Meet with English speaking driver/guide at Takamatsu airport or Takamatsu railway station at 11:00am. Afterwards, visiting Ritsurin Garden, regarded as one of the most beautiful Japanese gardens in all of Shikoku and Takamatsu Castle, a historic castle site that echoes the spirit of the Edo era.

On this day, we take a ferry for a day trip to Naoshima, an island renowned for its vibrant fusion of nature and contemporary art. The Benesse Art Site Naoshima offers visitors a sense of wonder and quiet inspiration through its thoughtfully integrated spaces. Artworks are not confined to museums and galleries—they’re scattered throughout the island, inviting exploration and discovery as you stroll. Highlights include the Chichu Art Museum and Valley Gallery, both designed by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando, as well as iconic outdoor sculptures by Yayoi Kusama, such as the striking Red Pumpkin and Yellow Pumpkin—symbols of the island itself.
**Please note that most of the art museums require advance reservations. If there's a particular museum you'd like to visit, feel free to consult with us.

We journey toward Iya, a remote mountain village in Tokushima Prefecture, counted among Japan’s three great hidden regions. Along the way, we will first stop for Takaya Shrine, a historic Shinto shrine located at the summit of Mt. Inazumi. Known for its breathtaking panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea, the shrine features a striking stone torii gate that frames the scenery like a picture. Next stop will be Kotohira Shrine—affectionately known as “Konpira-san”—dedicated to the guardian deity of the sea. Revered since ancient times for blessings of safe voyages and prosperous business, the shrine draws countless worshippers each year. It’s also famous for its long stone stairway: 785 steps lead to the main shrine, and a total of 1,368 steps reach the inner shrine. As you ascend, the scenery and atmosphere shift subtly with each step. The approach to the shrine is lined with souvenir shops and historic buildings, preserving the charm of bygone days while warmly welcoming travelers. At night, enjoy a relaxing soak in the hot springs followed by a dinner featuring locally sourced ingredients from Tokushima.

You’ll explore various sights around the hidden Iya Valley with guide and private vehicle, including the famous Kazurabashi vine bridge and the Double Vine Bridge in Oku-Iya. These suspension bridges, crafted from intertwined vines, once served as the primary means of crossing the river. You'll also visit Ochiai Village, a community of traditional dwellings—some dating back to the Edo period—where you can observe scenes of authentic rural life. In addition, you'll explore the hauntingly unique Scarecrow Village, known for its population of life-sized dolls replacing departed residents. The breathtaking landscape of steep gorges is just one of the many reasons to venture into this remote and mystical region.

We travel by private vehicle to Tokushima City. On the way, we visit Mima, a town that once flourished through indigo trading and is known for its well-preserved traditional streetscapes. The townhouses feature distinctive "udatsu"—decorative firewall extensions on the rooftops—that symbolize prosperity and status. The tour concludes around 13:00pm at Tokushima Airport.