Things to see and do Shikoku

According to the texts, it is the oldest baths in Japan. History has it that the thermal waters of Dōgo date back to Mikoto Okuni-nushi, son of Susano'o, an important figure in Shintō mythology who became both the benefactor of agriculture, but also the power of war (8,000 spears). Then, various emperors came to relax at the Dōgo and enjoy the benefits of the waters gushing out at 43°C. The public bath, itself, dates from 1894 and a private bath was built in 1899, in the shoin style, for the emperor's rest. One can see the Botchan Hall, where the action of Sōseki Natsume's novel Botchan, The Young Gentile, is set. This novel chronicles the life of a young mathematics teacher caught up in the tug of war in a provincial society, Matsuyama, as Japan's doors open to the West. This novel is one of the classics of Japanese literature. In another register, the Dogo Onsen inspired Miyazaki for his famous Journey of Chihiro, whose Yubaba baths look strangely like Dogo Onsen. The director worked there for a long time on his sketches. The atmosphere around the baths reminds the scenes of the cartoon. At 6:30 am, the drum is beaten to announce the opening of the baths. There are small rest rooms on the third level. Be careful, the entrance fee does not include towels, soap, and even a hair dryer (try to come with shampoo, soap and towel in addition to your yukata). A restoration of the place has been started in 2019.

Uzushio Line carries passengers several times a day to the Naruto Whirlpools, a rare natural phenomenon in the Naruto Strait under the Onaruto Bridge. The strait marks the separation between the Japanese Inland Sea and the Pacific Ocean. The water rushes from the Pacific Ocean into the bay of Ōsaka and flows around Awaji Island to the Inland Sea of Japan before flowing down to the Naruto Strait. The water level will then be higher on the Sea of Japan side than on the Pacific Ocean side, cascading down to the Naruto Strait, with a water flow at a speed of 20 km/hour. The process will take 6 hours before it is reversed: it is then the water level on the Pacific Ocean side that will be higher. At the level of the strait, the current is very fast in the centre, but slower on the sides. It is this friction between currents of different speeds that produces the eddies. To observe these eddies when they are at their most spectacular, it is advisable to consult the tide schedules on the company's website. There you will find a table of schedules with the associated size of the eddies. Observation from a boat is a striking experience, especially when the eddies reach their maximum size.

Another company, Naruto Kanko Kisen, offers much the same. It is important to book in advance at ✆ +81 (0) 88 687 0101.

The Chasms and Koboke chasms, near the entrance of the Iya Valley upstream of the Yoshino river, have been registered as a national treasure since 2014. The gorges of Oboke are mainly known for the turquoise colour of water and for the large rocks bordering the river, natural perches for many birds. The Yoshino River is one of the best rafting spots in Japan, but the descent can also take place with a small cruise boat. It stretches over 194 kilometres from the Ichizuchi mountain range to Tokushima Bay.

This valley is splendid and is close to the statue of the famous Japanese piss, perched at 200 metres above sea level. For many years, he was a challenge for young boys in the surrounding area who were facing the wind and urinaient to show their bravery. It's now an extraordinary spot to photograph the river that forms a U around a hill.

This bridge in procedurally is designated as an important cultural property of the national heritage and popular prefecture. It overlooks the Iya River and is very photogenic. This is one of the symbols of Oboke. 

Ryuga Cave is famous for its stalactites and stalagmites. It is one of the three largest in Japan. The circuit is one kilometer long and you will have to climb stairs and go through wet tunnels. The show is grandiose and the rooms are illuminated with multiple lights. An amphora seems to have been covered by sediments for more than 500 years and gives rise to all sorts of legends, such as that of a hermit monk who stayed there. At the end of your journey, you will find a museum.

This waterfall, located at the Niyodo River, attracts thousands of Japanese tourists every year. The blue of the water changes its hue according to the different rays of the sun, which would give, to this waterfall, an extremely romantic aspect. To get there, you will have to take a vertical path that is quite steep. The best time to enjoy the place is around noon. Make sure you wear appropriate footwear and clothing, for your own safety and comfort. Swimming is not allowed.

The Shiromineji and Negoroji temples, as well as Sanuki National Park, are the main attractions of the Goshikidai Valley, the valley of five colors. The Japanese have given names to the patches of vegetation recognizable from the top of the mountain: Akamine the red, Kimine the yellow, Kuromine the black, Aomine the blue and Shiramine the white. From the observatory, in good weather, the view of the Seto Sea is absolutely magical and unforgettable.

No need to go to Okinawa to enjoy beautiful beaches in Japan. Katsurahama is the proof. This pretty white sand beach, surrounded by many pine trees, will delight the amateurs. From the beach, you can also, from time to time, see fishing boats and fishermen coming back to the port with their nets full of fish. The place is highly recommended for contemplating the full moon. There is a cute little shrine at the tip of the beach. From here there is a beautiful view of the sea and the horizon.

Here (4 km northeast of Dōgo) is the Jungle Onsen (open 6 h to 22 h 30, 500 ¥). If the crowd of Dōgo Onsen stunned you, choose this quiet and modern onsen, the numerous baths immersed in the greenery.

A series of interconnected rooms are discovered in the cave, some of which display large statues of ogres depicting scenes from the history of Momotarō. The cave, which covers an area of 4,000 square meters, is located at a depth of 400 meters. The atmosphere there is very mysterious. The cave is said to have been created in 100 BC and was discovered by Sentaro Hashimoto in 1914. The souvenir shop next to the cave serves millet dumplings, a favorite of the hero of the legend. An impressive visit.

This magnificent beach is best admired when the sea recedes: fine pools of water form on the sand, creating a mirror effect, in which the light, the surrounding nature or your silhouette are reflected. At sunset, the spectacle is absolutely breathtaking! It is one of the 100 best places in Japan to enjoy it. In fact, many Japanese people come here to take pictures for the memory... and for social networks of course. You won't be able to resist the urge to immortalize the moment either.

To appreciate the famous whirlpools of Naruto, resulting from strong tidal currents in the eponymous strait, a boat cruise is a great option. But there is also another way by taking a little bit of height. Uzu-no-michi is an observation platform, located under the Onaruto Bridge, which allows you to observe the eddies through the transparent glass at floor level. A breathtaking and vertiginous experience.

Okuiya Niju Kazurabashi Bridges are two suspension bridges located in the heart of the wilderness of Tokushima Prefecture. They were built using kiwai lianas, a very vigorous climbing plant native to Japan. The Kazurabashi Bridge, the most impressive, is 45 meters long and two meters wide, 14 meters above the water. It was for a long time the only way to travel through the Iya Valley. These bridges are said to be more than 800 years old.