[Drive sightseeing] Hot springs and photogenic course

Rent a car and leave

This is a stunning spot next to Awaji Island Park, perfect for relaxing and unwinding after your travels.

The Oasis Hall, featuring a large atrium filled with flowers and greenery all year round, offers a variety of experiences. You can enjoy fresh local fish at the affordable sushi restaurant "Sushi Tomi," dine at the Japanese restaurant "Mikeya," shop at the large local goods store, grab a coffee at the café, or have a BBQ at the BBQ house.

From the observation deck, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge and the beautiful cities of Kobe and Osaka on the opposite shore.

This is a sightseeing facility utilizing the bridge deck space of the Great Naruto Bridge on the Honshu-Shikoku Bridge, featuring a 450-meter promenade and a whirlpool observation room. Visitors can experience and view the whirlpools and the Great Naruto Bridge. In Naruto Park, there are observation decks offering views of the Great Naruto Bridge and the whirlpools, along with numerous scenic spots, the Great Naruto Bridge Memorial Hall "Eddy," the Otsuka Museum of Art, Escahil Naruto, and sightseeing boats. You can enjoy touring the sightseeing spots using the promenade.

This vibrant hot spring resort is located at the foot of Konpira-san (Kongō-ji Temple). In the surrounding area, you will find not only Kongō-ji Temple and Kanamaru-za Theatre but also the Sake History and Culture Museum housed in a former sake brewery, the Ocean Science Museum, and the town's History and Folklore Museum.

This is a sea deity beloved for a long time as "Sanuki no Konpira-san." The famous long stone steps of the approach are well-known, with 785 steps to the main shrine and a total of 1,368 steps leading to the inner shrine. Along the stone steps from the approach to the inner shrine, you can find historic buildings such as the Great Gate, the "Five Farmers," and the nationally designated Important Cultural Properties "Shoin" and "Asahi-sha," along with museum facilities like the Treasure Museum, where first-class artworks and cultural properties are displayed.

On both sides of the approach, you will find souvenir shops and udon restaurants, and nearby are many sights, including the old Konpira Grand Theatre (Kanamaru-za) and the high lanterns. The area also served as filming locations for movies such as Furyō Banchō: Totsugeki Ichiban, Setouchi Shōnen Yakyū-dan, Otoko wa Tsurai yo: Torajirō no Endan, UDON, and Kinako.

In recent years, it has become famous as a spot for bringing good fortune in money.

The "Kan'ei Tsūhō" coin painted on the sand of Ariake Beach is a gigantic sand painting measuring 122m east to west, 90m north to south, and 345m in circumference, and appears as a beautiful circle when viewed from the top of Mt. Kotobiki. It is said to have been created overnight in 1633 (Kan'ei 10) to welcome the feudal lord, Ikoma Takatoshi, and is truly one of a kind. It is said that anyone who sees this coin will be healthy and live a long life, and will never be short of money. In recent years, people who have seen the coin and then bought a lottery ticket have won large amounts of money, so the spot has become known as a place for good luck with money, and many tourists visit.

The Zenigata sand painting is created and maintained by hand. This "sand digging" is held twice a year (in spring and autumn) and is open to the public (application required).

In addition, the city holds a "Zenigata Festival" dedicated to this coin in the summer (scheduled to be held on the second or third Saturday or Sunday of July every year).

Stroll through the hot spring town in a yukata

This shopping street adjacent to the Dogo Onsen Main Building is affectionately known as "Dogo Haikara Street." It is lined with souvenir shops, restaurants and other tourist-oriented stores, many of which are open from 9am to 10pm. It connects the Dogo Onsen Main Building with Dogo Onsen Station, and you can enjoy a stroll around in a yukata robes, befitting a hot spring town. There is a stamp rally called "Dogo Village Tour." If you collect stamps from all 30 locations and submit them to the Dogo Village Office Villagers Section inside the Dogo Tourist Information Center, you will receive a certificate of honorary village resident, a ticket to enter Dogo Onsen, and a souvenir.

An ancient hot spring with 3000 years of history

It is said to be the oldest hot spring in Japan, having appeared in the Kojiki and Manyoshu as far back as the 18th century, and the main building, a charming castle-style three-story wooden structure, is an important national cultural property in its entirety. It has appeared as the face of Matsuyama in many masterpieces, including "Botchan," novels, and movies. After enjoying the silky smooth water, you can change into a yukata and stroll around the culturally-rich streets of Dogo, further enhancing the hot spring atmosphere.

Dogo Onsen consists of the Dogo Onsen Main Building, the Dogo Onsen Annex Asuka no Onsen, and the sister facility Tsubaki no Yu.

The Dogo Onsen Main Building has been undergoing preservation and repair work for approximately five and a half years since January 2019, but the entire building is scheduled to reopen for business on Thursday, July 11, 2024.

This temple is located deep within the mountains, believed to be home to seven sacred birds: the Sanpō-tori (Three-treasure bird), Jihishō-tori (Compassionate-voice bird), Shōko-tori (Chime-drum bird), Tsuzuri-tori (Drum bird), Jihishin-tori (Compassionate-heart bird), Suzuri-tori (Bell bird), and Fue-tori (Flute bird). It is the 45th temple of the Shikoku 88-temple pilgrimage.

The temple is located deep in the mountains, where the mountain itself serves as the main deity. After passing through the mountain gate, you climb a steep 600-meter path known as "Henro-korogashi" (pilgrim’s slope) to reach the main hall. The Daishi Hall, built jutting out from the rocks, is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan and is well worth seeing. Furthermore, if you continue up the slope for about 300 meters and pass through the rocks, you will reach the summit of the rocky mountain, where you can find "Hakarai Zendo," a site of Kobo Daishi’s meditation practice.

"Uchi no Ie" is a place where both your mind and body can rest and relax. Located near the border with Kochi Prefecture, almost in the center of Ehime Prefecture, it is only a 30-minute drive from the Matsuyama IC. The town is surrounded by beautiful highland landscapes, including Mount Ishizuchi, the highest peak in western Japan, as well as the Menokawa Gorge at its base and the Shikoku Karst, one of Japan’s three major karst landscapes. Visitors can enjoy the rich natural beauty of the area in all four seasons. The town also features important temples such as the 44th temple, Daibō-ji, and the 45th temple, Iwaya-ji, of the Shikoku pilgrimage.

Perfect for a short break during your scenic drive. In addition to their specialty coffee, their dessert menu includes popular items such as cream puffs and "cow cookies" inspired by cows grazing on the plateau.

A road in the sky, a touring course above the clouds

Karst is a type of landform in which limestone has been exposed on the ground surface due to erosion caused by rain. The karst plateau stretches for about 25km, from Himezurudaira to Nomuracho Onogahara, at altitudes of 1,000m to 1,485m, making for a scenic driving course. The road is closed in the winter when there is a lot of snow, but you can enjoy driving, touring and camping in the spring, summer and fall. The pastures where cows graze and the starry sky are a sight to behold.

This is the accommodation closest to the source of the Shimanto River. You can relax and enjoy the view of the river's source from the terrace, unwind by the cozy fireplace, and savor delicious meals cooked in an old-fashioned hearth.

Note: The image is for illustrative purposes.

Popular items include soft-serve ice cream made from homemade tea leaves, a specialty of Niyodogawa Town, and a Japanese-style parfait that lets you enjoy the flavors of hojicha (roasted green tea) and kabusecha (shaded green tea). These desserts incorporate various ingredients, such as jelly, homemade tea dumplings, black beans, and chocolate made with sencha powder, all infused with the distinct taste of tea. For souvenirs, the tea field pudding, which brings out the richness of the tea's flavor, and the aromatic tea field brandy cake are highly popular.

Image provided by the Niyodo Blue Tourism Association.

Niko-buchi, located upstream of the Niyodo River, is a premier spot known for its stunning, clear blue water, which has earned the nickname "Niyodo Blue." This small pool, where the crystal-clear stream flows straight down, boasts such transparency that you can see the bottom even though it is a waterfall basin. Surrounded by trees, the waterfall basin receives soft beams of light, and depending on the time of day, the color of the water shifts between green and blue. The best time to experience the most vibrant "Niyodo Blue" is around noon when the sun is directly overhead, and many tourists visit during this time to witness the breathtaking beauty.

Located near Kochi Castle, "Hirome Market" is a lively commercial facility where both locals and tourists can enjoy not only Kochi's traditional dishes but also flavors from around the world. The nostalgic atmosphere is filled with around 65 tightly packed stalls, including street-style eateries, bustling fresh fish and meat shops, unique souvenir stores, and clothing boutiques.

With shared tables available throughout the market, visitors can buy food from different stalls and enjoy a casual, communal dining experience. It's also common to see people drinking alcohol from midday—a scene that perfectly reflects Kochi’s love for good drinks.

A Scenic Spot with a Stunning View and a Statue of the Legendary Sakamoto Ryoma

Katsurahama is one of Kochi Prefecture’s most famous scenic spots. Known since ancient times as a prime location for moon-viewing, its beauty is even celebrated in the lyrics of Kochi’s traditional “Yosakoi Bushi” folk song. The crescent-shaped coastline, where lush green pine trees harmonize with the deep blue sea, creates a breathtaking landscape.

The highlight of Katsurahama is the statue of Kochi’s legendary hero, Sakamoto Ryoma. Gazing out over the rough waves of the Pacific Ocean, the statue is an iconic symbol of the area. For those interested in learning more about Ryoma, the nearby Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum offers a deeper dive into his life and legacy.

The entire coastal area is part of Katsurahama Park, which features souvenir shops as well as attractions like Tosa Inu Park and Katsurahama Aquarium, making it a great starting point for exploring the area.

Ōboke-Iya Onsen Village, located in the heart of Shikoku.

This area is home to Iya, one of Japan’s three great hidden regions, and Ōboke, where the mighty Yoshino River, known as "Shikoku Saburō," flows. Several hot springs with distinct mineral compositions can be found here.

Nestled in the mountains, this onsen region soothes visitors with its breathtaking natural scenery and the warm, unpretentious hospitality of its people.

Iya Valley is a deep V-shaped valley that stretches for about 10km. The Iya River that flows through the valley meanders greatly, and it is also called the "Hinoji Valley" because of its shape. In autumn, the entire mountain, from the valley floor to the peak, turns red with autumn leaves, creating a spectacular sight.

In the valley, there is a large cliff called Shoban-iwa, where a statue of a little boy peeing stands. The statue was made based on an anecdote that local children once used to test their courage on the tip of the rock.

Kazurabashi is a vine bridge located in the hidden valley of Iya, a place with a sad history of the Heike clan.

It is made from Shirakuchi vine, weighing about 5 tons. The bridge is 45 meters long, 2 meters wide, and 14 meters above the river.
In the past, it was the only way to cross the deep mountain valley. The bridge is rebuilt every three years.
It was designated as an Important Folk Cultural Property by the Japanese government on February 3, 1955.

With the motto of "Adding freshness to deliciousness," the restaurant offers luxurious hospitality centered around seasonal vegetables and fresh fish and meat.

It is located between the Naruto IC on the Kobe Awaji Naruto Expressway and the Tokushima IC on the Tokushima Expressway, along National Route 11. Taking advantage of this excellent location, it serves as a key transportation hub as the "gateway to Shikoku, Tokushima, and Naruto." In addition, the development of an outdoor exchange plaza and children's playground has fostered interaction between different generations and regions.

Located in a spot with stunning views of the Harima-nada Sea and beautiful sunsets, this place offers creative dishes made with ingredients from Awaji Island, along with the magical world of Hello Kitty.

In the enchanting underwater-themed space guided by Otohime Hello Kitty, visitors can enjoy media art and Awaji Island’s cuisine while feeling as if they have wandered into the legendary Ryugu Castle.