{"id":8472,"date":"2015-05-10T16:51:42","date_gmt":"2015-05-10T23:51:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.artisanpacifictravel.com\/japan-tours\/japan-tour-6\/"},"modified":"2016-12-05T12:11:22","modified_gmt":"2016-12-05T20:11:22","slug":"japan-tour-6","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.artisanpacifictravel.com\/ja\/japan-tours\/japan-tour-6\/","title":{"rendered":"Secret Hideaways of Japan&#8217;s Seto Islands and Inland Sea"},"content":{"rendered":"[mk_page_section bg_image=&#8221;https:\/\/www.artisanpacifictravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/JPN_ban_tour6_1.jpg&#8221; bg_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; bg_position=&#8221;center bottom&#8221; bg_repeat=&#8221;no-repeat&#8221; speed_factor=&#8221;4&#8243; min_height=&#8221;450&#8243; padding_top=&#8221;0&#8243; padding_bottom=&#8221;0&#8243; first_page=&#8221;false&#8221; last_page=&#8221;false&#8221; sidebar=&#8221;sidebar-1&#8243;][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/mk_page_section][mk_page_section bg_color=&#8221;#e37725&#8243; speed_factor=&#8221;4&#8243; min_height=&#8221;50&#8243; padding_top=&#8221;0&#8243; padding_bottom=&#8221;0&#8243; first_page=&#8221;true&#8221; last_page=&#8221;false&#8221;][vc_column][mk_fancy_title color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; size=&#8221;46&#8243; font_weight=&#8221;300&#8243; font_style=&#8221;inhert&#8221; margin_top=&#8221;10&#8243; margin_bottom=&#8221;10&#8243; font_family=&#8221;none&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221;]\n<div class=\"head_page\">Secret Hideaways of Japan&#8217;s Seto Islands and Inland Sea\u2122<\/div>\n[\/mk_fancy_title][\/vc_column][\/mk_page_section][vc_row id=&#8221;where&#8221;][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text]\n<div class=\"tour_body_text\"><a href=\"#itinerary\">WHERE WE GO<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0:\u00a0 <a href=\"#we-do\">WHAT WE DO<\/a> \u00a0:\u00a0 <a href=\"#accommodations\">WHERE WE STAY<\/a> \u00a0:\u00a0 <a href=\"#itinerary-detail\">ITINERARY<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0:\u00a0\u00a0<a href=\"#pricing\">PRICING<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0:\u00a0\u00a0<a href=\"#about-area\">ABOUT AREA<\/a><\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][mk_padding_divider size=&#8221;20&#8243;][mk_fancy_title tag_name=&#8221;h3&#8243; color=&#8221;#929191&#8243; size=&#8221;18&#8243; font_weight=&#8221;normal&#8221; font_style=&#8221;inhert&#8221; margin_bottom=&#8221;18&#8243; font_family=&#8221;none&#8221;]\n<div class=\"tour_body_intro\">Exceptional Art, Nature and History<\/div>\n[\/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text]\n<div class=\"tour_body_text\">[mk_dropcaps char=&#8221;K&#8221; fill_color=&#8221;#dd3333&#8243; el_class=&#8221;trip-dropcap&#8221;]K[\/mk_dropcaps]yoto on the main island of Honshu and the 4th largest Japan isle of Shikoku are separated by the narrow, Mediterranean-like Inland Sea. This area is arguably the true center and focal point of Japanese history and culture. Long serving ancient capitals, pivotal wars and battles, Ronin samurai hideaways, breathtaking beauty, and now modern day art have all combined to make this a truly unique area and destination. This trip is designed for those who want to experience Japan at its mysterious, artistic, historic yet modern best. We\u2019ve laid out a unique and exceptionally interesting tour for you. We\u2019ll take care of all the hassles, meeting you at the airport, arranging all your local accommodations and transportation, as well as a few treats and surprises along the way, so you can fully enjoy and experience the exceptional cultural and national heritage that makes Japan so intriguing. You will do a fair bit of walking so bring comfortable shoes, an open mind, the spirit of adventure, and an appetite to enjoy with us.<\/div>\n<div class=\"tour_body_text\">\n<ul>10\u00a0days and 9 nights<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][mk_padding_divider size=&#8221;20&#8243;][mk_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.artisanpacifictravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/JN-tour-6_accent12.jpg&#8221; image_width=&#8221;400&#8243; image_height=&#8221;248&#8243; group=&#8221;_general&#8221; margin_bottom=&#8221;0&#8243; crop=&#8221;false&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row id=&#8221;where&#8221;][vc_column][mk_padding_divider size=&#8221;10&#8243;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row id=&#8221;itinerary&#8221;][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][mk_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.artisanpacifictravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/Matsuyama_Castle_cherry_blossoms_2.jpg&#8221; image_height=&#8221;370&#8243; align=&#8221;right&#8221; crop=&#8221;false&#8221;][mk_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.artisanpacifictravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/scenic-_seto_islands_1.jpg&#8221; align=&#8221;right&#8221; crop=&#8221;false&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][mk_fancy_title style=&#8221;true&#8221; color=&#8221;#393836&#8243; size=&#8221;25&#8243; font_weight=&#8221;normal&#8221; font_style=&#8221;inhert&#8221; margin_bottom=&#8221;10&#8243; font_family=&#8221;none&#8221;]\n<p>Where we\u00a0go<\/p>\n[\/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text]\n<div class=\"tour_body_text\"><strong>The ancient capital of Kyoto<\/strong> with its history, both edible and edifying, with recipes and edicts handed down from the imperial court.<\/div>\n<div class=\"tour_body_text\"><strong>Himeji Castle<\/strong> \u2013 known as the finest Castle in all of Japan<\/div>\n<div class=\"tour_body_text\"><strong>Naoshima<\/strong> \u2013 an international art, architecture and nature lover\u2019s fantasy isle.<\/div>\n<div class=\"tour_body_text\"><strong>Takamatsu, Ritsurin Gardens, Kompira Shrine<\/strong> \u2013 The gateway to Shikoku and housing one of the world\u2019s most amazing gardens and an ancient famed Shinto shrine<\/div>\n<div class=\"tour_body_text\"><strong>Zentsuji<\/strong>, a revered Buddhist pilgrim temple and the Iya Valley and the Yoshino River hidden deep in Shikoku, a centuries old place of secrets, deep gorges and gorgeous mysteriously compelling nature.<\/div>\n<div class=\"tour_body_text\"><strong>Matsuyama and Dogo Onsen<\/strong>, an historic castle town with the oldest hot spring in all of Japan.<\/div>\n<div class=\"tour_body_text\"><strong>The Seto Islands and its Bridges<\/strong> \u2013 spanning the entire Inland Sea of Japan, a fascinating place and fantastic biking<\/div>\n<div class=\"tour_body_text\"><strong>Kurashiki<\/strong> a beautifully preserved Meiji era town<\/div>\n<div class=\"tour_body_text\"><strong>Osaka<\/strong> with its electric pace and eclectic neighborhoods. It is all of modern Japan and a great counterpoint to Shikoku. But with a culture, cuisine scene and attitude very different from, but every bit as wonderful as, Tokyo.<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row id=&#8221;where&#8221;][vc_column][mk_padding_divider size=&#8221;30&#8243;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][mk_page_section bg_color=&#8221;#ddddd4&#8243; speed_factor=&#8221;4&#8243; section_id=&#8221;we-do&#8221; first_page=&#8221;false&#8221; last_page=&#8221;false&#8221;][vc_column][mk_padding_divider size=&#8221;30&#8243;][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][mk_fancy_title style=&#8221;true&#8221; color=&#8221;#393836&#8243; size=&#8221;25&#8243; font_weight=&#8221;normal&#8221; font_style=&#8221;inhert&#8221; margin_bottom=&#8221;10&#8243; font_family=&#8221;none&#8221;]\n<p>What we\u00a0do<\/p>\n[\/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text]\n<div class=\"tour_body_text\"><strong>Explore the epicenter of Japanese history and culture<\/strong>, with its uniqueness resulting from their separation from the mainland by the fascinating waters of Japan\u2019s Inland Sea.<\/div>\n<div class=\"tour_body_text\"><strong>Eat and drink well<\/strong> \u2013 sampling a full range of Japanese local cuisine and beverage.<\/div>\n<div class=\"tour_body_text\"><strong>Appraise<\/strong> \u2013 the fusion of art, architecture, and nature on Naoshima island<\/div>\n<div class=\"tour_body_text\"><strong>Hike<\/strong> mystic, revered, hidden trails as lost samurai did many years ago<\/div>\n<div class=\"tour_body_text\"><strong>Revive<\/strong> your inner Buddha as you stop along Japan\u2019s most revered Buddhist pilgrimage<\/div>\n<div class=\"tour_body_text\"><strong>Cruise<\/strong> the scenic Yoshino river carved deep into hidden Shikoku mountains<\/div>\n<div class=\"tour_body_text\"><strong>Soak<\/strong> in Japan&#8217;s oldest onsen (hotsprings)<\/div>\n<div class=\"tour_body_text\"><strong>Bike<\/strong> across parts of Japan\u2019s Inland Sea<\/div>\n<div class=\"tour_body_text\"><strong>Ride the Bullet Train<\/strong> (Shinkansen). Still one of the best, classiest, and fastest ways to travel.<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][mk_padding_divider size=&#8221;25&#8243;][mk_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.artisanpacifictravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/JN-tour-6_What_we_do11.jpg&#8221; image_height=&#8221;271&#8243; group=&#8221;_general&#8221; crop=&#8221;false&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/mk_page_section][vc_row id=&#8221;where&#8221;][vc_column][mk_padding_divider size=&#8221;30&#8243;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row id=&#8221;accommodations&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][mk_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.artisanpacifictravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/JN-tour-6_where_we_stay1.jpg&#8221; group=&#8221;_general&#8221; crop=&#8221;false&#8221;][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][mk_fancy_title style=&#8221;true&#8221; color=&#8221;#393836&#8243; size=&#8221;25&#8243; font_weight=&#8221;normal&#8221; font_style=&#8221;inhert&#8221; margin_bottom=&#8221;10&#8243; font_family=&#8221;none&#8221;]\n<p>Where we\u00a0stay<\/p>\n[\/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text]\n<div class=\"tour_location_name\">Standard Accommodations<\/div>\n<div class=\"tour_body_text\"><strong>Kyoto Royal Hotel and Spa<\/strong> \u2013 Lovely boutique business hotel with an in-hotel spa. Well-located near to Nishimaki kitchen street and shops on one side with the river and eastern mountains dotted with world heritage sites on the other.<\/div>\n<div class=\"tour_body_text\">\n<p><strong>Guest House Oomiyake on Naoshima<\/strong> \u2013 an intimate B&amp;B oozing Japanese history<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tour_body_text\"><strong>JR Hotel Clement Takamatsu<\/strong> \u2013 A fully functional business hotel located right on the harbor<\/div>\n<div class=\"tour_body_text\"><strong>Overnight in the Buddhist Temple of Zentsuji<\/strong> to experience the Japanese adoption of Buddhism<\/div>\n<div class=\"tour_body_text\"><strong>Hotel Yaya Dogo Onsen<\/strong> \u2013 A great boutique hotel, small but smartly laid out and wonderfully located<\/div>\n<div class=\"tour_body_text\"><strong>Hotel Osaka Bay Tower<\/strong> \u2013 An elegant modern building overlooking Osaka Bay and Central Osaka<\/div>\n<div class=\"tour_body_text\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"mks_toggle\">\r\n            <div class=\"mks_toggle_heading\">see Upgraded Accommodations<i class=\"fa fa-plus\"><\/i><i class=\"fa fa-minus\"><\/i><\/div>\r\n                <div class=\"mks_toggle_content\">\n<div class=\"tour_body_text\"><strong>Hyatt Regency Kyoto<\/strong> \u2013 Elegant and fabulously located directly across street from the redone national museum, adjacent to two temples, and nestled in the foothills of the World-Heritage site studded Eastern Mountains, it provides a fantastic blend of tranquility and modernity with a fantastic sake bar.<\/div>\n<div class=\"tour_body_text\"><strong>Naoshima Benesse House<\/strong> \u2013 a truly unique facility that combines the functions of both museum and hotel making for a wonderful, relaxing art-filled experience<\/div>\n<div class=\"tour_body_text\"><strong>JR Hotel Clement Takamatsu<\/strong> \u2013 A fully functional business hotel located right on the harbor<\/div>\n<div class=\"tour_body_text\"><strong>Overnight in the Buddhist Temple of Zentsuji<\/strong> to experience the Japanese adoption of Buddhism<\/div>\n<div class=\"tour_body_text\"><strong>Hotel Yumekura Dogo Onsen<\/strong> \u2013 The elegant sister to Hotel Yaya wonderfully located between the park and Dogo Onsen it provides an understated elegance for you to enjoy.<\/div>\n<div class=\"tour_body_text\"><strong>New Otani Hotel Osaka<\/strong> \u2013 Modern with everything you expect from Japanese hospitality<\/div>\n<\/div>\r\n            <\/div>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row id=&#8221;where&#8221;][vc_column][mk_padding_divider size=&#8221;30&#8243;][mk_fancy_title color=&#8221;#e37725&#8243; size=&#8221;25&#8243; font_weight=&#8221;normal&#8221; margin_bottom=&#8221;18&#8243; font_family=&#8221;none&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221;]\n[mk_font_icons icon=&#8221;moon-checkmark-circle-2&#8243; color=&#8221;#e37755&#8243; size=&#8221;large&#8221; padding_horizental=&#8221;4&#8243; padding_vertical=&#8221;4&#8243; circle=&#8221;false&#8221; align=&#8221;none&#8221; link=&#8221;https:\/\/www.artisanpacifictravel.com\/contact-us\/&#8221;]\u00a0<a class=\"orange_link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.artisanpacifictravel.com\/contact\/\">Click Here to Start Your Adventure Today<\/a><\/p>\n[\/mk_fancy_title][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][mk_page_section bg_color=&#8221;#ddddd4&#8243; speed_factor=&#8221;4&#8243; section_id=&#8221;itinerary-detail&#8221; first_page=&#8221;false&#8221; last_page=&#8221;false&#8221;][vc_column][mk_padding_divider size=&#8221;20&#8243;][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/6&#8243;][mk_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.artisanpacifictravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/NCa-food_itinerary_accent.png&#8221; crop=&#8221;false&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243;][mk_fancy_title style=&#8221;true&#8221; color=&#8221;#393836&#8243; size=&#8221;25&#8243; font_weight=&#8221;normal&#8221; margin_bottom=&#8221;10&#8243; font_family=&#8221;none&#8221;]\n<p>Itinerary<\/p>\n[\/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text]\n<div class=\"tour_location_name\">Arrival to Kansai International Airport, Kyoto<\/div>\n<div class=\"tour_day_name\">Day 1<\/div>\n<div class=\"tour_day_text\">Arrive and explore the many local restaurants and lesser known yet quaint areas and nightlife in Kyoto, within a few blocks of your hotel.<\/div>\n<div class=\"tour_day_name\">Day 2<\/div>\n<div class=\"tour_day_text\">Explore the ancient capital city of Kyoto, with its fantastic wealth of seventeen Unesco World Heritage sites.\u00a0\u00a0 But not to worry about keeping them straight, you\u2019ll have a dedicated professional guide to help you make the most of these cultural gems. But be prepared for a lovely only-in-Kyoto Kaiseki meal to bring your first day to a satisfying close.<\/div>\n<div class=\"tour_day_name\">Day 3<\/div>\n<div class=\"tour_day_text\">Continue the exploration of Kyoto\u2019s World Heritage Sites, including Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), originally built as a retirement villa for the Shogun. As the mood fits, we may may also see Nijo Castle. From there we\u2019ll walk down Nishiki Market, another foodie fantasy. Known as \u201cKyoto\u2019s Kitchen\u201d, this lively retail market specializes in all things food related, like fresh seafood, produce, knives and cookware, and is a great place to find seasonal foods and Kyoto specialties. Your final stop today is a traditional teahouse where you will enjoy a genuine tea ceremony before a truly festive evening begins. The evening will begin with a walk through some of Kyoto\u2019s geisha districts where you\u2019ll learn about the geisha\u2019s world \u2013 past, present and future.<\/div>\n<div class=\"tour_location_name\">The Incredible Art of Naoshima<\/div>\n<div class=\"tour_day_name\">Day 4<\/div>\n<div class=\"tour_day_text\">\n<p>Today we take a brief morning Shinkansen ride stopping at the stunning Himeji Castle, renowned for its immaculate white walls. Himeji Castle was built in the 17th century and has travelled unscathed through time. It is a skillful blend of elegance and strength. Its vocation was defensive, as indicated by its ramparts, corner chutes for pouring down boiling oil and the labyrinth of paths and traps to disorientate assailants. And as a bonus Japan&#8217;s finest castle has just completed extensive renovation so you can see it in all its splendor. After the castle, we\u2019ll have a brief local lunch before getting back on the Shinkansen to the port city of Okayama for a ferry ride to Naoshima island, one of the 3000 plus islands that dot the Seto Inland Sea. You\u2019ll have time to do some brief exploring before dinner and retiring to your island accommodations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tour_location_name\">Takamatsu, Ritsurin Gardens, Shikoku Pilgrims, and the Iya Valley<\/div>\n<div class=\"tour_day_name\">Day 5<\/div>\n<div class=\"tour_day_text\">This morning is all about exploring the weird, wild, and wonderful art and architecture that marks Naoshima. Imagine transforming a small traditional fishing island by letting some of the world\u2019s best artists run free and you can understand why Naoshima rates as one of the \u2018seven places in the world you should see next\u2019 by Conde Nast Traveller. The island is a unique destination within Japan with its international perspective, sandy beaches, relaxed atmosphere and most importantly its unique modern art that infuses itself with its surroundings. After a local lunch, we\u2019ll board a late afternoon ferry onto Takamatsu and onto the 4th largest island in Japan, Shikoku. A world apart from the rest of Japan in feel and history, we\u2019ll start with a simple Sanuki Udon meal, here in this town famed for the best Udon in Japan.<\/div>\n<div class=\"tour_day_name\">Day 6<\/div>\n<div class=\"tour_day_text\">Today make sure you wear your walking shoes! We\u2019ll start with a morning visit to explore Ritsurin Gardens. During the Edo period feudal lords spent over a hundred years constructing this beautiful walking garden designed to provide year-round viewing pleasure. We\u2019ll follow that by exploring the Kanpira Shrine and the 1368 steps up to its inner-sanctum. Then wander the pleasant Kotohira town, at the foot of Kanpira Shrine. Quench your thirst with a bit of local libation at the the Kinryo Sake Brewery, where a taster cup will set you back just 100 yen and we\u2019ll visit the adjacent Sake museum. We\u2019ll also stop by Kanamaru-za, Japan&#8217;s oldest Kabuki theatre. When no performances are being held, the theatre&#8217;s audience hall, basement, stage and backstage, including trap doors and a revolving stage, are open to visitors. We\u2019ll leave Konpira-san and Kotohira town for the short journey to Zentsuji, one of the 88 temples and birthplace of one of the most important Buddhist figures. It is also happily known as the \u201cRight Path Temple\u201d and is one of the group of Temples collectively known at the \u201cDojo of Nirvana.\u201d Here you\u2019ll spend the night in the working Buddhist temple, dining on an traditional Buddhist evening and morning meals and sleeping in a simply prepared room as you get in touch with your inner Buddha.<\/div>\n<div class=\"tour_day_name\">Day 7<\/div>\n<div class=\"tour_day_text\">Today we head to the mysterious and hidden Iya Valley where we will explore its fabled vine bridges and hidden valleys. Next we\u2019ll take a scenic and mellow ride on the Yoshino river, which cuts deep through incredible gorges that used to shelter hiding samurai and other refugees over the centuries. In the afternoon we\u2019ll head to Matsuyama and Dogo Onsen, the oldest hot spring in Japan, and a fantastic castle town. We\u2019ll dine at a special Izakaya, full of local flavor and ambience.<\/div>\n<div class=\"tour_location_name\">Dogo Onsen, Matsuyama Castle, The Seto Island Chain, Kurushiki, Osaka<\/div>\n<div class=\"tour_day_name\">Day 8<\/div>\n<div class=\"tour_day_text\">In the morning we\u2019ll refresh and relax the centuries old-way at Dogo Onsen, a 3 star Michelin rated destination and the oldest onsen in Japan tracing its roots back 3000 years. We\u2019ll then explore Matsuyama Castle which dates back \u201conly\u201d to 1602. It stands in the heart of the city on a hill surrounded by moats. The fortress has been substantially reworked and restored at various times and stands out as a gem of defensive architecture. The area around the castle came to be populated by samurai and tradesmen and the area today remains true to that period. It now houses numerous interesting restaurants and shops which we\u2019ll explore and experience.<\/div>\n<div class=\"tour_day_name\">Day 9<\/div>\n<div class=\"tour_day_text\">Today we\u2019ll head across the Japan Inland Sea again, this time by car, exploring a chain of 11 islands connected by bridges back to the main island of Honshu, stopping to bike a few of the island links, depending on weather. Once on Honshu, we\u2019ll stop for an exceptional soba lunch and a stroll through the nicely maintained old merchant town of Kurashiki. During the Edo period, Kurashiki became an area directly controlled by the Shogunate. The old merchant quarter, with distinctive white-walled, black-tiled warehouses contains many fine examples of 17th century wooden warehouses (Kura). As time allows, we may also make a quick visit to Japan&#8217;s first museum for Western art, the Ohara Museum of Art which contains paintings by El Greco, Monet, Matisse, Gauguin, and Renoir. From Kurashiki we\u2019ll continue onto the final destination of our trip, the ultramodern, vibrant, pulsing metropolis of Osaka. Truly different to the relaxed pace, mystery and natural beauty of the Seto Islands and Shikoku, seeing Osaka makes it easy to understand why Japan is often referred to as the land of contrasts. We\u2019ll drop you off at your hotel for a final celebratory dinner and sake tasting, at one of Osaka\u2019s best restaurants \u2013 associated with the Tsuji culinary school.<\/div>\n<div class=\"tour_location_name\">Sayonara or Stay On?<\/div>\n<div class=\"tour_day_name\">Day 10<\/div>\n<div class=\"tour_day_text\">Your last day in Osaka is yours to explore, do a bit of last minute shopping or have a last tasty treat before your assisted transport back to the airport for your return journey. Or stay a bit longer and join us on our 3 day tour of Tokyo or other trips to parts of Japan experience another angle on this fantastic and fascinating country.<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/6&#8243;]\n[\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/mk_page_section][vc_row id=&#8221;where&#8221;][vc_column][mk_padding_divider size=&#8221;30&#8243;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row id=&#8221;pricing&#8221;][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][mk_fancy_title style=&#8221;true&#8221; color=&#8221;#393836&#8243; size=&#8221;25&#8243; font_weight=&#8221;normal&#8221; margin_bottom=&#8221;18&#8243; font_family=&#8221;none&#8221;]\n<p>Trip Pricing<\/p>\n[\/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text]\n<div class=\"body_subhead2-1\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tour_day_text\">\n<ul>\n<li>Please contact us for pricing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tour_day_text\">Minimum 6 members on this trip<\/div>\n<div class=\"tour_day_text\"><em>Additional travel and accommodation in Japan priced upon request.<\/em><\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][mk_padding_divider size=&#8221;15&#8243;][vc_column_text]\n<div class=\"tour_day_name\">About the Accommodations,\u00a0Activities and Guides<\/div>\n<div class=\"tour_day_text\">\n<ul>\n<li>Prices are based on a twin 2 person room share arrangement<\/li>\n<li>Check in and out times are set, but late check outs can be arranged if asked for<\/li>\n<li>We vet and believe in our guides and allow them a greater degree of flexibility during their tours than some other providers. Accordingly, based on the day, weather, how people are feeling, their interests, etc., the guides may vary the itinerary to best suit the needs and desires of the group. We firmly believe this makes for a better touring and overall travel experience.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text]\n<div class=\"tour_day_name\">Trip Cost Includes<\/div>\n<div class=\"tour_day_text\">\n<ul>\n<li>10\u00a0Days, 9 Nights<\/li>\n<li>All Accommodations<\/li>\n<li>All Breakfasts, 5\u00a0Lunches, 4\u00a0Dinners<\/li>\n<li>Professional Artisan Pacific Travel vetted bi-lingual guide<\/li>\n<li>Naoshima Island Art and Museums, Historic Castles, Yoshino River Boating, The World\u2019s Oldest Hot Springs, Revered Shrines and Temples, Sake Museum, Sake Tasting<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]\n<div class=\"tour_day_name\">Trip Payment Schedule<\/div>\n<div class=\"tour_day_text\">\n<ul>\n<li>A $500 per person deposit is required to hold your place.<\/li>\n<li>Full payment is required 90 days in advance of the start day of your trip.<\/li>\n<li>If booking within 90 days of the start of the trip, full payment is required at that time.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row id=&#8221;pricing&#8221;][vc_column][mk_padding_divider size=&#8221;20&#8243;][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][mk_fancy_title style=&#8221;true&#8221; color=&#8221;#393836&#8243; size=&#8221;25&#8243; font_weight=&#8221;normal&#8221; margin_bottom=&#8221;18&#8243; font_family=&#8221;none&#8221;]\n<p>Next Steps<\/p>\n[\/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text]At Artisan Pacific Travel the tour experiences are yours, not ours. The itinerary above is a suggestion and we welcome any changes and additions from clients.<\/p>\n<p>Visit our <a title=\"Contact Us\" href=\"https:\/\/www.artisanpacifictravel.com\/ja\/?page_id=7888\">Contact Us<\/a> page so we can learn more about your ideal tour and we&#8217;ll provide you all the information you need to create your personalized trip.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][mk_fancy_title color=&#8221;#e37725&#8243; size=&#8221;20&#8243; font_weight=&#8221;normal&#8221; font_style=&#8221;inhert&#8221; margin_bottom=&#8221;0&#8243; font_family=&#8221;none&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221;][mk_font_icons icon=&#8221;moon-checkmark-circle-2&#8243; color=&#8221;#e37755&#8243; size=&#8221;large&#8221; padding_horizental=&#8221;4&#8243; padding_vertical=&#8221;4&#8243; circle=&#8221;false&#8221; align=&#8221;none&#8221; link=&#8221;https:\/\/www.artisanpacifictravel.com\/contact-us\/&#8221;]\n<p><a class=\"orange_link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.artisanpacifictravel.com\/contact\/\">Click Here to Plan Your Trip with Us<br \/>\nand Request Additional Information<\/a>[\/mk_fancy_title][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][mk_page_section bg_color=&#8221;#ddddd4&#8243; section_id=&#8221;about-area&#8221; sidebar=&#8221;sidebar-1&#8243; first_page=&#8221;false&#8221; last_page=&#8221;false&#8221;][vc_column][mk_padding_divider size=&#8221;20&#8243;][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/6&#8243;]\n[\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243;][mk_fancy_title style=&#8221;true&#8221; color=&#8221;#393836&#8243; size=&#8221;25&#8243; font_weight=&#8221;normal&#8221; font_style=&#8221;inhert&#8221; margin_bottom=&#8221;10&#8243; font_family=&#8221;none&#8221;]\n<p>About Shikoku<\/p>\n[\/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text]\n<p>Shikoku, one of the four islands that comprise Japan, may be the least populous, but it is far from the least interesting. Cut off and isolated for many years, it has remained unspoiled and is home to a host of picturesque temples and villages which are protected by Japan\u2019s highest mountains. The northern part of the island, hemmed by waters that bear a striking likeness to the Mediterranean, is the site of some of Japan\u2019s most exquisite gardens such as Ritsurin-koen (an Edo period masterpiece) and bath houses at Dogo Onsen (east of Matsuyama) and of Takamatsu, the genuine gateway into Shikoku and the Japanese capital of bonsais. Its mild climate is particularly suited to citrus fruits, peaches and even olives. The warm, fish-filled waters of the Pacific Ocean, perfect for swimming, lap the coast of the southern half of the island, blissfully preserved from tourism. A mountain range, which climbs to a height of 1,982 m, cuts across the center and is ideal for outdoor sports such as hiking and climbing. This authentic, unjustly ignored island is the ideal place to get acquainted with Japan: lush green paddy fields, remote fishing villages, strings of secluded islets (many of which don\u2019t have a name) and a local cuisine in which fresh fish takes pride of place.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/6&#8243;]\n[\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][mk_padding_divider size=&#8221;20&#8243;][\/vc_column][\/mk_page_section]\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.artisanpacifictravel.com\/contact-us\/\" target=\"_self\" class=\"mk-image-link\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lightbox-false\" alt=\"Call to Action Button\" title=\"Call to Action Button\" width=\"806\" height=\"212\" src=\"http:\/\/www.artisanpacifictravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/Starts_Now_bug12.png\"><\/a>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[mk_page_section bg_image=&#8221;https:\/\/www.artisanpacifictravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/JPN_ban_tour6 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":8143,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-8472","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v24.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Secret Hideaways of Japan&#039;s Seto Islands and Inland Sea - Artisan Pacific Travel<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.artisanpacifictravel.com\/ja\/japan-tours\/japan-tour-6\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"ja_JP\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Secret Hideaways of Japan&#039;s Seto Islands and Inland Sea - Artisan Pacific Travel\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"[mk_page_section bg_image=&#8221;https:\/\/www.artisanpacifictravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/JPN_ban_tour6 [&hellip;]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.artisanpacifictravel.com\/ja\/japan-tours\/japan-tour-6\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Artisan Pacific Travel\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2016-12-05T20:11:22+00:00\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"\u63a8\u5b9a\u8aad\u307f\u53d6\u308a\u6642\u9593\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"17\u5206\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.artisanpacifictravel.com\/ja\/japan-tours\/japan-tour-6\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.artisanpacifictravel.com\/ja\/japan-tours\/japan-tour-6\/\",\"name\":\"Secret Hideaways of Japan's Seto Islands and Inland Sea - Artisan Pacific Travel\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.artisanpacifictravel.com\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2015-05-10T23:51:42+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2016-12-05T20:11:22+00:00\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.artisanpacifictravel.com\/ja\/japan-tours\/japan-tour-6\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"ja\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.artisanpacifictravel.com\/ja\/japan-tours\/japan-tour-6\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.artisanpacifictravel.com\/ja\/japan-tours\/japan-tour-6\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.artisanpacifictravel.com\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"\u5f53\u793e\u306e\u65e5\u672c\u30c4\u30a2\u30fc\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.artisanpacifictravel.com\/ja\/japan-tours\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Secret Hideaways of Japan&#8217;s Seto Islands and Inland Sea\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.artisanpacifictravel.com\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.artisanpacifictravel.com\/\",\"name\":\"Artisan Pacific Travel\",\"description\":\"Customized Tours of Japan\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.artisanpacifictravel.com\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"ja\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Secret Hideaways of Japan's Seto Islands and Inland Sea - Artisan Pacific Travel","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.artisanpacifictravel.com\/ja\/japan-tours\/japan-tour-6\/","og_locale":"ja_JP","og_type":"article","og_title":"Secret Hideaways of Japan's Seto Islands and Inland Sea - Artisan Pacific Travel","og_description":"[mk_page_section bg_image=&#8221;https:\/\/www.artisanpacifictravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/JPN_ban_tour6 [&hellip;]","og_url":"https:\/\/www.artisanpacifictravel.com\/ja\/japan-tours\/japan-tour-6\/","og_site_name":"Artisan Pacific Travel","article_modified_time":"2016-12-05T20:11:22+00:00","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"\u63a8\u5b9a\u8aad\u307f\u53d6\u308a\u6642\u9593":"17\u5206"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.artisanpacifictravel.com\/ja\/japan-tours\/japan-tour-6\/","url":"https:\/\/www.artisanpacifictravel.com\/ja\/japan-tours\/japan-tour-6\/","name":"Secret Hideaways of Japan's Seto Islands and Inland Sea - Artisan Pacific Travel","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.artisanpacifictravel.com\/#website"},"datePublished":"2015-05-10T23:51:42+00:00","dateModified":"2016-12-05T20:11:22+00:00","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.artisanpacifictravel.com\/ja\/japan-tours\/japan-tour-6\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"ja","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.artisanpacifictravel.com\/ja\/japan-tours\/japan-tour-6\/"]}]},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.artisanpacifictravel.com\/ja\/japan-tours\/japan-tour-6\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.artisanpacifictravel.com\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"\u5f53\u793e\u306e\u65e5\u672c\u30c4\u30a2\u30fc","item":"https:\/\/www.artisanpacifictravel.com\/ja\/japan-tours\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Secret Hideaways of Japan&#8217;s Seto Islands and Inland Sea"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.artisanpacifictravel.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.artisanpacifictravel.com\/","name":"Artisan Pacific Travel","description":"Customized Tours of Japan","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.artisanpacifictravel.com\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"ja"}]}},"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.artisanpacifictravel.com\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8472\/"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.artisanpacifictravel.com\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.artisanpacifictravel.com\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page\/"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.artisanpacifictravel.com\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2\/"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.artisanpacifictravel.com\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments\/?post=8472"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/www.artisanpacifictravel.com\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8472\/revisions\/"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8885,"href":"https:\/\/www.artisanpacifictravel.com\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8472\/revisions\/8885\/"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.artisanpacifictravel.com\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8143\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.artisanpacifictravel.com\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/?parent=8472"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}