5 – Days Tour of Experience the Pilgrim Trails of Iya Valley and Naoshima Island in Shikoku
OVERVIEW
This tour is put together to sample the Pilgrim Trails in Shikoku.
Visiting 3 historic and beautiful temples along the way.
1 Ryozen-ji (霊山寺) in Naruto,
2 Gokuraku-ji (極楽寺) in Naruto and
3 Konsen-ji (金泉寺) in Itano.
Please contact us today to create your “Shikoku Custom Tour” with Travel Arrange Japan.
DESCRIPTION
Here is an example of a custom made five day tour in Shikoku:
-Tour includes the first three temples of the 88 temple pilgrim trail
Day 1 Stay in Tokushima
Tokushima City’s Awa Odori holds the most famous of many dance festivals held across Japan. The Awa Odori museum is located in the Awa Odori Kaikan, There you will find their dance hall where traditional dance demonstrations are held several times a day.
Day 2 Stay in Iya Onsen (location of the first 3 of the 88 temples on the Pilgrim Trail)
The Shikoku Pilgrimage is a multi-site pilgrimage of 88 temples associated with the Buddhist monk Kukai (Kobo Daishi). The pilgrimage is traditionally completed on foot and to complete the whole 88 the standard walking course is approximately 1,200 kilometers long and can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days to complete.
The first three temples along this pilgrim trail are located here in Iya Onsen in Tokushima prefecture. Here you can enjoy around only a 4 hour walk along the trail from Ryozen-ji (霊山寺) in Naruto, stopping at temple Gokuraku-ji (極楽寺) and temple Konsen-ji (金泉寺) along the way, ending the day with a relaxing stay overnight in the traditions of Iya Onsen.
Day 3 with a further night stay in Iya Onsen
Iya Valley’s main attraction is its natural beauty and the wonders of the vine bridges that span some of the vast gorges. Iya Kazurabashi, is the most popular of the vine bridges in Iya Onsen and it is also the largest one too, it stretches for an incredible 45 meters across the Iya River and gives visitors an unforgettable view of the river waters that flow 14 meters below the open slats below your feet. The bridge, which is rebuilt every three years, is anchored to tall cedar trees at both ends (for those who worry: this bridge has steel cables hidden within the vines for safety). The bridge can be crossed in one direction only but you can re visit the everlasting memory any time you like.
Day 4 and 5 with nights in either Naoshima or Teshima
Naoshima is an island in the Seto Inland Sea that is known for its modern art museums, architecture and sculptures. In Naoshima you can visit the Chichu Art Museum, the Lee Ufan Museum and you will get to see all the buildings of the Benesse House.
Also nearby in Naoshima there is the Teshima Island which is well known for the most intriguing and contemporary artworks in all of Japan. The main museum attraction on Teshima is the Teshima Art Museum.
TOUR POINT
- Experience Pilgrim trail in Shikoku
- Relax and Nature in Iya valley
- Visit art island Naoshima or Teshima
WHATS INCLUDE
- 4 Nights Accommodation fee
- JR Pass 7 days ordinary
- Meals per itinerary
- Ferry Fee from Takamatsu to Naoshima or Teshima
- Ferry Fee from Naoshima or Teshima to Uno
NOT INCLUDE
- Accommodation fee in Tokyo etc
- International Air fee
- Food and drinks unless are specified
- Alcohol drinks
- Travel insurance
- It is a Self-Guide tour so no guides are includes
NOTES
If you have meals request or allergy must request before booking.
If you plan to stay extra night please let us know
Tour schedule and price are subject to change without notice.
If you already have JR rail pass let us know as price will change.
Single customer, travel with family are welcome and we can make customize for them, please let us know.