Shikuko - Amala Destinations

JAPAN | SHIKOKU

Surrounded by the tranquil Seto Inland Sea and the Pacific Ocean, Shikoku is a traveller’s dream. Seas, mountains, rivers, sublime cuisine, art, traditional culture, and a long and fascinating history. The island is also home to one of the world’s oldest and most revered pilgrimage routes, the Shikoku Henro. We are sure that a Journey through Shikoku discovers the Iya Valley, Kochi, Yushuhara before ending along the coast in Matsuyama.

Our journey on this island, begins in the vibrant port town of Takamatsu, which we visit before heading deep into the heart of Shikoku, to the remote Iya Valley. The Iya Valley is known as one of Japan’s ‘Three Hidden Valleys’ and is renowned for its rich history, natural beauty, dramatic mountain scenery and unique vine bridges. The valley does provide some of the best hiking on the island, with unique rock formations three historic traditionally-made vine bridges. We also visit the Scarecrow Village of Nagoro. where artist Tsukimi Ayano, has constructed hundreds of life-sized scarecrows in an effort to re-populate her once thriving home-town village.

Leaving Iya, we continue towards the east coast, facing through Kochi, visiting its markets and Kochi Castle, before arriving at Shimanto. We then head back into the mountains of the south to Yushara, where the architecture in the town is almost futuristic, with its wooden architecture designed by famous architect Kuma Kengo. One of his works include the Hotel Above the Clouds.

Our journey then concludes on the western coast, as we pass through Dogo Onsen to the coastal city of Matsumyama, where we stay at Setouchi Retreat Aonagi, designed by Tadao Ando.

This journey is easily combined with The Art Islands and Hiroshima or Southern Kysuhu.

JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS

Admire an impressive collection of Japanese and East Asian art.

Perhaps one of the most weird and wonderful things of the Iya Valley is the Scarecrow Village of Nagoro. The creation of artist Tsukimi Ayano, since about 2003 she has constructed hundreds of life-sized scarecrows in an effort to re-populate her once thriving home-town village, which currently has a population of less than 30 people.

The mountainside farms of the Iya Valley aren’t suited for rice production, but its perfect for growing soba. Traditional cultivation methods are still maintained in the valley, and Iya’s hand-made soba produces a hearty grain that is well knowned all over Japan. We have a go at learning how Soba is made.

These cherry tree species do start blooming from February, so would be a great alternative to consider as compared to the rest of Japan.

While Yusuhara might be described as quaint or quiet, the architecture in the town is almost futuristic, and a large reason why Yusuhara has become more well-known in recent years. Much of the renowned wooden architecture in Yusuhara has been designed by famous architect Kuma Kengo. One of his works include the Hotel Above the Clouds.

Uchiko-za, a fully operational kabuki theater and a distinguishing feature and point of pride of Uchiko. The beautiful, multi-story building was built in 1916 and continues to occasionally host various events, including kabuki and bunraku performances.

Dogo Onsen Honkan is the symbol and main attraction of Dogo Onsen. The charismatic bath house was built in 1894 during the Meiji Period. Its wooden interior is a maze of stairways, passages and rooms, usually bustling with activity by staff and guests. Dogo Onsen Honkan is said to have served as inspiration for the award-winning animated film "Spirited Away" by Miyazaki's Studio Ghibli.

Built by the famous Tadao Ando, Setouchi Retreat Aonagi strips away the unnecessary and delivers the luxury of total tranquility. Its minimalist style brings nature up close while catering to every comfort.

ACCOMMODATION

These are a selection of lodges that we feel combine well for this journey. However we do also have a range of options to consider in each region, and can tailor them to you preference.

Chiiori Lodge

The dream centers on Iya Valley 祖谷, the mythical mountainous region in the center of Shikoku, where Chiiori is located. All rooms are designed and decorated to make guests feel right at home, and some rooms come with internet access – wireless, internet access – wireless (complimentary), air conditioning, heating, blackout curtains. The hotel offers various recreational opportunities. For reliable service and professional staff, Chiiori Lodge caters to your needs.

Shimanto no Yado

"Shimanto no Yado" with a total of 30 rooms standing on a gentle hill at the mouth of the river. A resort-type hotel designed with the concept of breathing together with nature, considering coexistence with the ecosystem. They have loved nature for a long time and learned from the wisdom of Japanese people who have become familiar with it, and use natural materials such as wood, stone, and plaster. A Japanese-style room with a calm atmosphere and an elegant and simple Western-style room.