Shikoku Region

Luxury Train with Shikoku Cuisine

Take a Luxury Train with Shikoku Cuisine, highlighting the sights and tastes of Shikoku. JR Shikoku runs three cuisine trains (ryori densha): Iyonada Monogatari travels from Matsuyama to Yawatahama, Shikoku Mannaka Sannen Monogatari travels from Tadotsu to Oboke, and Shikoku Tosa Toki n ......

Take a Luxury Train with Shikoku Cuisine, highlighting the sights and tastes of Shikoku. JR Shikoku runs three cuisine trains (ryori densha): Iyonada Monogatari travels from Matsuyama to Yawatahama, Shikoku Mannaka Sannen Monogatari travels from Tadotsu to Oboke, and Shikoku Tosa Toki no Yoake no Monogatari travels from Kochi to Kubokawa. You’re treated to views of rolling hills covered in forests, charming villages and fields, and historic landmarks as the train winds through Shikoku. The train slows down at viewing spots, giving you ample time to savor the moment. Inside the train, unwind in an atmosphere that exudes elegance and comfort, with plush seating, lacquered wood, ambient lighting, and large windows. Throughout your journey, you are served drinks and meals made of the freshest local and seasonal ingredients of the Shikoku region; masterfully prepared to bring out the best of their natural flavors! During a Luxury Train Ride with Shikoku Cuisine, take time to appreciate the art that goes into your dishes, as shown through mindful plating, tray decor, and bento box presentations. As you feast, the ever-changing scenery serves as a backdrop — a delightful experience for the eyes and palate.

Katsuo no Tataki Experience

A Katsuo no Tataki Experience offers a genuine local taste of Kochi prefecture, one of the less touristed regions of Japan. Try your hand at making Kochi’s most popular dish: seared fish or Katsuo no Tataki — the main ingredient being fresh bonito fish. With experienced staff, learn a ......

A Katsuo no Tataki Experience offers a genuine local taste of Kochi prefecture, one of the less touristed regions of Japan. Try your hand at making Kochi’s most popular dish: seared fish or Katsuo no Tataki — the main ingredient being fresh bonito fish. With experienced staff, learn about traditional cooking techniques and local ingredients. Start off with searing fish over a straw fire. The straw used is collected rice stalks from leftover crops. This is also a visual and aromantic dining experience, as roaring flames leap up around the fish. You are then left with a charred fish, ready for slicing to reveal its mouthwatering fatty interior. The outside of the fish is nice and warm with its chargrilled taste, while the inside retains a refreshing sashimi-like texture. Compliment the fish’s smokey flavor with toppings, such as a sprinkle of Kochi salt, dash of tangy citrus sauce like yuzu soy sauce, and/or wasabi.

Udon Making Experience

During an Udon Making Experience, earn the art of authentic udon making as you create old-fashioned noodles alongside an experienced instructor. There are various types of udon, such as the Sanuki Udon in the southern region of Japan; a firm yet chewy texture and white square shaped noodl ......

During an Udon Making Experience, earn the art of authentic udon making as you create old-fashioned noodles alongside an experienced instructor. There are various types of udon, such as the Sanuki Udon in the southern region of Japan; a firm yet chewy texture and white square shaped noodles. Typically eaten like kake udon with warm dashi-based broth or kamaage udon with a cold dipping sauce. You are in the best of hands as Southern Japan, particularly Kagawa, is known for their thick wheat noodles. Their agriculture is ideal for growing wheat, which is why udon is a local specialty. Udon here is so special that it replaces traditional soba on new years and is a popular gift for special occasions. You can accompany freshly made noodles with local ingredients, such as fresh green vegetables or tempura. From flour to dough, to rolling and cutting, this is a great way to blend hands-on learning with Japan’s food culture.

Tea Time with the Locals at Ochiai Village

Experience Tea Time with Locals at Ochiai Village, a steep sloped mountain village in Tokushima, for an immersive look into traditional life. This village is a nationally preserved heritage site, boasting lush tea plantations, and is one of the few places to experience traditional “gran ......

Experience Tea Time with Locals at Ochiai Village, a steep sloped mountain village in Tokushima, for an immersive look into traditional life. This village is a nationally preserved heritage site, boasting lush tea plantations, and is one of the few places to experience traditional “grandma-style” tea in which the leaves are fermented. The tea here is collected from leaves grown on the hilly mountain valleys. Sip on freshly prepared tea while interacting with locals and enjoy views of ancient houses — a holistic reflection of the wisdom and warmth of generations. A Tea Time with Locals at Ochiai Village offers a deeper understanding of the community’s way of life, agriculture, and traditions, as you spend time with the villagers.

Washi Paper Making Experience

Take a washi paper making experience and gain hands-on appreciation towards a centuries old craft. This experience not only encourages creativity and mindfulness, but also provides insight into Japanese art and generational techniques. Paper making in Japan has been around for over a thou ......

Take a washi paper making experience and gain hands-on appreciation towards a centuries old craft. This experience not only encourages creativity and mindfulness, but also provides insight into Japanese art and generational techniques. Paper making in Japan has been around for over a thousand years. Many papermakers were originally farmers who passed their methods down to their family, making this a timeless art. Visitors are greeted with earthy scents of mulberry fibers, called Kozo. The Kozo is then steamed and washed away of any impurities. The fibers are beaten with a mallet and poured into a screen where they will be carefully pressed. Washi can be decorated with flowers and leaves before it is left to dry. Participants will witness delicate thin sheets, almost translucent, displaying intricate textures. The result, “Tosa-Washi”, makes for a meaningful gift or memento. During the Washi Paper Making Experience, you will learn about the craft's meditative process and connect with a cultural art that has been cherished for generations.

Awa Dance Festival

Witness Shikoku’s biggest festival in mid-August! The Awa Odori Dance Festival provides an unforgettable cultural experience full of community spirit. The streets echo traditional music, with rhythmic drumming, melodic flutes, and enthusiastic chants. Watch as thousands of spectators an ......

Witness Shikoku’s biggest festival in mid-August! The Awa Odori Dance Festival provides an unforgettable cultural experience full of community spirit. The streets echo traditional music, with rhythmic drumming, melodic flutes, and enthusiastic chants. Watch as thousands of spectators and performers celebrate with a dance dating over hundreds of years. One theory of how this dance came to be is that in the past, there was a drunken celebration by the feudal lord of Tokushima. Nowadays, this lively festival honors the souls of ancestors. Performers parade throughout town and at the Tokushima city center stage — truly dancing everywhere! You will see people dressed in traditional and festival wear, such as yukata, happi coats, and performance costumes. During the Awa Dance Festival, become part of a living tradition, and experience the firsthand hospitality and camaraderie of the local people. There is an old Tokushima saying based on the Awa Dance Festival folk music that goes “the fool dances. The one who watches is also a fool. If both are fools, both might as well dance” encouraging people to participate actively and enjoy, rather than stand on the sidelines.

The Shikoku Pilgrimage

Take on a transformative journey through southern Japan’s historic Buddhist landmarks and breathtaking nature on The Shikoku Pilgrimage. This pilgrimage passes through 88 official temples and sacred sites significant to the Buddhist priest Kobo Dashi (Great Master Kobo), previously know ......

Take on a transformative journey through southern Japan’s historic Buddhist landmarks and breathtaking nature on The Shikoku Pilgrimage. This pilgrimage passes through 88 official temples and sacred sites significant to the Buddhist priest Kobo Dashi (Great Master Kobo), previously known as monk Kukai. It is believed that the pilgrimage follows his spiritual post-death route. After visiting all 88 temples and Koyasan (the head sect), it is said that you will be blessed and that your wish will come true. During the Shikoku Pilgrimage, you will often find fellow trekkers dressed in traditional pilgrimage outfits consisting of white loose clothing and a sedge hat. Today, the trail routes can be completed by walking, biking, bus, or car. The pilgrimage encourages deep personal reflection, spiritual growth, and a profound sense of accomplishment. Additionally, the warm hospitality of the locals and fellow pilgrims creates a strong sense of community and connection. Whether seeking spiritual enrichment, physical challenge, or cultural immersion, the Shikoku Pilgrimage is a holistic experience.

Naoshima Art Island

On a small island in the Seto inland sea Naoshima Art Island calls to art enthusiasts and adventurers. At Naoshima Art Island, visitors find world-class contemporary art museums, outdoor sculptures, and innovative architectural designs. The island brings harmony to its art and nature. As ......

On a small island in the Seto inland sea Naoshima Art Island calls to art enthusiasts and adventurers. At Naoshima Art Island, visitors find world-class contemporary art museums, outdoor sculptures, and innovative architectural designs. The island brings harmony to its art and nature. As you wander the island, explore intriguing installations, such as Yayoi Kusuma’s iconic polka dot pumpkins and Tadao Ando's minimalist buildings. At the Art House Project, visitors will find an artistic approach to preserving memories and showcasing daily life. Several homes have been transformed to depict the routine of local people’s lives. Upon visiting the Chichu Art Museum, you will find that the building is primarily underground, yet filters in a surprising amount of natural light. Here you can find works from well known artists, such as Claude Monet. At the Benesse House Museum, explore an assortment of art mediums, from paintings to sculptures to photographs both in a typical gallery-style fashion and spread out along the seashore. Naoshima Art Island invites reflection and inspiration to visitors of all kinds.