Japan is experiencing an unprecedented travel boom. But as the classic “Golden Route” (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka) becomes increasingly busy, your most discerning clients are looking for something different. They want the Japan of their imagination: tranquil ryokans, ancient castles, untouched nature, and authentic cultural immersion without the crowds.
Enter Shikoku.
As the smallest of Japan’s four main islands, Shikoku remains beautifully off the beaten path. To help you capture this high-yield market, Travelpack has partnered with Japan Airlines (JAL) to launch our incredible new Japan Cultural Explorer package.
Flying seamlessly with Japan Airlines from London Heathrow to Matsuyama (via a smooth transit in Tokyo Haneda), this 17-night itinerary is the ultimate masterclass in authentic Japanese travel.
Here is exactly what your clients will experience, and why this package is a guaranteed winner for your luxury and cultural explorers.
Matsuyama: Spirited Away & Ancient Tranquillity
The journey begins in Matsuyama. Your clients will spend three nights at the beautiful Yamatoya Honten ryokan.
The Selling Point: This city is home to Dogo Onsen Honkan, a 19th-century bathhouse that inspired Studio Ghibli’s famous film Spirited Away. We also include a deeply immersive, 400-year-old traditional tea ceremony at the Ninomaru Historic Garden, led by an Urasenke school instructor, alongside a fully customisable, 6-hour private guided tour of the city and Matsuyama Castle.
Takamatsu & Kagawa: The Art of the Inland Sea
Next, clients head to Takamatsu for a deep dive into Japan’s world-famous contemporary art scene.
The Selling Point: We include a full-day, e-bike guided tour of Naoshima, the iconic “Art Island” famous for Yayoi Kusama’s red and yellow pumpkins and the subterranean Chichu Art Museum. The following day features a private tour of Kagawa’s most photogenic spots, including the famous “Swing in the Sky” and the mirror-like waters of Chichibugahama Beach—an absolute dream for clients who love photography.
Tokushima: Exclusive Cultural Access
We move beyond standard sightseeing in Tokushima by giving your clients exclusive, behind-the-scenes access to a centuries-old art form.
The Selling Point: A private, hands-on masterclass in traditional Japanese puppetry. Clients will travel to the Awa Jurobe Puppet Theatre, guided by a master with over 30 years of experience, to learn how these intricate figures are manipulated before watching a live performance.
Kochi: Castles, Culinary Markets, and Canyoning
Kochi offers the perfect balance of deep history and thrilling outdoor adventure.
The Selling Point: First, a guided walking tour takes clients through the beautifully preserved Kochi Castle and into the bustling Hirome Market to taste the local delicacy, seared bonito. Then, the pace changes entirely with an exhilarating, fully guided canyoning tour through the crystal-clear, otherworldly blue waters of the Niyodogawa Gorge—featuring abseiling, waterfalls, and cliff jumps!
Ozu: A Royal Farewell
The trip concludes in Ozu, often referred to as “Little Kyoto,” where clients will enjoy three nights at the spectacular Nipponia Hotel Ozu Castle.
The Selling Point: This is the ultimate in bespoke luxury. We provide a fully customisable, 8-hour private tour. Before arrival, clients select their interests (cuisine, history, gardens like the serene Garyu Sanso), and their dedicated guide curates the perfect, seamless farewell to Japan.
The Package: Japan Cultural Explorer
This itinerary takes the stress out of planning complex, multi-stop Japanese adventures. By utilising Japan Airlines’ exceptional domestic network, we ensure your clients spend less time transiting and more time exploring.
What is included:
- International and Internal flights with Japan Airlines (LHR – Tokyo – Matsuyama)
- Japan Rail Pass included
- 17 nights of premium accommodation (including Ryokans, Club Rooms, and Castle Hotels)
- Daily Breakfast
- Private Airport Transfers
- Traditional Tea Ceremony at Ninomaru Garden
- Matsuyama Full-Day Private Trip
- Naoshima Art Island Day Tour by E-Bike
- Full-Day Kagawa Photography Tour
- Motomachi Private Puppet Theatre Activity
- Kochi Castle, Shrine & Hirome Market Half-Day Tour
- Guided Canyoning Tour in Niyodogawa Gorge
- Ozu Private Customisable Full-Day Tour
Secure this bucket-list trip for your clients today with a deposit of just £125pp.
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