Japan Shikoku Autumn Foliage 6-Day Tour｜A Hidden Scenic Journey Through Iya Kazurabashi Vine Bridge, Niyodo River, and Dogo Onsen
Autumn in Shikoku is unlike the crowded scenery of Kyoto, yet it hides even more breathtaking secret landscapes waiting to be discovered. From the magnificent autumn foliage surrounding Oboke Gorge, to the thrilling experience of crossing the Iya Kazurabashi Vine Bridge suspended high above the valley, the journey continues deep into the Niyodo River, known as the “River of Miracles,” where crystal blue-green waters intertwine with vibrant red maple leaves to create a dreamlike panorama.
Along the way, the route connects historic landmarks such as Kochi Castle, Matsuyama Castle, and the 3,000-year-old Dogo Onsen. Traveling slowly between mountain forests and ancient castle towns, this Shikoku journey gathers some of Japan’s most tranquil yet captivating autumn scenery into one unforgettable experience.
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---Table of Contents---
► Daily Itinerary
► Attraction Overview
► Vehicle Options and Reference Pricing (10 hours/day)
► TTtrips Japan Private Car Service Details & Pricing
► 2026 TTtrips Japan Private Charter Exclusive Early-Bird Offer
► Contact Us (One-on-One Travel Consultant Service)
► Further Reading: More Shikoku Travel Guides
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Four Advantages of Choosing TTtrips Japan Private Charter Service:
✔ Dedicated One-on-One Service | Personalized support from a dedicated specialist, providing real-time assistance from pre-trip planning to on-the-road support throughout the journey
✔ Chinese-Speaking Driver Service | Japanese private charter with Chinese-speaking drivers, ensuring smooth communication and a more安心 travel experience
✔ Direct Private Transfers | Private vehicle transfers in Japan, direct from hotel to attractions, no transfers required and no need to handle luggage during transit
✔ Flexible Customized Itinerary | Japan customized private charter travel, flexible adjustments based on your needs, allowing a relaxed pace without rushing
► Daily Itinerary
Customizable Services (Flexible arrangements based on flight schedules and accommodation details)
DAY 1：Taoyuan International Airport > Takamatsu Airport > Takamatsu City Hotel
● Arrive at the gateway to Kagawa Prefecture. In the evening, enjoy the famous Sanuki Udon in the city center and begin your cross-prefecture autumn foliage journey through Shikoku.
DAY 2：Hotel > Ritsurin Garden (Michelin Three-Star Garden) > Oboke and Koboke Gorge, Tokushima (Sightseeing Boat Cruise) > Overnight at Iya Onsen Hotel
● Stroll through the picturesque Edo-period daimyo garden, then cruise through Oboke Gorge to admire the spectacular scenery created by dramatic rock formations and vibrant crimson autumn leaves along the riverbanks.
DAY 3：Hotel > Iya Kazurabashi Vine Bridge (One of Japan’s Three Great Historic Bridges) > Oku-Iya Double Vine Bridges > Kochi Castle (Otemon Gate) > Overnight at Kochi Hotel
● Cross the thrilling vine suspension bridge deep within the hidden valleys, then head to Kochi Castle in the afternoon to experience the historic atmosphere of one of Japan’s remaining original castle keeps surrounded by brilliant autumn foliage.
DAY 4：Hotel > The “River of Miracles” — Niyodo River (Yasui Valley or Nakatsu Gorge) > Shimanto River (Sada Submersible Bridge) > Overnight at Ehime Onsen Hotel
● Visit the crystal-clear waters of the famous Niyodo Blue river, where autumn leaves drift across emerald-green streams, followed by a journey to the Shimanto River, known as Japan’s last remaining clear stream.
DAY 5：Hotel > Matsuyama Castle (Ropeway Ride) > Dogo Onsen Street Walk (Spirited Away Bathhouse Inspiration, Botchan Karakuri Clock) > Overnight at Takamatsu Hotel
● Ascend to the mountaintop castle for panoramic autumn views over the Seto Inland Sea, then stroll through the historic Dogo Onsen district with over 3,000 years of history and experience its nostalgic Showa-era atmosphere.
DAY 6：Hotel > Kotohira-gu Shrine (Guardian Deity of Maritime Safety, Golden Tree-Lined Walk) > Takamatsu Airport > Taoyuan International Airport
● Challenge the long stone staircase leading to this famous spiritual destination while admiring the dazzling golden and crimson autumn scenery along the way, before heading to the airport and returning to Taiwan with blessings and unforgettable memories.
Day 1｜The Beginning of Shikoku + Takamatsu Evening Stroll
• Takamatsu：A charming port city known as the birthplace of Sanuki Udon.
(Takamatsu Marugamemachi Shopping Street - Image source：VISIT KAGAWA))
Day 2｜Famous Garden Autumn Scenery + Hidden Gorge Landscapes
• Ritsurin Garden：A traditional Japanese garden awarded a Michelin Three-Star rating.
• Oboke and Koboke Gorge：A magnificent valley where dramatic rock formations blend with vibrant autumn foliage.
(Ritsurin Garden - Image source：VISIT KAGAWA)
Day 3｜Historic Vine Bridges + Ancient Castle Towns
• Iya Kazurabashi Vine Bridge：One of Japan’s Three Great Historic Bridges suspended across a mountain valley.
• Oku-Iya Double Vine Bridges：Twin hidden vine bridges deep within the mountains.
• Kochi Castle：A historic castle famous for preserving its original castle keep.
(Iya Kazurabashi Vine Bridge - Image source：Mitoyo Tourism and Exchange Bureau)
Day 4｜The River of Miracles + Japan’s Most Beautiful Clear Streams
• Niyodo River：A dreamlike river renowned for its crystal-clear “Niyodo Blue” waters.
• Yasui Valley：A hidden valley featuring emerald-blue streams and vibrant mountain autumn scenery.
• Shimanto River：Known as Japan’s last remaining clear river.
• Sada Submersible Bridge：The most iconic bridge landscape along the Shimanto River.
(Niyodo River - Image source：Visit Kochi)
Day 5｜Mountain Castle Views + A Thousand-Year-Old Hot Spring Town
• Matsuyama Castle：A mountaintop castle overlooking the Seto Inland Sea.
• Dogo Onsen：One of Japan’s oldest hot springs with a history spanning over 3,000 years.
• Botchan Karakuri Clock：A nostalgic landmark in the historic hot spring district.
(Dogo Onsen, Ehime Prefecture - Image source：Official Website)
Day 6｜Sacred Shrine Journey + Return Trip
• Kotohira-gu Shrine：One of Shikoku’s most iconic shrines dedicated to maritime protection.
• Kotohira-gu Approach：A classic stone staircase pathway lined with brilliant golden autumn scenery.
• Takamatsu Airport：Return home with unforgettable memories of Shikoku’s autumn landscapes.
((Kotohira-gu Shrine - Image source：VISIT KAGAWA)
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► Vehicle Options and Reference Pricing (10 hours/day)
Included: Chinese-speaking driver, fuel, tolls, insurance.
Reminder: High vehicle demand during the autumn foliage season, early booking is recommended!
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For other requests, please refer to the detailed link below or contact customer service
► Line | WhatsApp
► TTtrips Japan Private Car Service Details & Pricing
Please click the image link ►
► 2026 TTtrips Japan Private Charter Exclusive Early-Bird Offer
Book two months in advance：Receive a discount of 1,000 NTD for a two-day consecutive charter，and 2,000 NTD off for three days
A complimentary child safety seat for children under 6 years old is included (market price 500 NTD per day)
Enjoy a worry-free and cost-saving family trip，limited availability，book early to secure your offer
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If you also begin considering flexibility in transportation while planning your trip,among the Japan private charter services we offer, some of the most popular choices include Tokyo family private charter tours and the frequently requested Osaka private charter service with Chinese-speaking drivers.
TTtrips Japan private charter service provides one-on-one travel consultation to help organize suitable options and itinerary arrangements based on your group size and travel needs.
As itinerary planning reaches the final stages, transportation often becomes the key factor that shapes the overall pace of the journey.
TTtrips Japan private charter service not only provides reliable and reassuring support, but can also help evaluate the most suitable travel arrangements for different travel styles.
And from the very beginning of our one-on-one service, we will stay by your side throughout the journey.
► Contact Us (One-on-One Travel Consultant Service)
► View full charter fee details
► Further Reading: More Shikoku Travel Guides
