6 Day Ehime & Shimanami Kaido Discovery

Welcome to Japan! Your independent journey to this untouched region of Japan will begin in Osaka. After arrival into the city, make your own way to the hotel. Enjoy a night of leisure in this bustling city. Special Information Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal may offer the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed. Your train tickets for the journey through Ehime will be ready for you when you check into the hotel.

After breakfast, your independent journey to Ehime begins! Make your way to Shin-Osaka Station and board the renowned Shinkansen to Matsuyama. Upon arrival in Matsuyama, proceed to your hotel at your own pace. Special Information This train will depart from Shin-Osaka Station, accessible via metro or a local taxi. The journey includes a transfer at Okayama. Exact train times will be provided in your final documents. At Matsuyama Station, local trams can take you directly to your hotel, or you may opt for a short taxi ride

Today you have a free day to explore the beautiful city of Matsuyama. With a mix of city, castles, gardens and onsens, Matsuyama has everything Japan has to offer, but without the crowds. Start your day after breakfast at the hotel, then head to Matsuyama Castle, perched atop Mount Katsuyama. Take the ropeway up or enjoy a scenic walk, and from the castle's ramparts, gaze over the city, the Seto Inland Sea, and surrounding mountains—a serene, panoramic view. Wander down to Dogo Onsen, one of Japan's oldest hot spring baths, and soak in the historic atmosphere while enjoying a cup of green tea at nearby quaint tea houses. Explore the charming streets around Dogo Onsen Honkan, lined with shops selling local sweets, crafts, and souvenirs. Take a stroll along the Botchan Train route or hop on the nostalgic little train that inspired Natsume Soseki's famous novel, then visit Ishite-ji Temple, a spiritual stop on the Shikoku Pilgrimage with its striking pagodas and peaceful gardens. Finish the day sampling Matsuyama's local cuisine—fresh seafood, the famous Jakoten (fried fish cake), and seasonal dishes at a cozy izakaya—and, if time allows, enjoy a sunset along the Seto Inland Sea before returning to your accommodation for a relaxing night.

After breakfast, begin your charming day trip from Matsuyama with a visit to the historic towns of Ozu and Uchiko, often referred to as the ‘quiet treasures of Japan'. You'll catch a train from Matsuyama Station to Ozu and explore the town at your own pace, visiting highlights such as Ozu Castle and the elegant Garyu Sanso Villa, a beautifully preserved riverside retreat. Enjoy a leisurely lunch in Ozu—try local favorites like fresh river fish, traditional soba noodles, or seasonal Japanese set meals. Afterward, take a local bus back to Iyo-Ozu Station and hop on a train to Uchiko, a picturesque town known for its well-preserved Edo-period streets. Stroll through Uchiko's charming streets, visit traditional craft shops, cafés, and historic merchant houses, before returning on foot to Uchiko Station and taking the train back to Matsuyama. Enjoy an evening of leisure in Matsuyama. Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours

Today, after breakfast, you will begin your private tour to the stunning Shimanami Kaido Strait. The Shimanami Kaido is a spectacular 70km cycling and walking route connecting Japan's main island of Honshu (starting in Onomichi) to Shikoku (ending in Imabari) via a series of six small islands in the Seto Inland Sea. The trail runs across dedicated cycling paths and bridges, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the sea, islands, and charming fishing villages. The Shimanami Kaido features iconic suspension bridges, such as the Kurushima-Kaikyō Bridge, offering dramatic views from above. Along the route, you'll find quaint island towns with local cafés, shops, and scenic spots perfect for relaxing breaks. The trail also passes nature and art stops, including parks, temples, and beautiful seaside vistas. Your exploration of this region begins in Imabari with a 50-minute sightseeing boat cruise on the Shimanami Kurushima Strait Sightseeing Boat. Once back on land, continue your discovery of this stunning area with a two-hour private drive across the islands, taking in the natural beauty along the way. You will then be driven back to your hotel in Matsuyama, where you will have an evening of leisure. Inspiring Highlights Shimanami Kurushima Strait Sightseeing Boat Shimanami Kaido Trail Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours

After breakfast, your journey through the scenic Ehime Prefecture comes to an end. You will make your way independently to Matsuyama Sightseeing Port and enjoy an included Super Jet ride to Hiroshima Port.Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations—we hope your experience has been truly memorable.Special InformationDeparture transfers are not included. The most convenient way to reach Matsuyama Port from your hotel is by local taxi, which can be arranged through your hotel reception.Upon arrival at Hiroshima Port, a local taxi is the easiest way to reach Hiroshima Airport. Alternatively, you can take a streetcar to Hiroshima city centre.As travel is scheduled on the final day of your itinerary, flights departing from Hiroshima Airport should be booked for after 5:00pm, or alternatively on the following day. If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please submit your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal at least 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be arranged.