Matsuyama and Dogo Onsen, Takamatsu's Ritsurin Garden, and the Naoshima art islands — Shikoku's onsen, gardens, and Setouchi art. (5 in-depth guides)
Dogo Onsen Honkan fully reopened in July 2024 (bathing from ¥700), and Matsuyama Castle is one of Japan's 12 original keeps — plus Asuka-no-Yu, the castle ropeway, the Botchan train, and access from Okayama.
Sakamoto Ryoma's home town — Kochi Castle, the only original keep to keep both tower and palace (¥420), plus Katsurahama, the 300-year Sunday Market, the Shimanto River and seared bonito at Hirome Market.
The Naruto whirlpools (the ¥510 glass-floor Uzu-no-Michi or a boat), the real-vine Iya Kazurabashi bridge (¥550), the Oboke gorge cruise and summer's Awa Odori. Check the daily tide chart, and give the Iya interior a car and an overnight.
The seafarers' shrine Konpira-san — 785 steps to the main hall, 1,368 to the inner shrine (the palanquin ended in 2020), plus Japan's oldest kabuki playhouse, Kukai's Zentsuji and self-serve Sanuki udon. About an hour from Takamatsu.
55 minutes from Okayama over the Seto Ohashi to Takamatsu, then a ferry to Naoshima for Ando's Chichu Art Museum and Kusama's pumpkins — Ritsurin, Sanuki udon, ferries and a two-day plan.
From Shinjuku to Asakusa, from family trips to Mt. Fuji day excursions.
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