the complex also includes accommodation, a public spa and other craft activities, with canoeing and rafting available in the summer.

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!

Gorge hiking along the spectacular crystalline waters of the Niyodo River

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!

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).

It is one of the “Three Great Sea Castles of Japan” and “One Hundred Famous Castles of Japan”. When the castle was built, it was surrounded by a triple moat, and boats could directly enter the moat from the sea, making the best use of the sea, which is typical of Imabari, a strategic point for marine transportation. The castle is currently illuminated by lights designed by lighting designer Haruki Kaito, and visitors can see a fantastically beautiful and different view from the daytime from 30 minutes after sunset until 10:00 p.m. every day.

Driving and Cycling on the Shimanami Kaido (Shimanami Expressway)!
The Setouchi-Shimanami Kaido (Shimanami Expressway) is a 60-km long highway connecting Onomichi City in Hiroshima Prefecture and Imabari City in Ehime Prefecture. The road was planned to preserve the natural environment and avoid topographical changes as much as possible, therefore bridges of different sizes and types are built along the route. Except for the Shin-Onomichi Bridge, all bridges have paths for motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians, allowing visitors to enjoy cycling while admiring the beauty of the many islands.