Shikoku's Diverse NatureEhime / Kochi

Ozu City, located in western Ehime, is a castle town that still embodies the charms of the past. At the heart of this town stands Ozu Castle. Although it dates back to ancient times, the castle was recently reconstructed in the early 2000s using primarily traditional construction techniques. Today, you can even spend the night at the castle! Since the castle only hosts private parties, you will truly feel like a castle owner as you enjoy delicious meals and captivating performances.
Located southeast of Ozu Castle is the city's old town. Explore stone streets lined with old-fashioned houses from both the Edo and Meiji (1868-1912) periods. Some highlights of the area include the Ozu Redbrick Hall, Pokopen Yokocho Alley, and Garyu Sanso Villa.
Spend the rest of your day enjoying Ozu's delights, like 'shigure' and other local wagashi (traditional Japanese confectionery) treats that evolved alongside Ozu's tea culture. After exploring the historic center, stay the night at the renowned castle town for an immersive lodging experience.

In Ehime Prefecture, take a ride on the retro-modern Iyonada Monogatari (Iyonada Story) sightseeing train for panoramic coastal views of the Seto Inland Sea.
Operating mostly on weekends and public holidays, the train takes a seaside route between Matsuyama, Iyo-Ozu, and Yawatahama stations and offers captivating views of the Iyonada Sea and the Hijikawa River. For this trip, you will start at Iyo-Ozu Station and travel to Matsuyama. The train departs at 10:57, and includes a lunch packed with regional ingredients.
One of the train's most renowned stops is a station platform located at Shimonada Station. Here, you can witness anime and movie-esque views of the calm sea juxtaposed against the remote platform. As you journey across the pleasant landscape, choose your favorite spot!
You will reach Matsuyama at 13:01. After you arrive at the station, rent a car at one of the nearby facilities to drive to your next destination—the Shikoku Karst.

The Shikoku Karst situated on the border between Ehime and Kochi Prefectures is a park that encompasses one of Japan's three largest karst landforms—a type of landscape where dissolving bedrock creates unique features such as streams, sinkholes, and caves. Across the mesmerizing naturescapes, walk along grass decorated with white limestone and enjoy views of cows grazing on the Tengu Plateau. The park's seasonal beauty, forested hiking trails, open plains, and exceptional stargazing opportunities make it a wonderful destination year-round!
After exploring the area's natural beauty, we recommend that you spend the night near the karst. Your next activity starts at 9:00 the following morning, so make sure you get some sleep!

Unwind with a one-of-a-kind meditation experience at Iwamotoji Temple in Kochi. Every year, in spring and summer, the temple invites guests to practice zazen, zen Buddhist meditation, on the nearby river.
First, change into a samue (Japanese monk clothing), and then follow a monk to the Shimanto River. Here, you will sit directly in the refreshing waters as the monk guides you through zazen. The coolness of the water coupled with the encircling forests, creates a wonderful place to practice mindfulness. After meditating, practice Buddhist sutra copying at the temple, and for an additional charge, relax in the temple's sauna. The experience is available in both English and Japanese. Be sure to make a reservation from the home page.
With this experience, you will end the trip feeling enlightened and refreshed.