[Drive (from outside Shikoku)] Course : Tracing the original landscape of Japan that no one knows. (5 nights 6 days, Kansai International Airport → Hyogo → Tokushima → Kochi → Kagawa → Takamatsu Airport)
![[Drive (from outside Shikoku)] Course : Tracing the original landscape of Japan that no one knows. (5 nights 6 days, Kansai International Airport → Hyogo → Tokushima → Kochi → Kagawa → Takamatsu Airport)](/image/rendering/attraction_image/89336/trim.960/2/1?v=1566d84b8cada2bb854d7e1492be14f20db33306)
[Day 1]
Kansai International Airport / Rokko Garden Terrace / Beefsteak Kawamura Kobe main branch / Kobe Suma Sea World / Arima Onsen Hot Spring town/
[Day 2]
Maiko Marine Promenade / Akashi Uonotana shopping arcade / Awaji Island Monkey Center / Sumoto Onsen Hot Spring town
[Day 3]
Awajishima Minami Parking Area (rest area) / Hiwasa-ya (Hiwasa Diner) / Sea Turtle Marine Cruise / DMV (Dual Mode Vehicle) / MUROTO base 55
[Day 4]
Ioki Cave / Uchiharano Pottery Craft Center and Glass Studio / Aki Shirasu Shokudo (Aki Shirasu diner) / Ryuga Cave
[Day 5]
Noichi Zoological Park of Kochi Prefecture / Nishijima Flower Garden / Hibari Shokudo (Hibari Diner) / Oboke Gorge Sightseeing Boat / Forest Adventure Iya / Oboke Iya Hot Spring Village
[Day 6]
Vine Bridges in the Iya Valley / Kagawa-ya Honten Ayagawa Branch / AEON MALL Ayagawa / Takamatsu Airport
Kansai International Airport / Rokko Garden Terrace / Beefsteak Kawamura Kobe main branch / Kobe Suma Sea World / Arima Onsen Hot Spring town/
[Day 2]
Maiko Marine Promenade / Akashi Uonotana shopping arcade / Awaji Island Monkey Center / Sumoto Onsen Hot Spring town
[Day 3]
Awajishima Minami Parking Area (rest area) / Hiwasa-ya (Hiwasa Diner) / Sea Turtle Marine Cruise / DMV (Dual Mode Vehicle) / MUROTO base 55
[Day 4]
Ioki Cave / Uchiharano Pottery Craft Center and Glass Studio / Aki Shirasu Shokudo (Aki Shirasu diner) / Ryuga Cave
[Day 5]
Noichi Zoological Park of Kochi Prefecture / Nishijima Flower Garden / Hibari Shokudo (Hibari Diner) / Oboke Gorge Sightseeing Boat / Forest Adventure Iya / Oboke Iya Hot Spring Village
[Day 6]
Vine Bridges in the Iya Valley / Kagawa-ya Honten Ayagawa Branch / AEON MALL Ayagawa / Takamatsu 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
Rokko Garden Terrace
Rokko Garden Terrace, one of the most scenic spots in Japan, offers a panoramic view stretching from the Akashi Straits to the Osaka Plain and Kansai International Airport.
Rokko Shidare, a natural observatory that looks like a large tree standing on top of Mt. Rokko, offers not only a beautiful view, but also interactive artwork.
Rokko Shidare, a natural observatory that looks like a large tree standing on top of Mt. Rokko, offers not only a beautiful view, but also interactive artwork.
3
Beefsteak Kawamura Kobe main branch
Among Tajima cattle born and raised within Hyogo Prefecture, only meat that meets certain standards is awarded the title of Kobe Beef.
The secret of Kobe Beef’s delicious taste is its so-called “marbling”, a condition in which sashi (fat content), which has a low melting point so low that it melts on human skin, is firmly embedded in the muscle.
Also, scientific analysis has revealed that Kobe Beef is rich in inosinic acid and oleic acid, which are key to its delicious taste.
Please enjoy the carefully selected Kobe Beef in a relaxed atmosphere of a restaurant made of heavy bricks.
The secret of Kobe Beef’s delicious taste is its so-called “marbling”, a condition in which sashi (fat content), which has a low melting point so low that it melts on human skin, is firmly embedded in the muscle.
Also, scientific analysis has revealed that Kobe Beef is rich in inosinic acid and oleic acid, which are key to its delicious taste.
Please enjoy the carefully selected Kobe Beef in a relaxed atmosphere of a restaurant made of heavy bricks.
4
Kobe Suma Sea World
Kobe Suma Sea World is an aquarium which newly opened in June, 2024. It exhibits 19,000 of 560 species. Highlights include the only orca exhibit in western Japan, a “Dolphin Stadium” where visitors can observe dolphins up close, and an exhibit that recreates the natural environment of the Seto Inland Sea.
In the “Orca Stadium”, you can watch a powerful orca performance with the background of Suma Sea, which stretches out in the back of the pool.
Also, at the buffet-style restaurant “Blue Ocean Orca Stadium” on the first floor, you can have lunch and dinner while observing the orca through an acrylic window.
In the “Orca Stadium”, you can watch a powerful orca performance with the background of Suma Sea, which stretches out in the back of the pool.
Also, at the buffet-style restaurant “Blue Ocean Orca Stadium” on the first floor, you can have lunch and dinner while observing the orca through an acrylic window.
5
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]
6
Maiko Marine Promenade
The promenade is located in the bridge girder, which is approximately 47m above sea level and has a total length of 317m.
On a clear day, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Awaji Island as well as Osaka Bay and the Seto Inland Sea.
In the center, there is an observation lounge and above-the-sea restaurant.
On a clear day, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Awaji Island as well as Osaka Bay and the Seto Inland Sea.
In the center, there is an observation lounge and above-the-sea restaurant.
7
Akashi Uonotana shopping arcade Akashiyaki ＋Strolling around the shopping arcade
Known to locals as “Uonotana”, this market street is Akashi’s food kitchen.
In the 350-meter arcade, about 100 stores, mainly fresh fish stores and restaurants, stand in line.
The arcade is crowded with local shoppers and tourists who come to buy fresh Akashi sea bream, Akashi octopus, and other seasonal fresh fish from the noon auction market.
Please enjoy the famous local delicacy “Akashiyaki”.
画像提供：（一社）明石観光協会
In the 350-meter arcade, about 100 stores, mainly fresh fish stores and restaurants, stand in line.
The arcade is crowded with local shoppers and tourists who come to buy fresh Akashi sea bream, Akashi octopus, and other seasonal fresh fish from the noon auction market.
Please enjoy the famous local delicacy “Akashiyaki”.
画像提供：（一社）明石観光協会
8
Awaji Island Monkey Center
The group of Japanese macaque that come to Awaji Island Monkey Center is made up of about 350 monkeys. They come from the mountains at around 9:00 am; spend the day near the feeding grounds, and return to the mountains in the evening.
Generally, Japanese macaques are highly aggressive creatures that value the pecking order, with boss macaque at the top. However, the macaques here are gentle monkeys with a high tolerance. This characteristic is very rare, and is called “Awaji Monkeys”. Their gentle behavior such as supporting monkeys in a weak position, soothes even those who see them. This is the only place you can take commemorative pictures together with the monkeys .
※The monkeys’ behavior changes depending on the season, and on some days they are absent from the feeding grounds.
Generally, Japanese macaques are highly aggressive creatures that value the pecking order, with boss macaque at the top. However, the macaques here are gentle monkeys with a high tolerance. This characteristic is very rare, and is called “Awaji Monkeys”. Their gentle behavior such as supporting monkeys in a weak position, soothes even those who see them. This is the only place you can take commemorative pictures together with the monkeys .
※The monkeys’ behavior changes depending on the season, and on some days they are absent from the feeding grounds.
9
Sumoto Onsen Hot Spring town
Awaji Island’s largest hot spring town. Long-established luxury inns with ocean-view open-air baths and other attractions stand by the seaside. The water is clear and colorless and contains radon, which makes the skin moist and smooth and keeps the water from cooling off.
Awaji Island was called “Miketsu-kuni” at ancient times because it offered many ingredients to the imperial court. Therefore, gourmet are really delicious. For example, regarding seafood, there are natural sea bream (Awaji Island Ebisu-dai), conger eel, and 3-year pufferfish. Regarding food of the mountains, Awaji Beef and onions are the representatives.
Awaji Island was called “Miketsu-kuni” at ancient times because it offered many ingredients to the imperial court. Therefore, gourmet are really delicious. For example, regarding seafood, there are natural sea bream (Awaji Island Ebisu-dai), conger eel, and 3-year pufferfish. Regarding food of the mountains, Awaji Beef and onions are the representatives.
[Day 3]
10
Awajishima Minami Parking Area (rest area)
Awajishima Minami Parking Area (rest area) is the last service area on Awaji Island of the Kobe-Awaji Naruto Expressway when heading toward Shikoku.
The area has a food court, stores, and other facilities, and has an azumaya (a small building for rest or view.) and benches where you can take a breather while enjoying the view of the surrounding trees.
➤official website
The area has a food court, stores, and other facilities, and has an azumaya (a small building for rest or view.) and benches where you can take a breather while enjoying the view of the surrounding trees.
➤official website
11
Hiwasa-ya (Hiwasa Diner)
Hiwasaｰya, located in Minami Town, Tokushima Prefecture, specializes in fresh local sashimi and fried chicken made from Awa-o-dori chicken. Particularly popular is the “Umiyama Gohan” set meal, a luxurious dish that allows you to taste both local fish and Awa-o-dori chicken.The restaurant is a renovated old private house where you can have a relaxing meal.
Access : 3 minutes by car or 10 minutes on foot from Michi-no-Eki Hiwasa
Access : 3 minutes by car or 10 minutes on foot from Michi-no-Eki Hiwasa
12
Sea Turtle Marine Cruise
The “Sea Turtle Marine Cruise,” starting from Hiwasa Port in Minami Town, Tokushima Prefecture, where sea turtles spawn, offers a tour of the spectacular scenery of the Muroto Anan Coast National Park aboard a fishing boat operated by a local fisherman.During the 13-km, 40-minute cruise, visitors can see up close the beauty of nature's formations, including a huge 30-meter-high cave and a series of oddly shaped sea cliffs.Another unique feature of this cruise is the opportunity to learn about local legends and folk tales through the guide's commentary.
In addition, we recommend the fisherman's meal* made with ingredients from the Pacific Ocean.
*Examples: Abalone curry, fisherman's rice with lobster and abalone, etc. (Ingredients vary depending on the season. Ingredients vary depending on the season.)
In addition, we recommend the fisherman's meal* made with ingredients from the Pacific Ocean.
*Examples: Abalone curry, fisherman's rice with lobster and abalone, etc. (Ingredients vary depending on the season. Ingredients vary depending on the season.)
13
DMV (Dual Mode Vehicle)
DMV (Dual Mode Vehicle) is a new vehicle that combines a car and a train into one.
It can freely travel on both roads and tracks.
In 2021, the world's first commercial operation began!
It can freely travel on both roads and tracks.
In 2021, the world's first commercial operation began!
14
MUROTO base 55 (lodging)
Muroto UNESCO Global Geopark is surrounded by the bright blue sky and sea.
MUROTO base 55 is a glamping facility located in such a nature-rich area.
Although it does not have the conveniences of the city, you can spend your time in comfort, relaxing and taking it easy in the rich natural surroundings.
➤Click here for more information about Muroto UNESCO Global Geopark
MUROTO base 55 is a glamping facility located in such a nature-rich area.
Although it does not have the conveniences of the city, you can spend your time in comfort, relaxing and taking it easy in the rich natural surroundings.
➤Click here for more information about Muroto UNESCO Global Geopark
[Day 4]
15
Ioki Cave
This cave is formed from earth layers laid down some three million years ago, and is home to a fern community registered as a national Natural Monument. Because of its location just a few minutes from the national highway, passing through the cave will leave you in a primeval world, as if you have gone back in time. (There is a small stream in the cave, and snakes may be in the area, so wear proper footwear here.)
16
Uchiharano Pottery Craft Center and Glass Studio
Uchiharano in Aki City, Kochi Prefecture, is home to Uchiharano Pottery, which has a history of over 200 years. At the Uchiharano Pottery Craft Center and Glass Studio, visitors can try their hand at pottery and glass art.At the pottery craft center, visitors can try their hand at making and painting glass pottery.
At the glass studio, visitors can try “burner work,” using a burner to make glass beads and small objects from glass rods, and “sandblasting,” in which sand is blown onto glass products to add pictures and letters.
All experiences are carefully guided by instructors, so even beginners can enjoy them with ease.
The store is also open for sales of artwork created by staff members and others.
At the glass studio, visitors can try “burner work,” using a burner to make glass beads and small objects from glass rods, and “sandblasting,” in which sand is blown onto glass products to add pictures and letters.
All experiences are carefully guided by instructors, so even beginners can enjoy them with ease.
The store is also open for sales of artwork created by staff members and others.
17
Aki Shirasu Shokudo (Aki Shirasu diner)
At Aki Shirasu Shokudo, you can enjoy dishes using “dorome” (raw sardine fry) and fresh “shirasu” (fry sardines) harvested that day.
Since the restaurant is directly managed by a local fisherman, it is full of dishes using plenty of fresh shirasu directly shipped from the fishing port.
In particular, the “Kama-age Chirimen-don,” a bowl of rice topped with plenty of freshly caught and deep-fried baby sardines, is a very popular dish at this diner.
In addition to shirasu, the restaurant also insists on using local ingredients from the sea, mountains, and rivers.
Phone number: 0887-34-8810
➤official website
Since the restaurant is directly managed by a local fisherman, it is full of dishes using plenty of fresh shirasu directly shipped from the fishing port.
In particular, the “Kama-age Chirimen-don,” a bowl of rice topped with plenty of freshly caught and deep-fried baby sardines, is a very popular dish at this diner.
In addition to shirasu, the restaurant also insists on using local ingredients from the sea, mountains, and rivers.
Phone number: 0887-34-8810
➤official website
18
Ryuga Cave
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.
19
Kami City (lodging)
* The image is for reference only.
[Day 5]
20
Noichi Zoological Park of Kochi Prefecture
Animal park with rich nature and relaxing atmosphere
Visitors can see the animals in their lively activities in a natural environment on the large grounds.Admission is free for those under 18 years of age, and there are events where visitors can interact with the animals and feed them.Of course, there are cute animals such as the red panda, but you can also meet a wide variety of animals living in the tropics, jungles, and African savannas, etc.
The well-moving shoebills (which are famous for rarely moving...) are also popular.
The park also has a restaurant, a grassy playground, and a fun and educational animal science museum, making for a full day of fun.
It was also ranked No. 1 in TripAdvisor Japan's Zoos and Aquariums Ranking 2020.
The well-moving shoebills (which are famous for rarely moving...) are also popular.
The park also has a restaurant, a grassy playground, and a fun and educational animal science museum, making for a full day of fun.
It was also ranked No. 1 in TripAdvisor Japan's Zoos and Aquariums Ranking 2020.
21
Nishijima Flower Garden
This is a sightseeing farm with 10 cultivation greenhouses on a vast site of about 6 hectares.
Visitors can enjoy watermelons and melons all year round while surrounded by tropical flowers. There is also a café attached to the farm, so lunch and sweets are recommended.
The limited-time strawberry picking (January to early June) is also very popular, with all-you-can-eat in 40 minnte.
Please spend a relaxing time surrounded by flowers and fruits.
Visitors can enjoy watermelons and melons all year round while surrounded by tropical flowers. There is also a café attached to the farm, so lunch and sweets are recommended.
The limited-time strawberry picking (January to early June) is also very popular, with all-you-can-eat in 40 minnte.
Please spend a relaxing time surrounded by flowers and fruits.
22
Hibari Shokudo (Hibari Diner)
*Lunch. Be careful, it's a big serving!
Hibari Shokudo” is a diner famous for its large portions of food.
Located along a major road (National Route 32), it attracts many customers from inside and outside of the prefecture.
The specialty is the “katsudon,” a huge bowl of pork cutlet served on top of a bowl of rice. The pork cutlet is piled high and the rice is piled high, making it a very satisfying meal.
The secret menu also includes a larger portion.
The menu has a wide variety of items and the taste is outstanding. Even on weekdays, people line up even before the restaurant opens.
This eatery is more than a dining place; it is a place of relaxation for locals and tourists alike.
Access: 2 minutes from Otoyo IC
Hibari Shokudo” is a diner famous for its large portions of food.
Located along a major road (National Route 32), it attracts many customers from inside and outside of the prefecture.
The specialty is the “katsudon,” a huge bowl of pork cutlet served on top of a bowl of rice. The pork cutlet is piled high and the rice is piled high, making it a very satisfying meal.
The secret menu also includes a larger portion.
The menu has a wide variety of items and the taste is outstanding. Even on weekdays, people line up even before the restaurant opens.
This eatery is more than a dining place; it is a place of relaxation for locals and tourists alike.
Access: 2 minutes from Otoyo IC
23
Oboke Gorge Sightseeing Boat
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.
24
Forest Adventure Iya
The long-awaited Forest Adventure newly opened in 2017 in Iya Valley, a popular sightseeing spot in Shikoku, which has been awarded 2 stars by the Michelin Green Guide.
The sloping terrain is a must-see.
There is also a zip line along the Iya Valley, a first-class river.
Once you pass through the tunnel of trees, you will see the beautiful emerald green river below you.
With a height difference of 50m from the river and a length of over 360m, it is one of the longest zip lines in Japan.
The level of thrill is no longer measurable.
The sloping terrain is a must-see.
There is also a zip line along the Iya Valley, a first-class river.
Once you pass through the tunnel of trees, you will see the beautiful emerald green river below you.
With a height difference of 50m from the river and a length of over 360m, it is one of the longest zip lines in Japan.
The level of thrill is no longer measurable.
25
Oboke Iya Hot Spring Village (lodging)
Oboke-Iya Hot Spring Village is located in the middle of Shikoku,Japan.
There are several hot springs of different qualities in the Iya Valley, one of the three most mysterious places in Japan, and in the Oboke Gorge through which the Yoshino River flows.
These hot spring resorts in the mountains heal their visitors with their beautiful nature and the kindness of their people.
There are several hot springs of different qualities in the Iya Valley, one of the three most mysterious places in Japan, and in the Oboke Gorge through which the Yoshino River flows.
These hot spring resorts in the mountains heal their visitors with their beautiful nature and the kindness of their people.
[Day 6]
26
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.
27
Kagawa-ya Honten Ayagawa Branch (Authentic handmade Udon noodle restaurant)
[Lunch. Local Food]
This is a self-service udon restaurant located in Ayagawa Town, Kagawa Prefecture.There are other branches besides the Ayagawa branch, and many people visit from inside and outside of the prefecture.It is one of Kagawa's representative udon restaurants that udon lovers should visit at least once.
In addition to udon menus such as kake udon, bukkake udon, and kama-age udon, there are many side dishes such as kakiage, tempura, inari sushi, maki sushi, onigiri, and oden.
*Please note that many udon restaurants in Kagawa are open only during the daytime.
Access: 2 minutes walk from Kotoden Ayagawa Station
➤official website
28
AEON MALL Ayagawa
Enjoy shopping before your flight.
29
Takamatsu Airport
GOAL