Japan-shikoku

[kdawg]

hi,

i'm in japan for 12 days. Someone said the island of shikoku is a great retreat. I only have a 2 days there - has anyone been and where's good to stay what's good to see?

thanks,

k

[JK2]

As there have been no answers from anyone who's been I thought I'd give you the link to Tripadvisors section on Shikoku - it has lots of info

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Tourism-g298228-S hikoku-Vacations.html

[JonnoGenie]

I used to live in Tokyo. Domestic travel is so expensive that I found it cheaper to travel abroad, Korea, Bali for example. If you can afford to travel within Japan I'm sure it will be memorable though... good luck.

[VillageVicar]

I�m guessing you�re going to be in Osaka rather than Tokyo, or perhaps you�re just a hearty traveller. If you are in Osaka, I�d recommend taking the night ferry to Matsuyama. There are several bridges that link Shikoku to the main island of Honshu.

If you�re into history, it�s a beautiful place to visit. I�ve not done the full pilgrimage of temples, but they�re definitely worth seeing. I purchased many candle gifts for friends in Uchiko and I made two visits to the Dogo Onsen hote springs. For me, anything relating to spas and springs is a must do! However, I�ll warn you, if you have heart problems, first check with your GP!

I was taken by local hosts. However, you can book easily once you arrive in Japan at any JTB travel office, or with the JTB representative here in the UK.

Do keep in mind, you�re visiting the more rural traditional parts of Japan and typically they are not necessarily geared to our culture. For me that�s a blessing. I�ve always felt a bit �second-rate� when my hosts and I have been turned away from establishments because I�m a �whitey.� But I�ve never had that happen in Matsuyama.

If you have the time, I should think two nights would be excellent. Personally, I could have done with more�I do love the spas!

素晴らしい休日を過しなさい


Fr Bill

[VillageVicar]

JK: Dumb me...I've only just noticed this...are you by chance in Oz? The time imprint only just caught my eye.

BTW, KDWAG, I stayed at the Okura Hotel. It was lovely!

よい旅行

Fr Bill

[VillageVicar]

Apologies, I forgot to add that if you're going now, you should still get to enjoy some of the magnificent autumn colours. However, past the end of November, it won't be as bright.

よくありなさい

Fr Bill

[kdawg]

Thanks for the Village Vicar! If you had two days in Shikoku, would you spend both nights in Matsuyama? I have no idea if I should start in Tokushima and travel down to Matsuyama? I will be leaving from Kyoto.

Is that too much to cram in

I plan to take the ferry acorss to hiroshima in the last day.

thanks,