Journey through Ancient Japan

Referencing Shikoku Island, Don George writes, “[It’s] a Japan I hadn’t known existed: a place of farms and fishing villages, mountainside shrines and seaside temples, rugged seacoasts and forested hills.” On this 12-day journey we accompany the acclaimed travel expert through his wife’s ancestral home, unlocking the secrets to Japan's smallest and most rural main island.

We begin in Kyoto, spending our first few days exploring one of the country’s best preserved cities. We visit splendid Saiho-ji Temple and its famous moss garden, stroll the cherry tree-lined Philosopher’s Path and embark on an evening walking tour of Gion, immortalized in Memoirs of a Geisha. After stepping out for a visit to nearby Nara and its glorious temples, we return for a culinary jaunt through Kyoto's celebrated outdoor Nishiki Market.

Next, Don leads the way via bullet train and ferry to remote Shikoku Island, a journey he’s made many times. We tour a centuries-old castle, explore a pilgrimage path and swim among Cape Ashizuri’s granite cliffs. Perhaps best of all, we ramble through the verdant and stunning Iya Valley, hiking lush trails, crossing vine bridges, soaking in soothing onsens and experiencing traditional Japanese living at an enchanting ancient farmhouse.