The Art Island of Shikoku Created by Tadao Ando — “Chichu Art Museum”

Text provided by Qidou Travel Network   Photos by Xiangsheng Travel

Kagawa Prefecture, Japan’s smallest prefecture but home to the most islands in the Seto Inland Sea, has shone even brighter in recent years thanks to the Setouchi Triennale, with each island showcasing its unique charm. The distinctive cultural landscape and artistic creativity of Shikoku also become even more alluring. On a crisp autumn day, join us on an island-hopping journey across the Seto Inland Sea!

Exclusive Premium Island-Hopping Cruise Experience: Naoshima, Teshima, Shodoshima

The Seto Inland Sea is dotted with adorable islands. In 1987, two Japanese corporate groups invited world-renowned architect Tadao Ando and internationally acclaimed artists to reinterpret Naoshima through the lens of art, collaborating with local residents. Over 20 years, Naoshima transformed from a fishing village into a floating island of art and culture. It was even voted by British travel magazine Conde Nast Traveler as one of “The Seven Most Worthwhile Cultural Destinations in the World.”

Tadao Ando revitalized century-old wooden traditional houses, transforming them into museums that harmonize with the local natural environment, giving birth to the “Chichu Art Museum” and the museum-hotel complex “Benesse House.” Through art, these old houses have been reborn. The two large pumpkin installations overlooking Naoshima’s coast are the works of Japanese avant-garde artist Yayoi Kusama. With their vibrant yellow hue and signature bold black polka dots, they may seem out of place but actually blend seamlessly with the surrounding seascape, making them one of the best photo spots!

▲ Naoshima Yellow Pumpkin

Japan’s first national park — the Setonaikai National Park — is located on Teshima. The Teshima Art Museum, designed by renowned Japanese avant-garde architect Ryue Nishizawa, features a water-drop-shaped concrete structure with no internal pillars. Built on terraced fields, it offers views of the Seto Inland Sea. Its construction technique and appearance are both unique, making it Teshima’s most iconic artwork. In the tranquil atmosphere, you can hear only the sound of the wind, insects, and your own heartbeat. In addition, the island also hosts attractions like the “Heartbeat Sound Archive” and the “Teshima Yokoo House,” all perfectly blending natural scenery with modern art.

Shodoshima enjoys a mild climate and is the birthplace of olive cultivation in Japan, exuding a Mediterranean vibe. From the Kanonji-kyo Park on Shodoshima, take a cable car up to the mountaintop at 612 meters to overlook the valley and take in the stunning seascape where the Seto Inland Sea meets the sky. Especially during the maple leaf viewing season in November, this is also when Kanonji-kyo Valley is at its most beautiful.

The live-action film adaptation of the popular anime “Kiki’s Delivery Service” was entirely filmed on Shodoshima. You can find traces of Kiki the Witch at the bakery next to the Olive Park or in Kanonji-kyo Park.

Experience the Charm of the Sea on the Iyo-Nada Monogatari Train in Ehime

Sometimes, what matters in travel is the journey, not just the destination. Riding the Iyo-Nada Monogatari Train in Shikoku, Japan, offers exactly that feeling. This sightseeing train runs only two or three days a week, with only four departures daily on four different routes. Each route comes with its own regional-style bento meals, offering travelers different emotions and inspirations from the moment they step on board. As the train moves toward the beautiful coastline, the breathtaking sea view gradually unfolds at a leisurely pace, with each time of day — morning, afternoon, and evening — offering a unique charm. Riding the train allows travelers to connect intimately with the local life, culture, and history. The simple and serene air of Ehime, reminiscent of the idyllic lands in Haruki Murakami’s novels, is also home to Dogo Onsen Honkan, the model for the “Yubaba’s Bathhouse” in “Spirited Away,” waiting for friends to come and discover their own youth and love.

▲ Iyo-Nada Monogatari Train

Japan’s Last Pristine River — The Shimanto River

The Shimanto River is the second-largest river in Shikoku. Its upstream area boasts abundant forest resources. Due to its vast basin, no large-scale dams have been built, resulting in crystal-clear waters, earning it the title “Japan’s Last Pristine River.” With its winding course and extensive tributaries, stretching from karst plateau limestone terrain to the river mouth flowing into the Pacific Ocean, you can witness the rich diversity of nature.

Whether by sightseeing boat or train, you can fully appreciate the charm of the Shimanto River. Landscapes such as waterfalls, gorges, rapids, unusual rocks, and forests are vastly different from the wide river surfaces in the middle and lower reaches. On the open river, locals still use ancient traditional fishing methods. Around ten boats line up in two rows to cast nets from upstream; during spring and summer, they use cast nets; in autumn, under the cover of darkness, they wave torches on boats to drive fish into nets. These unique fishing methods have become a scenic highlight of the Shimanto River. The distinctive terrain and climate have also created the famous “sinking bridges” scattered throughout the basin — a spectacular sight.

The Shimanto River offers both tranquility and adventure. You can go canoeing or enjoy a river cruise. Blessed with outstanding natural beauty and cultural richness, it is also home to literary talents — the authors of “Midnight Diner” and “Shimanto Shokudo” both hail from this hidden paradise.

▲ Shimanto River Yakata Boat

Explore the Mystical Charm of Nature on a Boat Tour of Oboke Gorge

Located in the Oboke Gorge of Shikoku, the cliffs on both sides consist mostly of rocks formed one to two hundred million years ago under the sea. Forty million years ago, crustal movements pushed them upward, creating today’s unique rocky scenery — a phenomenon unique to Japan. Hence, it is described as a “beautiful gorge sculpted by the hands of nature” and is designated as both a Place of Scenic Beauty and a Natural Monument by the Japanese government. Among them, Lion Rock, which resembles a sleeping lion, is the most famous and iconic.

The towering cliffs and hidden valleys of Oboke Gorge present a majestic beauty that is both rugged and gentle. The clean and clear river water allows you to see fish swimming leisurely. During autumn, when adorned with red leaves, it becomes even more breathtakingly beautiful.

▲ Oboke River Cruise

Shikoku is a small island with both stunning landscapes and an air of mystery. Its unique and remote geographical location adds an extra layer of mystique. Having been deeply involved in local tourism for nearly a decade, Xiangsheng Travel has specially curated three refined travel packages. Whether you wish to admire the mysterious wonders of nature or embark on a cultural island-hopping journey as a traveler with an artistic soul, there’s something here to satisfy every adventurer. Feel the urge? Act now!

More related information
▲ Shikoku’s Hidden Gems ~ Kurashiki Bikan & Setouchi Island-Hopping 5-Day Tour　https://goo.gl/gD3kje
★ Special Three-Island Value Plan Launching Nov 2 — Only One Group
▲ Premium Shikoku ~ Iyo-Nada Monogatari ~ Setouchi Sea & Naoshima & Shodoshima Depth 6-Day Tour　https://goo.gl/T9SSBX
★ Double Island-Hopping × Scenic Train ~ Exclusive Luxury Tour Package! Only One Departure on 12/2
▲ 【Tiger Peach】Iyo Coast Story 'Dogo Onsen' 'Iya Valley Secret Land' 5-Day Tour　https://goo.gl/PFxA45
★ Guaranteed seats on the Iyo Coast Story train, limited availability per car ~ Call now to reserve your spot!
Departure Date: 【2017】 October 19
【2018】 January 11, March 8

Welcome to inquire about the latest travel information and special offers!
Shinsheng Travel Agency (02) 2507-4688
Websitehttp://www.1travel.com.tw