DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN JAPAN, MEET & GREET AT KANSAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (OSAKA)
Welcome to Japan! Our friendly Meet & Greet service representative will be waiting in the Arrivals lobby and holding a sign with your name on. The Meet & Greet will direct you to the express train to Osaka where you will check in to your centrally located hotel for 1 night.

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DAY 2: OSAKA TO TOKUSHIMA

Today you will make your way to Tokushima by express bus. If you are lucky enough to visit here in August, enjoy the lively festival atmosphere that takes over the city during the Obon season, as dancers and musicians’ parade through the streets showcasing Tokushima’s main attraction, the 400-year-old Awa Odori dance. Even at other times of year, the dance can still be enjoyed at the Awa Odori Kaikan museum. Alternatively, you may like to visit the Awa Jurobe Yashiki Bunraku Puppet Theatre, a former samurai residence where bunraku performances can be seen daily, and Tokushima castle and museum, where you can take a stroll in the 16th century gardens. Check in to your centrally located hotel for 1 night.

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DAY 3: TOKUSHIMA TO KAMIKATSU

After breakfast, you might want to hire a rental vehicle to drive deep into ShikokuSs countryside where few foreign visitors have been before you. Kamikatsu was unknown to most Japanese as well, but it has recently gained recognition for its efforts to become Japans first zero-waste town. You will stay 2 nights in a traditional minshuku (Japanese inn). Dinner is included both nights.

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DAY 4:  KAMIKATSU

If you are feeling energetic, we recommend you start the day with a hike in the hillsides to see traditional rice terraces and local temples. On a misty morning you might feel as if you've entered a Japanese landscape painting. The countryside is yours to enjoy as you like, but make sure you stop by the towns impressive recycling facilities.

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DAY 5:  KAMIKATSU TO IYA VALLEY
After checking out of your accommodation, head to wonderful Iya Valley in the heart of Shikoku. The area's most famous attraction are the kazura-bashi, or vine bridges, that cross from one side of the valley to the other. In this secluded region of countryside, you can gain a sense of traditional rural life with a visit to Ochiai Hamlet's old farmhouses. Check in to your ryokan (with private hot spring) for 2 nights. Dinner is included tonight.

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DAY 6:  IYA VALLEY
Today venture out on a hike up Mount Tsurugi, the second highest mountain on Shikoku, and enjoy panoramic views of  the  surrounding  mountains. Mount Tsurugi is considered sacred by followers of the Japanese folk religion Shugendo. You may also like to take a short drive to see the Oboke and Koboke gorges, one of Japan's top outdoor destinations, offering dramatic scenery, boat trips and river rafting. Return to your ryokan, where dinner is again included tonight 

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DAY 7: IYA VALLEY TO MATSUYAMA
Today's destination is the city of Matsuyama, on the western side of Shikoku. See the sights of the city from aboard the Botchan miniature steam train. The train terminates at Dogo Onsen, one of the oldest hot springs in Japan. After taking a soak, visit Isaniwa Shrine, which is just a short walk away. The shrine buildings are considered Important Cultural Properties, and the warrior Empress Jingu is enshrined here. Check into your hotel here for two nights.

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DAY 8:  MATSUYAMA
Enjoy one more day at leisure in Matsuyama. Other sites of interest include several  impressive temples on the 88 Temple Pilgrimage Route, including Joruri-ji, founded in the 8th century, and Sairin-ji, with its tranquil stream and koi pond.

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DAY 9: MATSUYAMA TO KOTOHIRA
Check out of your hotel after breakfast and take the train to Kotohira, where you will stay tonight. Make the pilgrimage to Shikoku's most popular shrine, Konpira- san. You will encounter beautiful shrine buildings and museums as you climb the steps to the Inner Shrine. Take a quick rest at one of the many viewpoints along the way, and enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Kotohira town and the surrounding countryside. Kotohira's Kanamaruza kabuki theatre, a designated Important Cultural Property built in 1835, is also worth visiting. Check in here for one night. 

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DAY 10: KOTOHIRA TO TAKAMATSU
Enjoy your day at leisure in Kotohira. Later this afternoon travel by trian to Takamatsu. Take a stroll in the beautiful Ritsurin Park, a landscape garden built for the lords of the region in feudal times. Now listed as a Japanese National Treasure, the gardens also include a Folk Craft Museum, restaurant and three Tea Houses, where visitors can enjoy a tea ceremony. Check in here for two nights. 

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DAY 11: TAKAMATSU

Whilst in Takamatsu we suggest a visit to Shikoku Mura, an open-air museum situated near Takamatsu. Here you will find many preserved traditional buildings relocated from all over Shikoku Island.  The ruins of Takamatsu's Castle, in Tamamo Park, and the Yakuri-ji and Yashima-ji temples are also worth seeing. Sample the local delicacy, sanuki udon noodles, in one of the city's numerous restaurants.                        

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DAY 12: TAKAMATSU TO OSAKA

Depart Shikoku and travel back to Osaka, where you will stay tonight. Spend the day enjoying the sights of Osaka including the lively Dotonbori district for shopping, eating and entertainment, On your final night Japan, sample some of the Kansai region's culinary specialities, such as okonomiyaki and takoyaki.

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DAY 11: RETURN HOME – KANSAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Transfer to Kansai International Airport (Osaka) for your flight home.

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