Linking Kagawa, Ehime and Kochi while keeping Dogo Onsen, the Niyodo gorges and leisurely garden walks at the heart of the trip. Fewer mountain detours each day, with suggested stays at Kotohira Kadan, Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Dogo, OMO7 Kochi and JR Hotel Clement Takamatsu, subject to availability and the final quote.
Overview
This route links Kagawa, Ehime and Kochi while keeping Dogo Onsen, the Niyodo gorges and leisurely garden walks at the heart of the trip. Each day trims the extra mountain stops, and the suggested stays pair Kotohira Kadan, Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Dogo, OMO7 Kochi and JR Hotel Clement Takamatsu, all subject to availability and the final quote.
Highlights
Itinerary
After arriving in Takamatsu, and depending on your flight time, head to Marugame Castle to open the Shikoku journey among the castle walls and views over the town, then continue to Chichibugahama Beach to look out over the sea and stroll along the sand. The mirror-like reflections and sunset depend on the tide, wind and weather, so the photo conditions cannot be guaranteed. In the evening, check in to the suggested hotel in Kotohira, with dinner and a rest to keep the first day unhurried.
In the morning, visit Besshi Copper Mine to explore the mining history and mountain scenery in the areas open that day; the mine train ride is confirmed separately according to the day's operations. In the afternoon, continue to Dogo Onsen for a stroll through the hot-spring street and shopping arcade, picking up sweets or souvenirs. Mt. Ishizuchi is not added on this day, leaving time to return to the hotel, rest and soak in the baths. Accommodation and meals are confirmed in the final quote.
Travel from Dogo toward Kochi, stopping at Nakatsu Gorge to walk a stretch of trail suited to your group's fitness, with clear streams, rock faces and layered forest along the way. After lunch and a rest, and if time and weather allow, pause at the Nagoya Chinkabashi submersible bridge to take in the scenery along the Niyodo River. In rain or poor trail conditions the stops are adjusted. Check in to your Kochi hotel in the evening.
Today centres on Mt. Godaisan in Kochi. Begin at Makino Botanical Garden to enjoy its varied plant collections and open grounds, then visit Chikurin-ji Temple, where the gardens and temple halls share a quiet, contemplative air. After lunch, return to Takamatsu with a comfortable break along the way and no detour through eastern Kochi. Check in to your Takamatsu hotel in the evening, with dinner free to choose in the city.
On the final day, take a slow walk through Ritsurin Garden, following the paths past ponds and pines and the borrowed mountain scenery to enjoy the Japanese garden from every angle. If time allows, a Sanuki udon lunch is arranged before the transfer to Takamatsu Airport; for early flights, you are driven straight to the airport. Walking distances and departure times are adjusted to your group's fitness, flight and check-in requirements.
Inclusions
Quoted per trip. Tell us your dates and group size and a travel consultant will send a tailored quote within 24 hours.
Gorge trail walks are adjusted to rainfall and opening conditions, and the Niyodo Blue colour of the water depends on the weather. This route runs in and out of Takamatsu; arrivals and departures via Kochi Airport require a different sequence. Onsen and hotel meals depend on the room type and accommodation plan; dinner and breakfast are not guaranteed.
Stops
Explore the castle walls and park; the climb to the keep involves slopes and steps. Follow the open visitor route at an easy pace, leaving time for the views, photos and a rest. The length of the stop can be adjusted to your group's fitness and the day's traffic; paid experiences and dining are confirmed separately.
Discover the mine's history, with the mine train and other experiences available as optional extras depending on operations. Follow the open visitor route at an easy pace, leaving time for the views, photos and a rest. The length of the stop can be adjusted to your group's fitness and the day's traffic; paid experiences and dining are confirmed separately.
Wander the hot-spring street, with bathing arranged according to tickets and opening hours. Follow the open visitor route at an easy pace, leaving time for the views, photos and a rest. The length of the stop can be adjusted to your group's fitness and the day's traffic; paid experiences and dining are confirmed separately.
Follow the garden paths through the plant collections, covering as much ground as your energy allows. Follow the open visitor route at an easy pace, leaving time for the views, photos and a rest. The length of the stop can be adjusted to your group's fitness and the day's traffic; paid experiences and dining are confirmed separately.
Stroll the pond-and-stream garden, with the teahouse available as an optional extra depending on operations. Follow the open visitor route at an easy pace, leaving time for the views, photos and a rest. The length of the stop can be adjusted to your group's fitness and the day's traffic; paid experiences and dining are confirmed separately.
Follow the gorge trail past clear streams, rock faces and forest, and take in the natural colours of the Niyodo River basin. The walking distance is adjusted to the weather, trail conditions and your group's fitness; in rain or when water levels are unsuitable, the stop is changed.
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