Japan's Secret Road - Driver's Exploration Route

Day 1

From Kansai International Airport to Tokushima Prefecture

Start your trip by renting a car at Kansai International Airport. Travel through Awaji Island and into Tokushima Prefecture. In Tokushima, you'll visit the Naruto Whirlpools and then spend the night in Iya.

Day 2

Food Culture in Kochi and the Niyodo River Area On the second day, head to Kochi Prefecture. After sightseeing in the Yasui Valley, known for its Niyodo Blue, head to the Asao Submerged Bridge, which was the setting for the movie "Bell Dragon and Freckled Princess." After enjoying the Niyodo River, head to Kochi City. Enjoy gourmet food at Hirome Market, where ingredients from Kochi Prefecture are gathered in one place.

Iya Onsen

Stay in Kochi City

Day 3

Shimanto River, Japan's last clear river

On the third day, head west from Kochi City. Be sure to stop by Iwamoto-ji Temple, one of the 88 sacred places of Shikoku. This temple is not bound by tradition and is always trying new things. For lunch, we recommend eel from the Shimanto River. In the afternoon, enjoy the Shimanto River by experiencing your favorite activity.

You can also take the tourist train "Shikoku to Satokiyoake no Monogatari" from Kochi City to Kubokawa, where Iwamotoji Temple is located. You can also take the train from Kubokawa to Nakamura Station in Shimanto City and rent a car at Nakamura Station. The train departs Kochi Station at 12:04 and arrives at Kubokawa Station at 14:40, so please adjust your schedule if you wish to use this service. Please be sure to check the latest operating status on the website before making a reservation.

Kochi City

Lunch (Shimanto River eel)

The eels from the Shimanto River, Japan's last clear river, are exquisite. Please try our wild eels.

Stay overnight in Shimanto City

Day 4

Drive through Ashizuri-Uwakai National Park

On the fourth day, we drove through Ashizuri-Uwakai National Park. We saw the unique rock formations in Tatsukushi and visited the Kochi Prefectural Ashizuri Aquarium. After lunch, we went to Kashiwajima, where the water is so clear that it is said that "ships look like they are floating in the air."

You can go directly to Dogo Onsen from Kashiwajima, but if you go by train, you can take the Iyonada Monogatari Sightseeing Train from Yawatahama Station to Matsuyama Station, where Dogo Onsen is located. It departs Yawatahama Station at 16:05 and arrives at Matsuyama Station at 18:17. On the way, you may be able to see a breathtakingly beautiful sunset at Shimonada Station. Please check the website for the latest operating schedule and make a reservation.

Shimanto City

Day 5

Dogo Onsen => Shimanami Kaido => Shin-Onomichi => Shin-Osaka

From Dogo Onsen, drive along the Shimanami Kaido to Onomichi. Return the rental car in Onomichi and take the Shinkansen to Osaka. Once you arrive in Osaka, you can enjoy shopping and gourmet food.

Dogo Onsen

Day 6

Returning from Kansai International Airport

On your final day, enjoy shopping in Osaka until your departure time.