Tracing Nature and History: A Deep Dive into the Mountains and Seas of Shikoku

Text by Qidou Travel Network; Photos by Qidou Travel Network

Besides looking forward to your year-end bonus, nothing is more anticipated than the upcoming Spring Festival holiday at the end of the year. Travelers might as well take this opportunity to embark on an in-depth journey through the mountains and seas of Shikoku in Japan, admiring the breathtaking beauty of nature and the remarkable ancient architecture created by the Japanese.

Admire the Scenic Beauty of San’in and San’yō

Did you know that you can also see desert-like landscapes in Japan? The famous Tottori Sand Dunes are the largest coastal sand dunes in the country. Although they may look like a desert at first glance, if you dig down into the sand, the bottom layer will be moist—this is a characteristic unique to coastal dunes, vastly different from the dry, fine sand typically found in deserts.

In the coastal sand area, you can see “sand curtains” formed by excessive sand accumulation and subsequent collapse, the neatly patterned “wind ripples” as a form of sand art, and the spectacular “sand pillars” that appear after strong winds and heavy rains, resembling a natural painting. Here, you can ride a cable car, try a camel ride, or enjoy sandboarding. When you reach the small hill called “Uma no Se” (Horse’s Back), you can gaze at the boundless expanse of the Sea of Japan.

When visiting Tottori Prefecture, don’t miss the Adachi Museum of Art, which has been awarded three stars by the Michelin Guide in the United States. The garden within resembles a painting and takes on a different appearance in each season. Every flower, blade of grass, and tree adds charm to this beautiful scenery, perfectly accentuating the landscape with varying hues and incorporating the distant mountain views into the artwork, highlighting its layered depth. The museum houses a total of 1,500 works, including not only paintings but also a ceramics gallery showcasing various pottery pieces.

Taking a cruise on the Horikawa River offers a unique perspective of Matsue Castle. In addition to enjoying the waterside scenery and spotting swans, ducks, and turtles, when passing under bridges, the boat’s roof must be lowered to allow passage, requiring passengers to crouch down so the roof can go down smoothly. During this 50-minute journey, you’ll pass under 16 uniquely designed small bridges. In winter, you can also experience a traditional Japanese kotatsu (heated table) on board.

Friends seeking good fortune in love might want to visit Izumo Taisha, reputed to be the most efficacious shrine in Japan for such wishes, during the holiday. At the Kagura Hall of Izumo Taisha, you can see the largest shimenawa (sacred straw rope) in Japan, made of rice straw, symbolizing the boundary between the divine realm and the human world. Additionally, Izumo Taisha follows a unique prayer ritual of “two bows, four claps, and one bow,” which differs from other shrines.

The Itsukushima Shrine’s floating torii gate, standing in the intertidal zone of the Seto Inland Sea, is one of Japan’s Three Great Views. When the tide is high, it appears as a striking vermilion splash in the sea, seemingly floating on the water. When the tide recedes, seaweed and small tidal creatures come into view. Behind the floating torii gate lies the Itsukushima Shrine, designed in the style of a noble Japanese residence and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.

Take in the Grandeur and Beauty of Shikoku

The Oku-Iya Kazurabashi Valley is a hidden canyon formed by the Yoshino River cutting through the mountains of Shikoku. Taking a boat cruise through the valley allows you to admire the beauty of the gorge and the peculiar rocks along the shore. There are also Japan-designated natural monuments, such as conglomerate schist, for visitors to appreciate. In winter, you can enjoy the snow-covered scenery from a heated boat, both spectacular and awe-inspiring.

Ritsurin Garden is the most famous garden in Shikoku, featuring six ponds and 13 artificial hills, blending man-made landscapes with the natural beauty of Mount Shiun. Each season brings a different charm. In winter, frost and snow blanket the area, as if dusted with layers of white sugar powder, thick or thin. Visitors can rent an audio guide at the ticket office to learn more about Ritsurin Garden.

More Related Information:
▲ Japanese Mythology Sanctuary 0 | Shikoku Mountains, Seas & 5+1 Day Tour — A Special In-Depth Journey for the New Year Holiday
https://goo.gl/et59nv
Tour Highlights: Ride the Horikawa River boat cruise in Matsue, DIY Sanuki udon noodles, stay three nights in hot spring hotels, no visits to duty-free shops throughout the trip

For details, please contact: lN Jia Travel Agency (02)2531-5334
Websitehttp://www.fctour.com.tw/