Explore Cultural ShikokuKagawa / Tokushima

Together with Kyoto's Toji temple and Wakayama's Koyasan, Zentsuji Temple is a central temple of the Shingonshu sect of Buddhism. The renowned temple is located on the site of the famous monk Kukai's birth and is the 75th stop on the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, making it a frequented place among henro (pilgrims). The spacious grounds have 45,000 square meters of land and are divided into East and West sections. To-in, the East section, is home to a 43-meter tall, 5-tiered pagoda built in the classic Japanese Buddhist architectural style and the Zen-designed main hall (Kondo). Sai-in, the West section, has a Treasure Hall, which houses the National Treasure Kondoshakujoto—a gilded bronze staff head carried by monks when they are training—as well as approximately 20,000 items of cultural importance. The Sai-in section also features Miedo Hall where you can join the Kaidan Tour in the hall's basement. During the tour, self-reflect as you explore a pitch black, 100-meter passage that is home to a statue of Dainichi Nyorai—the Supreme Buddha of the Cosmos and main object of workshop in Esoteric sects of Buddhism.

Naoshima is a small island located in the Seto Inland Sea, between Okayama and Kagawa prefecture renowned for its huge art culture and multiple museums. Many of the island's top museums focus on contemporary art and are situated along the island's coast—making for lovely seaside views. Art House Project is another popular spot on the island and features a collection of old buildings such as vacant houses that have been either restored for viewing or converted into art venues where contemporary artists can make the facility as their art space. One of Naoshima's most acclaimed spots is the Benesse House—a contemporary art museum and accompanying hotel designed by Tadao Ando where the grounds and space themselves were transformed into works of art. If you are staying at the hotel, you can see the museum until 11:00pm. For all other guests, the museum closes at 9:00pm. In addition to its art museum, the facility is home to numerous sculptures and displays that can be enjoyed along the shore and in the forest, including the famous Pumpkin and Red Pumpkin by Yayoi Kusama, both iconic symbols of Naoshima.
We recommend that you spend the night on the island. The following morning, you will head to Ritsurin Garden on the mainland Shikoku.

Explore one of Japan's finest landscape gardens at Ritsurin Garden in Kagawa's Takamatsu City. Dating back to the early Edo Period (1603–1868), the garden grounds reside next to Mt. Shiun which provides the perfect backdrop for many of Ritsurin's viewpoints. The garden itself features six ponds and 13 landscaped hills, covered by seasonal flowers, pine trees and rock arrangements. One of the standout viewpoints is atop Hiraiho Hill, which overlooks Nanko Pond with the majestic Kikugetsutei Teahouse, traditional Engetsukyo Bridge and Mt. Shiun in the background all within view. For an authentic experience, try a guided wasen boat ride across Nanko Pond or reflect on the garden's beauty from one of the teahouses while enjoying matcha. At Kikugetsutei, one of the garden's most renowned teahouses, you can view a tea ceremony room that has been beloved by successive Edo period lords for generations.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of aizome, traditional indigo dyeing, in Tokushima. This treasured art uses natural, plant-based ingredients to dye fabrics and has an 800-year history in the prefecture. The deep blue color of the dye is known globally as "Japan Blue", with Tokushima becoming renowned for its indigo products Awa-ai—a high quality brand of indigo dye.
Today, you can still experience this rich culture throughout the prefecture and create your own indigo-dyed fabric. Join a workshop such as one at Nagao-Orifu introduced below, and create a beautiful souvenir following dyeing masters using processes that have been passed down for generations. Try traditional dyeing techniques, such as shading, to produce vivid indigo colors. These dyes are entirely natural, ensuring that the craft-making experience is also eco-friendly. Buying one of these unique deep blue wares is also a great way to support local artisans.
An excellent place to start your journey is Nagao-Orifu, a company established in 1897 that specializes in Awa Shijira-ori—fabric dyed with Awa indigo. Here you can dye a handkerchief, towel scarf, short-sleeve shirt, linen scarf, silk scarf, or even your own item.