 |
| |
| |
| Art Journey in Shikoku |
| |
| Itinerary |
The following schedule is subject to change in accordance with the circumstances of our lodgings, transportation, local events and hosts. We will send participants the finalized itinerary one month in advance of the departure date.
(B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner |
|
|
| |
Day 1 Arrive in Tokyo (Narita) Airport
Participants flying on our designated airlines flight will be greeted by tour representative and transferred to a hotel in Narita Airport. (If you plan to take other flights or arrive on other dates, let us know; we will inform you of times and places to join the group.)
Day 2 Narita - Haneda Airport -Kochi Airport - Kochi city
In the morning, we will take the hotel shuttle bus to Narita Airport, then the airport bus from Narita to Haneda Airport. We will arrive in Kochi in the early afternoon. Kochi Castle is within walking distance of our hotel. We will have a leisurely walking tour of the castle with a local volunteer guide and learn about the history of Kochi.
(B)(D)
Day 3 Kochi
We will visit Makino Botanical Garden and Museum, known for its large collections of native plants of Shikoku and eco-friendly architectural design. The great pilgrimage temple Chikurin-ji is adjacent to the Garden. We'll have a picnic in the garden; bring your own lunch and drink. (B)
Day 4 Kochi - Aki - Kochi
We will take the train to Aki. Aki, a castle town that flourished in the 16th century, is today a small town, which still preserves its old Samurai estates. We will be escorted by a volunteer guide and served tea at a local's home. (L)
Day 5 Kochi - Takamatsu
We will take the train to Takamatsu. After hotel check-in, we will visit the famed Ritsurin Gardens in the center of town. Designed 200 years ago for the Matsudaira rulers, the estate encompasses 135 acres, six ponds and thirteen pine-clad hills. Within the grounds there is also a folkcraft museum, a treasure trove of local pottery, furniture and textiles. (D)
Day 6 Takamatsu - Kinashi - Takamatsu
On this day, we'll visit the village of Kinashi , which produces 80% of Japan 's pine Bonsai (miniature trees). We'll walk through fields of bonsai, tour several nurseries, and appreciate bonsai masterworks that have been lovingly tended for centuries. We will be guests at a Bonsai nursery owner's home. (B)
Day 7 Takamatsu - Kotohira - Takamatsu
We will take the train to Kotohira. The town is known for the famous shrine of Konpira, the patron deity of seafarers, situated on the top of a hill with 1,368 step stone stairs. In town is Japan's oldest extant theater, Kanamaru-za, where Kabuki drama is performed this month. (We hope to obtain tickets for our participants.) We will arrive at our hotel in Takamatsu in the evening. (B)(L)
Day 8 Takamatsu - Mure - Takamtatsu
In the morning we'll visit the Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum. Mure is a thriving center of stone carvers. The great 20th century sculptor Isamu Noguchi made his home and studio here, and these are now a museum. The centuries-old farmhouse and landscaped grounds display his versatile works in stone, wood, and paper. We will return to Takamatsu in the early afternoon. Or, as optional trip, you may choose to stop in at Shikoku-mura Park. The Shikoku-mura is an extensive outdoor museum, in which historic structures from all over Shikoku are preserved and open to view. (B)(L)
Day 9 Takamatsu - Naoshima - Takamatsu
A 45 minute ferry ride will take us to the small island of Naoshima (pop. 3,500). Part of this island has been transformed into a unique subterranean museum by the celebrated architect, Tadao Ando. Here we'll enjoy the "House Project", which showcases contemporary arts in traditional domestic architecture. We will also visit the Benesse Art Museum and Chichu Museum, and enjoy an array of kinetic sculptures placed along a winding seaside path. (B)
Day 10 Takamatsu - Okayama - Hiroshima
We will take the train to Hiroshima via Okayama. In Hiroshima, we will visit Peace Memorial Museum and Park. (B)
Day 11 Hiroshima - Hiro - Takeharu - Hiro - Hiroshima
We will take the train to Takehara, a charming old town which once prospered from salt production. In the old town district, we'll visit a wealthy merchant's home and award-winning Sake brewery, and browse craft shops for fine articles of bamboo and recycled kimono textiles. Lunch will be served at a gallery/restaurant housed in centuries-old domestic architecture. (B)(L)
Day 12 Hiroshima - Miyajima
We will take a 45 minutes boat ride from the Peace Memorial Park to Miyajima Island. We will explore the famed Itsukushima Shrine, Momiji-dani Park and chaming back alleys. You can enjoy a ropeway to Mt. Shami for a breath-taking view of the Inland Sea and hike the hills. We will stay in a traditional Japanese inn. (B)(D)
Day 13 Miyajima - Hiroshima
This is a free day. We'll be back to Hiroshima in the afternoon. (B)(D)
Day 14 Hiroshima
The tour disbands in Hiroshima city this morning. Participants taking our designated flight will take the airport bus to Hiroshima Airport. (B) |
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
"It was the best guided tour I've taken. I would certainly be enthused about doing another tour with you."
H.D. 2008 Shikoku Tour |
|
| |
| Contact Us |
| Community Travel Service |
Tel: 510-528-0600
info@comtravel.net
P.O.Box 6259,
Albany, CA 94706 |
|
| |
|
|
|
