A Slow & Aesthetic 10-Day Journey Through Japan's Hidden Islands, Tea Fields, and Historic Towns

Cross the Great Seto Bridge by train from Okayama to Takamatsu. The panoramic views of the islands scattered across the calm sea make the transit feel like an attraction in itself.

Arrive at Takamatsu Port, the central maritime hub connecting the mainland to the surrounding islands. It has a peaceful, quietly lively atmosphere perfect for an evening stroll.

Wander through the beautiful seaside rose garden located right by the port. If you visit during the blooming season, the flowers are incredibly vibrant and fragrant.

Admire the 'Matakiteno' sculpture at the port. The name translates to 'please come again' in the local Sanuki dialect, serving as a warm welcome and farewell to travelers.

Walk out to the world's first all-glass lighthouse at the end of the port path. Standing 4.2 meters tall and built from 1,600 translucent glass blocks, it glows a beautiful red at night.

Savor a bowl of authentic Sanuki udon, Kagawa's most famous noodle style. Watch the chefs skillfully prepare the thick, chewy noodles by hand, and try the delicious olive-fed chicken.

Explore the expansive Ritsurin Garden. Though named 'Chestnut Grove', its true stars are the 1,000+ magnificent pine trees, some over 300 years old. You can also book a traditional wooden boat ride to enjoy the garden from the water.

Visit the historic Engetsutei teahouse dating back to the Edo period. For a small fee, you can enjoy matcha green tea and seasonal sweets while looking out over the pristine ponds.

Board the 'Meon' ferry from Takamatsu Port. The ferry runs six times a day, stopping at Megijima before arriving at Ogijima in about 40 minutes. The ride is exceptionally smooth and relaxing.

Arrive at Ogijima Port and admire 'Ogijima Soul', a beautiful architectural artwork left from the 2010 Setouchi Triennale. Its roof features characters from eight languages that cast intricate shadows on the ground.

Climb the narrow, layered uphill paths to Toyotama-hime Shrine. Dedicated to a sea goddess who blesses safe childbirth, this peaceful shrine is also a favorite gathering spot for the island's friendly cats.

Step through the noren curtain into a cozy café and guesthouse beautifully renovated from a traditional house built in 1923. Try the butter-grilled sea bream, which is highly recommended.

Visit the Ogijima Library, a vacant old folk house carefully transformed into a community library with over 3,500 books. It features a small café inside to help fund new books, and a cozy second floor perfect for reading.

Walk down to the quiet fishing port to see 'Noah's Ark', a permanent, striking art installation inspired by the Old Testament, standing right by the water's edge.

Relax at a beautiful inn, café, and co-working space renovated from a 120-year-old former post office. Sit by the windows and enjoy the calming, unobstructed ocean views.

Board the slow ferry from Takamatsu Port to Tonosho Port on Shodoshima. Enjoy a bowl of simple, comforting 500-yen udon at the ferry's food counter and take in the sea breeze from the large observation deck.

Visit Tomari Hachiman Shrine, a spiritual home deeply woven into local life. Climb the stairs to enjoy a stunning panoramic view of Angel Road, Yashima, and Mount Goken.

Stand in awe before the magnificent, 1,600-year-old Shinpaku juniper tree at Hoshoji Temple. It is the largest juniper tree in Japan, with a massive trunk circumference of 17.2 meters.

Cross the Dofuchi Strait, certified by Guinness World Records as the narrowest strait in the world, measuring just 9.93 meters at its narrowest point.

Wander through Meiro no Machi (Maze Town), a cozy network of narrow alleys originally designed to confuse pirates. Keep an eye out for yokai (folklore creature) drawings and the Yokai Art Museum.

Explore Shodoshima Olive Park, home to a beautiful white Greek windmill overlooking the sea and an olive grove of 2,000 trees. Visit the charming shop built using the relocated movie set from the live-action film of Kiki's Delivery Service.

Take a 500-yen cash shuttle boat across the water to the Twenty-Four Eyes Movie Studio. This replica Showa-era village was built for the 1987 film remake and preserves a nostalgic, timeless atmosphere.

Walk 700 meters from the movie village to the Misaki Branch School. Built in 1902 and used as a real school until 1971, this authentic building preserves children's artwork, tiny desks, and an old organ.

Take a local bus from Kamo Station to Wazuka. Walk up a small slope through a residential area to find the ancient Kitayama Sugi cedar tree at Yasaka Shrine, said to be over 1,300 years old.

Stop by the Wazuka-cha Cafe, a cozy spot that looks like an ordinary house. Browse local crafts and fresh vegetables, and try their delicious matcha soft-serve and bottled green tea.

Walk along the scenic country paths to the Ishitera Tea Fields. These beautifully arranged, layered tea fields blanket the rolling hills and have been cultivated for over 800 years.

Visit Enkouji Temple in northern Kyoto. Sit in the Study Hall to gaze at the 'Jugyu-no-niwa' (Ten Oxen Garden), a moss and maple garden that looks exceptionally vibrant and peaceful in the rain.

Browse the shelves at Keibunsha Ichijoji, once named one of the world's most beautiful bookstores. Books are arranged by unique themes rather than genre, encouraging constant discovery.

Explore the Old Mitsui Family Shimogamo Villa, built in 1925. Walk through the hydrangea garden, which features two 250-year-old hackberry trees believed to bring blessings for matchmaking.

Walk through Tadasu-no-Mori, an ancient, sacred forest in the heart of Kyoto, on your way to Shimogamo Shrine, one of the city's oldest and most revered Shinto sanctuaries.

End your day at Kamo Mitarashi Chaya, a traditional tea house famous as the birthplace of mitarashi dango. Savor the fragrant, grilled dumplings covered in a sweet, slightly salty soy glaze.

Arrive in Tomonoura, a beautifully preserved historic port town. Visit a cozy café overlooking the harbor, lovingly renovated from an Edo-period ship checkpoint, and try their rich shrimp curry.

Climb the steps to Iō Temple, the second oldest temple in Tomonoura, founded in 826 by Kobo Daishi. If you have the energy, climb the 583 numbered steps to Taishi-do Hall for a breathtaking view of the town.

Visit the iconic Joyato Lighthouse, built in 1859. Standing 11 meters tall from its stone base, it is the largest stone port lantern left from the Edo period and the beloved symbol of Tomonoura.

Sit on the tatami mats at Fukuzenji Temple's Taichoro Guest Hall. Gaze through the open wooden windows at the perfectly framed, stunning view of Benzaiten Fukujudo on the water.

Take the ferry to Sensui Island and walk along the newly reopened Sensuijima Coastal Promenade. Admire the beautiful, multi-colored rock formations and clear blue waters of this protected national park.

Travel to Osaka and visit Mitsushima Shrine, located just 30 minutes from Osaka Castle. Pay your respects and admire the sacred, designated national monument camphor tree, said to be over 1,000 years old.

Explore Hirakata T-SITE, a striking modern architectural landmark. Head inside to see the massive, multi-story bookshelves illuminated beautifully by natural light filtering through tall glass windows.

Visit Kayashima Station to see a truly unique sight: a massive, sacred camphor tree that was spared during station construction and now grows directly through the train platform itself.

Wander through Tondabayashi Temple Town, the only Important Preservation District for historic groups of traditional buildings in Osaka Prefecture, featuring beautifully preserved machiya townhouses.

Visit the Former Sugiyama Residence, one of the oldest townhouses in the area. Originally used as a sake brewery, it is recognized as an Important Cultural Property and features beautiful sliding door paintings.

Gaze at the striking and mysterious PL Tower (Great Peace Prayer Tower) from the streets of Tondabayashi. Standing 180 meters tall, it is dedicated to all victims of war regardless of nationality or religion.