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