This 9-day journey is designed for travelers who want to look beyond Japan’s best-known cities and discover the quieter craft traditions of Shikoku. Centered on Tokushima’s celebrated indigo culture, the itinerary weaves together hands-on experiences, historic townscapes, classic gardens, and two restful nights at a hot spring ryokan.

Dye your own cloth at an authentic aizome indigo workshop, wander the Edo-era merchant streets of Udatsu-no-Machinami in Mima City, and stroll through Ritsurin Garden, one of Japan’s finest landscape gardens. Climb the famous stone staircase to Kotohira-gu Shrine, shape your own Sanuki udon noodles by hand, then travel on to Matsuyama Castle and the timeless waters of Dogo Onsen, one of the oldest hot springs in the country.

With a dedicated guide for the culture-rich middle days, comfortable pacing, and relaxed free time at the ryokan toward the end, this tour offers a seamless and unhurried way to experience a side of Japan that few visitors reach — especially ideal for travelers who value craftsmanship, local character, and genuine rest.

Why This Tour Stands Out

• Experience traditional aizome indigo dyeing at its historic home in Tokushima.
• Travel across Shikoku by ferry, limited express train, and streetcar in one seamless journey.
• Explore with a knowledgeable English-speaking guide during the core sightseeing days.
• A perfect choice for travelers seeking authentic craft culture, historic towns, and onsen relaxation.

Tour Pricing

Tour prices do not include airfare, guide tips, meals, or transportation to/from airports.

*Exchange rate used: 1 USD = 160 JPY

Group size is flexible—please contact us for details.

Please note that prices may also vary during high-demand periods, including:
・March–April (spring season)
・Year-end and New Year holidays
・Obon holiday period (mid-August)
・Autumn foliage season
・Long holiday weekends

Final pricing will be confirmed based on travel dates and availability.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Wakayama

Relax at your hotel and settle in after arrival.

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Wakayama

Day 2 | Tokushima

• Ferry from Wakayama to Tokushima
• Aizome Indigo Dyeing Workshop (hands-on natural indigo dyeing using traditional techniques)

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Tokushima

Day 3 | Tokushima

• Lunch at a local restaurant in Wakimachi, Mima City
• Visit Udatsu-no-Machinami (historic townscape of Edo-era indigo merchant houses)
• Explore Wakimachi Area (e.g. Roadside Station Airando Udatsu and Wakimachi Bridge)

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Tokushima

Day 4 | Takamatsu

• Limited express train from Tokushima to Takamatsu
• Visit Takamatsu Castle Ruins, Tamamo Park (former castle grounds with seawater moats)
• Visit Ritsurin Garden (one of Japan’s finest Edo-period landscape gardens)

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Takamatsu

Day 5 | Takamatsu

• Train from Takamatsu to Kotohira
• Visit Kotohira-gu Shrine (historic shrine reached by a long stone staircase with scenic views)
• Sanuki Udon-Making Experience, followed by a lunch of your freshly made noodles
• Explore Kotohira Area (e.g. Konpira Grand Theater and Konpira Omotesando)

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Takamatsu

Day 6 | Matsuyama

• Limited express train from Takamatsu to Matsuyama
• Visit Matsuyama Castle (one of Japan’s twelve original castles, reached by ropeway)
• Streetcar to Dogo Onsen, with free time to enjoy the ryokan and hot spring facilities
• Kaiseki dinner at the ryokan

Hotel: Ryokan in Dogo Onsen

Day 7 | Matsuyama

• Visit Dogo Onsen Honkan (one of Japan’s oldest hot spring bathhouses, with over 3,000 years of history)
• Free day (e.g. the historic shopping arcade, Dogo Park Observation Deck or Dogo Giyaman Glass Museum)
• Kaiseki dinner at the ryokan

Hotel: Ryokan in Dogo Onsen

Day 8 | Wakayama

• Highway bus from Matsuyama to Tokushima
• Ferry from Tokushima to Wakayama

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Wakayama

Day 9 | Wakayama

Check out from your hotel and transfer to Kansai International Airport.

If you’d like to extend your stay, add experiences, or arrange hotels only without a guide, we’re happy to customize your plans.

Inclusions

• Private tour
• Dedicated English-speaking guide (Day 2–Day 5)
• 9 days itinerary
• 8 nights accommodation in 3 star accommodation and traditional onsen ryokan
• Breakfast everyday
• Kaiseki dinner at the ryokan on Day 6 and Day 7
• Lunch at a local restaurant on Day 3
• Udon lunch on Day 5
• Aizome indigo dyeing experience
• Sanuki udon-making experience
• Public transportation, including ferry crossings between Wakayama and Tokushima
• All entry fees to sites, activities as specified

Exclusions

• International airfares
• Arrival airport transfer / Departure airport transfer
• Visas
• Tipping
• Optional activities
• Personal expenses
• Travel Insurance
• Anything not mentioned in the itinerary

Important Notes

If your inquiry is made within three months of your desired arrival date, the above prices may not apply. In such cases, we will provide a custom quotation based on availability and travel conditions.

A dedicated English-speaking guide accompanies you from Day 2 through Day 5. The remaining days are self-guided, with accommodation arranged in advance so you can travel at your own pace. If you would prefer a guide throughout the entire itinerary, please let us know and we will prepare a revised quotation.

Tell Us More, and We’ll Find the Best Plan for You

Interested in this 9-day package? Contact us anytime to begin planning your trip.

If you would like to extend your stay or add more experiences, we can arrange additional days, activities, or accommodations upon request.

We also offer fully customized itineraries tailored to your interests and travel style. To learn more, check out Tailor-Made Tour by ENJYU JAPAN.