Japan

Japan Slow Travel: Shikoku & Setouchi Region

14 Nights
Scenic, Cultural, Adventurous
A 14-night slow travel journey through Japan’s Shikoku Island and Setouchi region, rich in art, culture, and scenic cycling routes.
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Takamatsu (Shikoku): 3 Nights
DAY 1 1
Takamatsu (Shikoku)

Arrival in Takamatsu & Ritsurin Garden

  • Arrive in Takamatsu and explore the exquisite Ritsurin Garden, one of Japan’s most celebrated landscape gardens.

DAY 2 2
Takamatsu (Shikoku)

Naoshima Art Island Day Trip

  • Take a ferry to Naoshima, the world-famous art island. Visit the Chichu Art Museum, Benesse House, and Yayoi Kusama’s iconic pumpkin sculptures.

DAY 3 3
Takamatsu (Shikoku)

Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage Experience

  • Walk a portion of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage with a local guide, visiting sacred temples and understanding the spiritual significance of this route.

Shimanami Kaido Cycling: 2 Nights
DAY 4 4
Shimanami Kaido Cycling

Start Shimanami Kaido Cycling Route

  • Begin the famous 70-km Shimanami Kaido cycling route, which connects Japan’s main island to Shikoku via a series of bridges and islands.
  • Overnight in a seaside inn on Omishima Island.

DAY 5 5
Shimanami Kaido Cycling

Complete Cycling & Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge

  • Continue cycling, crossing the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, the world’s longest suspension bridge structure. Arrive in Imabari and transfer to your next destination.

Matsuyama: 2 Nights
DAY 6 6
Matsuyama

Matsuyama Castle & Dogo Onsen

  • Explore the hilltop Matsuyama Castle and relax in Dogo Onsen, Japan’s oldest hot spring and inspiration for Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away.

DAY 7 7
Matsuyama

Cultural Workshop & Tea Ceremony

  • Participate in a traditional craft workshop such as indigo dyeing, followed by a refined tea ceremony experience.

Iya Valley: 2 Nights
DAY 8 8
Iya Valley

Transfer to Iya Valley

  • Venture into the remote Iya Valley, known for its vine bridges and deep gorges.
  • Check into a ryokan with panoramic valley views.

DAY 9 9
Iya Valley

Oboke Gorge Boat Ride & Hiking

  • Take a scenic boat ride on the Oboke Gorge, followed by guided hiking through the lush Iya Valley trails and suspension bridges.

Okayama: 2 Nights
DAY 10 10
Okayama

Transfer to Okayama & Korakuen Garden

  • Arrive in Okayama and explore Korakuen Garden, one of Japan’s three great gardens, and the black Okayama Castle.

DAY 11 11
Okayama

Day Trip to Kurashiki & Bikan Historical Quarter

  • Visit Kurashiki’s beautifully preserved Bikan Historical Quarter with its Edo-period warehouses and canals.

Hiroshima & Miyajima: 3 Nights
DAY 12 12
Hiroshima & Miyajima

Transfer to Hiroshima & Peace Park

  • Arrive in Hiroshima and tour the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, reflecting on the city’s history and resilience.

DAY 13 13
Hiroshima & Miyajima

Miyajima Island & Itsukushima Shrine

  • Take a ferry to Miyajima Island to see the iconic floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine and hike Mount Misen.

DAY 14 14
Hiroshima & Miyajima

Leisure Day in Hiroshima

  • Explore Hiroshima’s local okonomiyaki cuisine, visit Shukkeien Garden, or relax before your journey ends.

DAY 15 15
Hiroshima & Miyajima

Departure

  • Private transfer to Hiroshima Airport or Shinkansen to your next destination.

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Reviews

Thank you to Bellarome for an incredible 5 days in Italy! They organised everything which left us with total peace of mind, allowing us to relax and enjoy the stunning history and beauty of Florence, Tuscany and Cinque Terre. Every aspect of our trip was fantastic. I would highly recommend Bellarome and would definitely use them again.
Becky Hindley
Becky Hindley
2023-05-20
In March we went to Rome to watch Italy v Wales, Six Nations fixture. We had a wonderful time in Rome and everything worked perfectly with flights, hotel, rugby match and transfers. We would definitely recommend Bellarome Travel to anyone planning to watch rugby in Rome. Also very impressed with the service before our trip, quick responses to any queries as well as all the information we needed. Thank you very much ! Jessica and travel party
Jessica Blanck
Jessica Blanck
2023-04-15
Mario and company made our adventure effortless, from accommodations to tours to transportation from place to place. The tour guides; Will, Dino, I apologize for forgetting the names of the others From Milan to Rome to Satorini to Mykonos to Athens. Their knowledge of the particular area was unparalleled. Would I tour with Bellarome again hell yes I’m looking forward to touring with them in 2024
William Sapp
William Sapp
2023-03-26
We just returned from a vacation planned by Daniel and the Bellarome team, and it was truly the trip of a lifetime! We have three sons, aged 21, 18 and 16, and we are all futbol/soccer fans, and a few of us enjoy history. Daniel understood this and planned an incredible ten-day adventure based in two cities, Manchester and London which included three soccer matches, four days of well-planned tours, reliable, on time transportations, and a special NYE dinner. We still had freedom to do some of our own sightseeing and plan our own restaurants. All in all such a fantastic experience for our entire family!
Amy Sullins
Amy Sullins
2023-01-07
Good service. Good choice on the menu. Nice.
Pam Peard
Pam Peard
2022-11-22
Great vacation with Bellarome Travel. It was all well arranged. We decided to use a tour company for our trip, to have the support on hand, especially after the last 2 years. Seeing tthe UK and Italy was an amazing experience and one we really needed Thank you Bellarome!
Berney Glynn
Berney Glynn
2022-10-07
Very quick and helpful staff…unfortunatley unable to priceed with the travel package they put together at this time..but will be going back to them.
Neil Glitherow
Neil Glitherow
2022-08-15
Bellarome Travel was recommended when our regular travel agent closed shop. So happy that we took the recommendation! We made our travel arrangements just before Covid hit and had to postpone our trip many times. Daniel, in particular, was a huge support to us as we dealt with all the cancellations and rescheduling, while he had to deal with the uncertainty of the effect of Covid on his own industry. Through it all he was kind, understanding, reassuring and supportive. We finally made a flawless trip in May 2022 thanks to Daniel. Highly recommend this company.
Florancetta Lowe
Florancetta Lowe
2022-07-14
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Ludovica Natalini
I was born and raised in Rome and with my family, I have visited all the regions of Italy and traveled to the best and most renowned places. We love food and wine and I have explored many wineries and eaten typical and local products.Growing up, my love for traveling brought me to Ireland, where I spent two amazing years studying, working, and traveling. When I returned to Rome I decided to work in the luxury travel industry, and I spent the last years working for 5-star hotels. I traveled all over Europe, learning about different cultures and lifestyles.I am an avid hiker and climber, and I love beautiful landscapes, cities, history, and museums—each one is unique. My current job allows me to work from anywhere I want, and I love it!
DESTINATIONS SPECIALITIES
Sports Tourism

KendlerFamily - Elm Grove, WI

My favorite experiences in Lake Como were hiking with Francesca in Lake Como then boating with Giovanni

Charles - Jacksonville, FL

Ludovica and her team did a wonder job beginning with the travel planning to execution.

Japan

Discover Japan, where ancient traditions harmonize with modern innovation. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene landscapes of Kyoto, Japan offers a journey through time and culture. Immerse yourself in the vibrant colors of cherry blossoms in spring, feast on sushi and ramen, and explore ancient temples.

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