The Autumn Splendors of Shikoku

By Sara Barbieri | September 9, 2015

Autumn is a time of astonishing beauty on Japan‘s little-visited island of Shikoku. Maples in glorious fall color take travelers’ breath away—especially when they frame a venerable vine bridge in the island’s misty Iya Valley. The Japanese call this autumnal transformation koyo, and for many, it is just as splendid and significant as the blossoming of the beloved cherry boughs in spring.

A Perfect Day

After a day of sightseeing among the verdant nooks and crannies of Iya Valley, and a firsthand immersion in Shikoku’s distinctive country kindness through encounters with local farmers and craftsmen, travelers arrive at the Hotel Iya Onsen. A sweet cable car transports them down the mountainside to a steaming, soothing onsen, nestled alongside a river in the maples. It’s the perfect conclusion to an extraordinary day!

# # # # #

For more information on travel to Shikoku, browse the itinerary or call us at 888-570-7108.

Photo by Sara Barbieri