18th May – 2nd June 2019
Where do we go – and Why?
The word “Shikoku” means 4 countries. The Island of Shikoku is divided into 4 Prefectures and is the fourth largest island in Japan. It is also the birthplace of the most revered monk and scholar Kukai (better known by his posthumous title KOBO DAISHI) who was the founder of the Shingon Sect of Esoteric Buddhism (774-835). Kobo Daishi also developed the Japanese Kana system of syllabic writing and started the first Japanese dictionary. It is said that Kobo Daishi had either visited, stayed, meditated or has had some link with the 88 Temples of Shikoku.
Shikoku is connected to the mainland of Honshu by the Seto Ohashi Bridge which is a collective term for the six bridges that span five islands crossing the Seto Inland Sea. The bridge took 40 years to construct and is more than 13 kilometres long.
Video courtesy of Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)
Tokyo:
Tokyo the Capital of Japan and home to some 31,000,000 people is one of the most exciting and vibrant cities in Asia. Age old traditions and modern technology meld together in this fast moving metropolis.
Okayama:
: The Korakuen Garden is a beautiful landscape garden and is ranked as one of Japan’s three best landscape gardens. Constructed in 1687 as a place of entertainment for the ruling family and a location for receiving important guests. In 1884 Korakuen became the property of Okayama Prefecture and was opened to the public.
Kurashiki:
The Bikan Historical Quarter of Kurashiki is known as possibly the most picturesque merchant’s quarters in Japan and dates back to the Edo Period (1603-1867). The city back then served as an important rice distribution centre. The name “Kurashiki” translates to “town of storehouses” and refers to the storehouses where the rice was kept.
Kotohira:
This small town is noted for the Konpirasan which is Shikoku’s most popular Shinto Shrine and is dedicated to seafaring. It also has one of the most difficult shrine approaches in Japan – 700+ steps but the view from the top is spectacular. Japan’s oldest Kabuki theatre is here in Kotohira and when no performances are held it is open to visitors. Explore the trap doors and revolving stage.
Takamatsu:
The beautiful Ritsurin Garden was built by the local feudal lords during the early Edo Period and it surely deserves a spot on the list of the “three most beautiful gardens of Japan”. It is a landscape garden, spacious, historic trees and beautiful pavilions divided into a western style garden in the north and a Japanese style garden in the south. Naoshima is known for its modern art museums and is an island located in the Seto Inland Sea. Benesse’s museums were designed by Ando Tadao a well-known Japanese Architect and include the Chichu Art Museum, Lee Ufan Museum and all the buildings of the Benesse House.
Tokushima:
Visit the street lined with rare udatsu house structures in Wakimachi. This street is designated as a National Important preservation district and is one of the top 100 streets in Japan. The Naruto Whirlpools are created by large volumes of water moving between the Seto Inland Sea and the Pacific Ocean between high/low tide combined with the unique underwater geography of the narrow strait. In ideal conditions whirlpools of up to 20 meters in diameter can be seen.
is an Art Museum founded in 1998 and is the largest exhibition space in Japan. It houses over 1000 full size ceramic reproductions of major works of art including the Sistine Chapel, Scrovegni Chapel and the triclinium of the Villa of the Mysteries. The works are transferred from photographs before being fired and retouched. Onto the Iya Valley most of which remains remote, unspoiled and traditional. 13 suspension bridges made of mountain vines (Kazurabashi) once spanned the valley but only 3 survive today.
Matsuyama:
The largest city on Shikoku and is famed throughout Japan for Dogo Onsen which is one of Japan’s oldest and most famous hot springs. Here also is Matsuyama Castle one of Japan’s twelve “original castles”…..it is a castle which has survived intact since the post-feudal era 1868. It is also one of the most interesting and complex castles in Japan. The view from the Castle is over Matsuyama and the Seto Inland sea.
Hiroshima & Miyajima:
Miyajima Island is located less than 1 hour from Hiroshima. Here at high tide the giant torii gate seems to float on water and it is ranked as one of Japan’s three most scenic sights. After the war great efforts were taken to rebuild Hiroshima. Important monuments that were destroyed such as Hiroshima Castle and Shukkeien Gardens were rebuilt/reconstructed. The Peace Memorial Park reflects the aspirations of the city re-born.
Cultural activities will include Udon Noodle making, Indigo Dyeing experience, Washi paper making and Custom glazing a piece of pottery.
Kyoto:
In 794 Kyoto or as originally known as Heian-kyo “Tranquillity and Peace Capital” became the seat of Japan’s Imperial Court and remained the capital of Japan until 1868 when at the time of the Imperial Restoration the Government was transferred to Edo now known as Tokyo. Whether you are looking for history, art, craft, culture, gardens, Temples, Shrines, excellent restaurants and beautiful walks Kyoto has it all and more on offer.
From Tokyo to Kyoto, the Capital of Japan for over 1000 years an elegant and cultural delight, and encompassing the splendours of Tohoku this Tour opens a new and exciting door into Japan each and every day.
This is a small group tour of maximum 14 clients plus an Experienced Australian Tour Escort.
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST are now being accepted.
Land Only Pricing
TBA
TBA
Prices are per person
of Japan, Mr. Shinzo Abe and the Governor of Wakayama Prefecture. Mr. Abe was interested in her comments with regards to the growing interest and success of tourism in the Kumano Kodo, Hongu and the overall Wakayama Prefectural area. All destinations on our “Sacred Mountains UNESCO World Heritage Kumano Kodo Tour”, “ Autumn Leaves, Alps and Ancient Roads Tour”, “Enchanting Tohoku Cherry Blossom Tour” and “Splendours of Shikoku” are visited frequently by Jan. These visits are from a working point of view to inspect properties, research local points of interest, tourist sites and to gain in-depth information of all areas. Her passion, professionalism and wealth of knowledge of Japan is unsurpassed and she is held in very high regard within the Japanese Tourism Industry. She has a working history in Tourism/Travel/Hospitality spanning many years including flight crew, Qantas First Class Lounge Supervisor and DreamWorld Guest Relations Manager on the Gold Coast. . Jan has visited Japan over 70 times both with groups and independently to update her knowledge, renew old acquaintances and plan out new tours.
Click here for Powerpoint presentation of this tour
Click here for flyer for this tour
Looking for
Social
Our Tour Supporters
