Four Days Exploring the Culture and Nature of Eastern Setouchi

White Water Rafting in Oboke Gorge

Carved out of the Shikoku Mountains over 200 million years by the Yoshino River, Oboke Gorge and Koboke Gorge is the destination of choice for travelers looking to encounter Japan’s great outdoors. You have different options on how to explore this stunning natural landscape. Aside from hiking through its trails and forests, the Oboke Gorge Sightseeing Pleasure Boat can take you upstream and show you the gorge from the water.

For the more adventurous, you can find white water rafting operators along the Yoshino River. This river is regarded as one of the best white water rafting locations in the world – so much so they staged the 2017 World Rafting Championships on the river. For over ten years, Happy Raft, founded by experienced Australian rafter Mark Treston, has been guiding visitors through the rapids and offering other exotic gorge-based activities like canyoning. Along the gorge, you will find wonderful viewpoints offering breathtaking views of the area. If you are lucky with the weather conditions, you might witness the sea of clouds (unkai) that can form in the valley below.

Travel: Iya Valley to Takamatsu

If traveling on public transport, take a bus or taxi to Oboke Station and take a JR Limited Express service to Takamatsu. The journey takes between approx 1 hour and 30 minutes and 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Shikoku Mannaka Sennen Monogatari

If you want to travel in style, board the Shikoku Mannaka Sennen Monogatari. This scenic train offers a more leisurely approach to seeing the beauty of the Shikoku countryside and majesty of the Oboke Gorge. The beautifully designed train runs from Tadotsu and offers a fine selection of season on-board meals with ingredients sourced from the region.

URL: https://www.jr-eki.com/global/en/travel/sennen_top/index.html?_gl=1*jsv3rr*_ga*MTg2NTgxMDYzNy4xNjQ0ODE4MzIx*_ga_K0B5H69NMS*MTcwNzM1NTE4MC4yMzIuMC4xNzA3MzU1MTgwLjAuMC4w

Ritsurin Garden

Enjoy traditional Japanese tea and a tranquil boat ride in Takamatsu’s world-renowned 400-year-old Ritsurin Garden. Famous for its picture postcard views and hundreds of well-manicured pine trees, Ritsurin Garden is designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty and received a glowing three-star review in the Michelin Green Guide Japan.

Bonsai at Takumikumo in Kinashi Town

After wandering among the pine trees of Ritsurin Garden, check out some in miniature in the nearby town of Kinashi. Takamatsu is said to produce 80% of Japan’s bonsai pines and Kinashi Town is the home of Takamatsu Bonsai. Nakanishi Chinshoen’s fifth generation-owner Yoichi Nakanishi is keen to help visitors interact with bonsai to learn more about this age-old craft. At Takumikumo Village, visitors can explore a forest of exquisite bonsai trees and leave with a newfound understanding of the philosophy, skill and patience needed to create these living masterpieces.

2.5 hour tour of the gardens and nursery, led by a bonsai master, followed by your choice of cultural experience (choose from creating your own bonsai moss ball, trying kintsugi golden joinery, making wagashi sweets, lacquerware or uchiwa fans) are available with 2 weeks advance notice.

Beautifully prepared lunches and dinners, using seasonal ingredients and served on artisanal tableware can also be arranged for groups of 4 people or more (Halal, vegetarian, vegan options also available) with 2 weeks advance notice.

URL: https://v.takumikumo.com

Sanuki Udon and Grilled Chicken on the Bone

Sanuki udon noodles is the go-to dish for locals and Kagawa Prefecture is known throughout Japan as the "Udon Prefecture." People travel from around the country to sample these noodles and you will see long lines outside the most popular restaurants.

Hone-tsuki-dori (grilled chicken thigh on the bone) is another local specialty. You can find restaurants offering variations of this dish throughout the region. The dish was created around 60 years ago when a local restaurateur was inspired by actors eating chicken on the bone in old Hollywood films.

Accommodation: Auberge de Oishi

Auberge de Oishi is a combination of luxurious accommodation with unbeatable views of the Setouchi and one of most acclaimed French restaurants in the region. Based on the concept of a French inn where people would travel and stay overnight to dine in comfort, Auberge de Oishi offers both high quality cuisine and spectacular lodgings. The chef who studied in France uses the finest ingredients from across the Setouchi and Japan for his authentic creations.

The rooms are stunning concrete structures reminiscent of Tadao Ando’s architecture and all the rooms come with high ceilings and breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea. Everything about Auberge de Oishi has the look and feel of a luxurious retreat. Any stay at Auberge de Oishi will leave you feeling completely rejuvenated.

URL: https://www.auberge-de-oishi.jp

Travel: Takamatsu to Okayama

・Take the JR Line from Takamatsu Station to Okayama (Approx 50 minutes)

Okayama Castle and Korakuen Garden

Okayama Korakuen Garden in central Okayama is considered to be one of the three great Japanese gardens. Built around 300 years ago on the order of the feudal lord Ikeda Tsunamasa, the garden was designed as a “strolling garden” where the view shifts and changes as you walk around. Okayama Castle, located across the river from the garden, is known as “Ujo” or “crow castle” due to its striking, black-paneled exterior. Take your time to explore the castle interior and the grounds. The area around Okayama Korakuen Garden and Okayama Castle is an oasis of calm in the heart of Okayama City.

Okayama Kakushi Sushi

This traditional dish emerged in response to an ordinance issued by a local lord restricting meals to "one soup and one side dish." To circumvent the decree, an abundant assortment of fish and seasonal vegetables were heaped atop sushi rice, to create an opulent dish that could still technically be described as a single side dish. Not only visually stunning, kakushi sushi also has a delectable flavor profile. Each bite is a symphony of textures and tastes, as the freshness of the fish and the crispness of the vegetables mingle with the subtle tang of the vinegar-infused rice.

Japanese Restaurant Kibizen in Okayama maintains the tradition and offers authentic kakushi sushi. On first appearance, the wooden box appears to be just a layer of rice and finely shredded egg. However, flip the box upside down and you will reveal a hidden layer of delicious seasonal sashimi. The traditional dipping sauce made from pickled plums boiled in sake and dashi adds another layer of authenticity to the dish.

Travel: Okayama to Imbe Station

・Take the local train from Okayama Station to Imbe Station (Approx 40 minutes)

Bizen Pottery Experience in Imbe

Bizen pottery has a history stretching back over a thousand years, making it one of the most culturally important examples of pottery in the country. Bizen pottery does not use any glaze during the firing process. Instead, the raw, rustic appearance of the ceramics is part of the appeal. The Tokeido Pottery Workshop in Imbe has been producing pottery for over 500 years. This is the place to go for pottery workshops and to see authentic examples of Bizen pottery to buy as souvenirs.