Walk Japan, the leading adventure travel company in Japan, has launched a new immersive walking tour, The Shikoku: Kochi & Ehime Discovery.
The immersive tour is a fully-guided, seven-day tour that visits the bucolic Kochi and Ehime Prefectures of Western Shikoku. The remote region is characterised by pristine streams and rivers, deep forested mountain terrains, and lush valleys that lead to the sea. The locals living in small farming and fishing communities maintain a gentle pace of life.
Shikoku is known for its 1,200-kilometre Ohenro pilgrimage that includes 88 temples. The Shikoku: Kochi & Ehime Discovery includes the theme of pilgrimage with visits to the Chikurin-ji, the 31st Ohenro temple, and a 12-kilometre mini-pilgrimage set in a rustic valley.
The tour also explores old mountain routes that were once vital in transporting sea salt to remote communities. One such mountain route, the Dappan-no-Michi, follows the daring escape path of Japanese hero Sakamoto Ryoma.
Other highlights include Yusuhara, a mountain town, where a cluster of buildings designed by world-acclaimed architect Kuma Kengo can be found; Ozu, a charming, castle town featuring the Garyu Sanso, a Japanese masterpiece of garden, villa, and teahouse; and local culinary delicacies such as katsu seared bonito fish and myriad varieties of citrus fruit.
The Shikoku: Kochi & Ehime Discovery is a seven-day, six-night, fully-guided walking tour for up to 12 participants commencing in Kochi City and concluding in Matsuyama's Dogo Onsen. Daily walking ranges from nine to 13 kilometres along mountain trails and quiet country lanes. A Level 4 tour, it is suitable for anyone who leads a reasonably active lifestyle.
