Trip Overview
Over one week in Japan, experience contemporary and traditional art in all forms while on the island of Shikoku.
Beginning and ending in Takamatsu, this trip takes you to the iconic Naoshima Island where contemporary art meets contemporary architecture with some of Japan's most famous artists. The absurd meets peace and harmony within metres of each other.
You'll visit the neighbouring Teshima Island to immerse and take part in Japanese contemporary art before heading back to the main island for a more traditional approach as you learn to make soba noodles and washi paper in Iya Valley and learn the art of relaxation at an onsen.
End the trip with views of Tokushima before finishing where it all started.
Beginning and ending in Takamatsu, this trip takes you to the iconic Naoshima Island where contemporary art meets contemporary architecture with some of Japan's most famous artists. The absurd meets peace and harmony within metres of each other.
You'll visit the neighbouring Teshima Island to immerse and take part in Japanese contemporary art before heading back to the main island for a more traditional approach as you learn to make soba noodles and washi paper in Iya Valley and learn the art of relaxation at an onsen.
End the trip with views of Tokushima before finishing where it all started.
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Private, Personalised TravelNo generic group tours. Just the activities you love, and nothing you don't.
Insider Local KnowledgeAccess insider tips, hidden gems and authentic experiences known only to locals.
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Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Takamatsu
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You'll be taken to your accommodation in a private car. Once settled, you may wish to go out for dinner with your local guide to get to know the local area.
Accommodation
JR Hotel Clement Takamatsu★4 star
Transportations
Private Driver from Takamatsu Airport to JR Hotel Clement Takamatsu
Destinations
Takamatsu
Day 2
Day Tour of Naoshima
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In the morning, your guide will collect you and take you to the ferry port to go to Naoshima Island. When you arrive, you'll immediately start your tour with the Red Pumpkin by Yayoi Kusama and the Naoshima Pavillion. You'll then go to Honmura Pier for lunch before going to see another of Kusama's pumpkins, you'll finish the day at Chichu Art Museum for an immersive experience.
Accommodation
Benesse House
Activities
Red Pumpkin
Naoshima Pavilion
Yellow Pumpkin
Chichu Art Museum
Transportations
Ferry from Port of Takamatsu to Naoshima Port Terminal
Bicycle from Naoshima to Chichu Art Museum〔Online Reservation required〕
Meals
Breakfast and dinner
Destinations
Takamatsu
Naoshima
Day 3
Day Tour of Teshima Island
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Visit Naoshima's neighbouring art island, Teshima, where you'll head straight to Teshima Art Museum, where art and architecture collaborate in a unique way. Then visit Les Archives du Coeur, where you'll be able to listen to thousands of recordings of heartbeats and even record your own to add to this impressive ever-expanding artwork. Go back to Takamatsu and check out the Kitahama Alley where you'll find many boutique cafes, shops and crafts.
Accommodation
JR Hotel Clement Takamatsu★4 star
Activities
Teshima Art Museum
Les Archives du Coeur
Kitahama Alley
Transportations
Ferry from Naoshima to Teshima Island
Bicycle from Teshima Island to Teshima Art Museum
Ferry from Teshima Island to Takamatsu
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Naoshima
Tonosho
Takamatsu
Day 4
Iya Valley
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Halfway through your one week in Japan, you'll leave Takamatsu behind once more to go to the Iya Valley where nature creates a resounding air of calm. You'll visit Kazura bridge and take part in a soba-making workshop to learn about the history of the area and the unique flavours of Shikoku cuisine. Finish the day at your ryokan where you'll have dinner and spend the evening in your onsen.
Accommodation
Wanoyado Hotel Iyaonsen★4 star
Activities
Iya-no-Kazura Bashi
Soba Making Workshop
Ōboke Gorge
Transportations
Private Driver from Takamatsu to Iya Valley
Meals
Breakfast and dinner
Destinations
Takamatsu
Miyoshi
Day 5
Iya Valley and Tokushima
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In the morning, you'll visit a washi paper factory to learn about this unique process behind making traditional paper. Straight from the factory, you'll head to Tokushima where you'll visit Awa Odori Kaikan, a museum dedicated to traditional Japanese dancing. Finish the day in a cable car that takes you to the summit of Mount Bizan for a spectacular view of the city.
Accommodation
JR Hotel Clement Tokushima★3 star
Activities
Washi Paper Factory Tour
Awa Odori Museum
Bizan Ropeway
Transportations
Private Driver from Iya Valley to Tokushima
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Miyoshi
Yoshinogawa
Tokushima
Day 6
Return to Takamatsu
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In the morning, you'll make your way back to Takamatsu, but not without stopping at Naruto whirlpools to check out the fascinating natural phenomenon that can be seen up-close by boat or from the bridge. You'll head back to Takamatsu and enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure. You may want to explore the shopping malls and arcades.
Accommodation
JR Hotel Clement Takamatsu★4 star
Activities
Naruto Whirlpools
Takamatsu Shopping ArcadeOptional Activity
Transportations
Private Driver from Tokushima to Takamatsu
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Tokushima
Naruto
Takamatsu
Day 7
Departure from Shikoku Island
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Your one week in Japan finishes on this day. In the morning, you'll relax before making your way to the airport in time for your departing flight.
Transportations
Private Driver from JR Hotel Clement Takamatsu to Takamatsu Airport
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Takamatsu
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What’s included?
- 6 nights accommodation
- 14 activities
- 6 breakfasts and 2 dinners
- Airport transfer
- Entrance fees
- Ground transportation
- Licensed English speaking guides
What’s not included?
- Alcohol beverages
- Domestic flights
- Entry visas / airport departure tax
- Gratuities
- International flights
- Laundry
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Trekking permits
Starting From
AU$ 9,984/ per traveller sharing
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Benefits of this trip
Japan in 7 days
4-star, 3-star accommodation
24/7 in-destination support from your local designer
Unique local experiences you can’t find elsewhere
More Inclusions
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All the activities you love, and nothing you don't
Inspiration for you
Explore the authentic activities in Japan
Chichu Art Museum, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan|Naoshima Pavilion, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan|Red Pumpkin, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan|Yellow Pumpkin, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan|Teshima Art Museum, Kagawa, Japan|Les Archives du Coeur, Kagawa, Japan|Kitahama Alley, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan|Iya-no-Kazura Bashi, Tokushima Prefecture, Japan|Soba Making Workshop, Tokushima Prefecture, Japan|Ōboke Gorge, Tokushima Prefecture, Japan|Awa Odori Museum, Tokushima Prefecture, Japan|Bizan Ropeway, Tokushima Prefecture, Japan|Washi Paper Factory Tour, Tokushima, Japan|Naruto Whirlpools, Tokushima Prefecture, Japan
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