On this short self-drive trip through the Kochi Prefecture of Shikoku, you will get away from the crowds and metropolis of a classic Japanese itinerary and delve into a rural, mountainous region of great beauty. You will explore at your own pace in your own hybrid rental vehicle, allowing you the time to absorb the scenery around you and stop along the way if something piques your interest. Your trip starts in Kochi and ends in Cape Ashizuri at the Southernmost tip of Shikoku. This itinerary really is about the journey - you will pass through diverse landscapes that take in the coast, the mountains, and riverside villages. It's a real rural adventure. The driving is easy to allow you plenty of time to enjoy the sights and sounds of this lesser-visited part of Japan.
Day 1 - Kochi City, Niyodo River
- Collect your rental car from either Kochi City Airport or downtown
- Self-drive from Kochi City to Niyodo River
- Standup paddleboarding on the Niyodo River
- At leisure in Niyodo River region
- Self-drive from Niyodo River to Kochi City
- At leisure in Kochi City
Day 2 - Kure Bay
- Self-drive from Kochi City to Kure Bay
Day 3 - Yusuhara
- Self-drive from Kure Bay to Yusuhara
- Washi experience with a local artisan
- At leisure in Yusuhara
Day 4 - Shimanto River, Nakamura
- Self-drive from Yusuhara to Shimanto City
- Meditation session at a Soto Zen temple
- At leisure in Nakamura town
Day 5 - Kashiwa Island, Cape Ashizuri, Nakamura
- Self-drive from Shimanto City to Cape Ashizuri
- At leisure in Kashiwa Island
- At leisure in Cape Ashizuri
- Self-drive from Cape Ashizuri to Shimanto City
Day 6 - Shimanto City, Kochi City
- At leisure in the Kuroshio-cho area
- Self-drive from Shimanto City to Kochi City
- Return your rental car in Kochi City
- Your trip has come to end
The Spring months of March, April and May are generally considered the best for visiting Japan, both in terms of climate and the arrival of its famed pink sakura (cherry blossoms). Another fine time to visit is Autumn, specifically October and November, which is when the landscape is on fire with the colourful leaves turning on the maple trees. Anybody intending to make use of Japan's legendary snow sports infrastructure should obviously plan a visit during the winter ski season: December to February. Bear in mind that Japan's latitudinal range means that the climate is not consistent all over the country, but the flipside is that you can usually find good weather somewhere at any time of year.
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