We’ll steer you off the beaten path to Shikoku, the smallest and most rural of Japan’s four main islands, where you’ll trace the route of the old Shingon Buddhist pilgrimage, overnight at a traditional inn, train inland to Iya Valley, visit the hamlet of Tsuri, and dally in the studio of the great Isamu Noguchi. From here you visit Naoshima Island and its contemporary Benesse House art site.

This is one of four handy, week-long itineraries designed to link together for an in-depth exploration of Japan, to stand alone as a Private Departure, or to act as a jumping-off idea for a Custom Journey.

Day 1: arrive in Naruto on Shikoku Island, smallest of Japan's four major islands • Day 2: Naruto, strolling the legendary Shingon Buddhist pilgrimage route • Day 3: to Iya Valley • Day 4: Alex Kerr's Chiirori Project and Iya Valley • Day 5: Takamatsu • Day 6: Benesse Art Site Naoshima, a fascinating fusion of modernity and local tradition • Day 7: depart.

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