Travelpack

Matsuyama • Takamatsu • Tokushima • Geisei • Kochi • Ozu

Discover a different side of Japan as you journey through charming castle towns, ancient pilgrimage routes, peaceful gardens, and breathtaking coastal landscapes. From immersive cultural experiences and traditional performances to scenic rail journeys and authentic local hospitality, this unforgettable adventure perfectly blends history, nature, and timeless Japanese traditions.

Day 1: Matsuyama
Flight from London Heathrow Airport to Matsuyama, Japan Via Tokyo Haneda Airport
Private Transfer Airport to Hotel
Stay at Yamatoya Honten for 3 nights

Day 2: Matsuyama Private Tour
This is a private day tour in Matsuyama for shore excursion travellers! There are a couple of options that would fit your needs! Visit the Japanese ancient historical places! Depending on the time limit, we can arrange a sightseeing area with our guide, and we have options to fit you as much as we can. Tour Options are mainly divided into "Public transportation Plan" and "Private car Plan". Feel free to let us know your request!

Duration: 5 hours
Inclusions :
- Local train in Matsuyama City
- Charter car if requested
- English-speaking guide
- Local bus in Matsuyama City

Day 3: Guided Walking Ohenro Pilgrimage Experience in Dogo Hot Spring
Dogo Hot Spring, which is said to be the oldest hot spring in Japan, is also on the route of the pilgrimage to the 88 sacred sites of Shikoku, where many pilgrims heal the fatigue of their journey and enjoy historical and cultural sightseeing. This programme allows visitors to experience local history and pilgrimage culture while walking with a guide along the surrounding pilgrimage routes, which are generally not well known to the public. Within walking distance of Dogo Onsen is the 51st temple, Ishite-ji Temple, which has many cultural assets and has been awarded a Michelin star. You can learn the etiquette of pilgrimage and the history and culture of temples. Along the walking pilgrimage route, there is a nature trail that climbs up a small mountain and passes through a bamboo forest, which you would not expect to find in the city, and an ancient shrine, Isaniwa Shrine, which is located on a hill overlooking Dogo Hot
Spring, making you feel nature and history in a compact area.

Duration: 2 hours
Inclusions :
- All Fees and Taxes

Day 4: Takamatsu
Stay at Royal Park Hotel Takamatsu for 3 nights

Rail
The Japan Rail Pass is a multi-use rail ticket. It gives you unlimited access to all Japan Rail National trains, bus services, ferry services, and airport transfers.
14 DAYS STANDARD SERVICE INCLUDED. The JR Pass offers you the opportunity to discover the whole country affordably. Compared to the full price of train tickets in Japan, the price of the JR Pass represents an attractive discount on Japanese public transport. It allows you to travel easily and save time during your stay, including on Shinkansen trains, without having to buy a new ticket for each journey. JR Pass holders will also be able to enjoy discounts at some of Japan's popular tourist attractions from October 2023.

IMPORTANT INFO
We recommend purchasing an ALL SHIKOKU Rail Pass on arrival in Japan. Purchase a Pass at Takamatsu, Matsuyama, Tokushima, or Kochi Station, any JR Shikoku Tour branch (JR Shikoku Travel Service Centre), or the JR Shikoku Tour Umeda branch.

Day 5: Kagawa: Takamatsu Ritsurin Garden Guided Tour
Ritsurin Garden in Takamatsu stands as a premier example of Japanese historic garden design, showcasing the artistry of daimyo gardens. During this guided tour, visitors stroll through the lush landscape, revealing ponds, bridges, and carefully pruned trees along a scenic route. An expert guide shares the rich history and design principles of Japanese gardens, highlighting key features like the Hiraiho viewpoint and the iconic raised-root pine. A delightful tea break at Kikugetsutei adds a cultural touch, allowing guests to enjoy matcha while soaking in the serene surroundings. Choose between a local meeting point or a guided train journey from Takamatsu Station for a flexible experience.

- Explore the exquisite Ritsurin Garden, a masterpiece of Japanese design
- Learn about the historical significance and aesthetics of daimyo gardens
- Enjoy matcha at Kikugetsutei, surrounded by stunning views
- Flexible meeting options available for convenience, including local train travel

Duration: 2 hours
Inclusions :
- Matcha tea experience at a garden teahouse
- English-speaking guide
- Admission to Ritsurin Garden
- Optional guided train access from Takamatsu Station (if selected)
- Guided walk through Ritsurin Garden

Day 6: Kotoden Train Ride Experience & Private Takamatsu Tour by car
A government-certified foreign language and tourist guide will pick you up by car from the train station, hotel, etc. The standard destinations are as follows, but depending on your needs, weather, traffic conditions and season, the destinations and length of your stay can be adjusted. Optional locations are also included as much as possible.

Duration: 10 hours to 11 hours
Inclusions :
- Vehicle-related expenses (including fuel, tolls and parking)
- Entrance fees
- English-speaking guide services provided by a National-licensed interpreter-guide
- Air-conditioned vehicle

Day 7: Tokushima
Stay at Awa Kanko Hotel for 2 nights

Tokushima: Awa Odori Cultural Experience & Live Performance
Delve into the vibrant world of Awa Odori, Japan's iconic dance, with this guided cultural experience in Tokushima. Explore the history and significance of Awa Odori beyond the summer festival as you visit the Awa Odori Museum, where you'll learn about the dance's evolution through engaging exhibits and live demonstrations of traditional instruments. Cap off your journey with a captivating performance at Awa Odori Hall, allowing you to witness the dance's energy and precision first hand. This tour offers a rich understanding of Awa Odori as a living tradition, fostering a deeper connection to the local culture.

- Discover the roots of Awa Odori through museum exhibits and live demos
- Experience a live performance by skilled dancers and musicians
- Choose your starting point: Awa Odori Kaikan or JR Tokushima Station
- Gain insights into how Awa Odori influences everyday life in Tokushima

Duration: 2 hours
Inclusions :
- Live performance by skilled dancers and musicians
- Live demonstrations of traditional instruments
- Visit to Awa Odori Museum
- Guided tour with explanations

Day 8: Tokushima & Mt. Bizan BROMPTON Slow Cycling Tour
In principle, reservations are for two persons or more. A course that runs through the castle town, centring on Mt. Take the ropeway from the Awa Odori Kaikan at the foot of Mt. Meishan, which has become a novel and a movie. From here, take a break downhill and take a break at Western Park on the middle of Mt. If you go down from the middle to the foot, you might want to try eating around, such as Mt. It is also interesting to compare the courses you ran to the old scenery at the museum of Tokushima Castle after running through the back alleys that leave the remnants of the castle town, Aiba beach where the performance hall is set up at the time of Teramachi and Awa Odori It will be.

Inclusions :
- Use of bicycle
- Local guide fee
- Tour Insurance

Day 9: Geisei
Stay at Mercure Kochi Tosa Resort & Spa for 3 nights

Day 12: Kochi
Stay at OMO7 Osaka by Hoshino Resorts for 3 nights

Day 13: Best of Kochi Half-Day Tour: Castle & Hirome Market
Discover the best of Kochi on a guided half-day walking tour. Perfect for cruise passengers & first-time visitors. Explore Kochi Castle and the vibrant Hirome Market in a small-group tour with a local guide. Visit Kochi Hachimangu Shrine to experience Japan's spiritual culture and learn traditional Shinto customs. Enjoy a well-paced walk through Obiyamachi, featuring local food, culture, and a lively atmosphere. All entrance fees included for a smooth experience. Taste local flavours with complimentary citrus juice and biscuits. Professionally managed by a certified tour coordinator for a smooth experience

For Cruise Ship Guests: Kochi Port is about 2030 minutes from JR Kochi Station. Most cruise ships provide shuttle service to the city centre, and taxis are available at the port. If requested in advance, our guide can meet you at Kochi Port and accompany you to JR Kochi Station (additional taxi fee may apply).
For further details, please feel free to contact us in advance.

Duration: 4 hours
Inclusions :
- Admission fee to Kochi Castle
- Photo assistance by your guide (shared via Google Drive, not professional photography)
- English-speaking guide
- Walking tour in Kochi city centre
- Local snack & drink (Citrus juice & Biscuits)

Day 14: Kochi Prefecture Shimanto River Private Tour
This is a multi-activity tour that explores the Shimanto River valley. You will travel first by train, then by bike, and finally by raft, through the natural splendour of this untrammelled region of Kochi. Along the way you will meet an artisan iron-worker practising his traditional craft. You will see the inner workings of his workshop and hear how his trade has passed down through the generations. Later you will have lunch overlooking the valley, and finally you will board a raft for a thrilling ride on the river.

Duration: 7 hours
Inclusions :
- Rafting fee
- Train fare from Kubokawa Sta. to Tosa-Showa Sta.
- Rental helmet, life jacket, river shoes
- Use of bicycle
- Taxi ride back to Kubokawa Station from Towa town

Day 15: Ozu
Stay at NIPPONIA HOTEL Ozu Castle Town for 3 nights

Day 16: Ozu Private Customizable Full Day Tour
This private and customizable tour for Ozu city (in Ehime Prefecture) is perfect for guests who would like to have their own itinerary planned based on their interests and preferences, allowing guests to experience the city at their own pace. Discover 4-5 attractions in Ozu City at your own pace on this fully customizable 8-hour full-day private tour with an English-speaking (or other language) tour guide. Create a dream tour that's perfect for your interests and preferences. After booking, you'll receive a form with varied themes, allowing easy selection based on your interests. Whether it's culture, history, cuisine, nature, or special events,
you can highlight your preferences and must-see spots, streamlining our planning process.

Duration: 8 hours
Inclusions :
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (if the hotel is within the city centre)
- English-speaking professional tour guide
- 8-hour fully customised tour with reservations and bookings made on your behalf
- Transportation within the city only
- Discover 45 attractions within the designated tour timeframe.

Day 18: Departure

What is included in the offer
• International Flights with 23 kg Baggage
• 3 Nights at Dogo Onsen Yamatoya Honten in a Japanese Room on half board
• Guided Walking Ohenro Pilgrimage Experience in Dogo Hot Spring
• Matsuyama Private Tour
• 14 Day Rail Pass (Starting Day 4)
• 3 Nights at Royal Park Hotel in a Club Room with breakfast
• Takamatsu Ritsurin Garden Guided Tour
• Kotoden Train Ride Experience & Private Takamatsu Tour by car
• 2 Nights at Awa Kanko Hotel in a Standard Room with breakfast
• Tokushima: Awa Odori Cultural Experience & Live Performance
• Tokushima & Mt. Bizan BROMPTON Slow Cycling Tour
• 3 Nights at Mercure Kochi Tosa Resort & Spa in a Classic Room with breakfast
• 3 Nights at OMO7 Kochi by Hoshino Resorts in a Standard Room with breakfast
• Best of Kochi Half-Day Tour: Castle & Hirome Market
• Kochi Prefecture Shimanto River Private Tour
• 3 Nights at Nipponia Hotel Ozu Castle Town in a Deluxe Room Castle View on half board
• Ozu Private Customizable Full Day Tour
• Private Arrival Airport Transfer

Prices & Departures:
Total Price Inclusive of All Charges:
• B99810 Heathrow from £6469pp
• C00241 Manchester from £6499pp
• C00248 Glasgow from £6579pp

No fees payable locally

Deposit: £1500pp

Terms & Conditions:
Based on 2 adults sharing

Meal Plans