The Naruto Strait tidal whirlpools are caused by the twice-daily difference in water level between the Seto Inland Sea and the Pacific Ocean, generating one of the world's strongest tidal currents. Individual eddies can reach 20 metres across; flow speeds top out at 13–15 knots (about 25 km/h). Two viewing options: the Uzunomichi glass-floored walkway below Onaruto Bridge (¥450), and the sightseeing boats that circle the whirlpools at close range (¥1,600–¥2,200 for adults). Whirlpool size is highly dependent on tidal conditions — spring tides around new and full moon produce the most impressive displays.

Opened in 1998, this is the world's first museum to exhibit full-scale ceramic reproductions of more than 1,000 Western masterworks from 190-plus museums in 26 countries. The Sistine Chapel ceiling, the Mona Lisa, Guernica, and Monet's Water Lilies are all here — and because these are high-fidelity reproductions, you can photograph them freely from any angle. The exhibition spans five floors (basement 3 to floor 2) covering approximately 29,412 square metres; walking the entire circuit is roughly 4 kilometres. Plan for at least three hours; art lovers should allow a full day. Admission ¥3,300 (adults). The on-site restaurant is convenient but crowded at noon.

A performance and exhibition centre dedicated to Awa Odori, Tokushima's signature festival dance. Professional performers from the Awa Odori Promotion Association stage live shows three to four times daily year-round. The building covers basement 1 to floor 5, with displays on the history, costumes, and instruments of the dance. The Awa Odori festival itself — held each year on 12–15 August in Tokushima city — has more than 400 years of history and draws around one million spectators. A ropeway from the building's roof leads up to the summit of Bizan Hill, offering panoramic views over Tokushima and the Yoshino River. Show admission ¥840.

Enshrined on Mt. Zozu in Kotohira-cho, Kagawa, Kotohiragu is a seafarers' guardian shrine with roughly 3,000 years of history. The main shrine (Gohonsha) sits at the top of 785 stone steps; the inner shrine (Okusha) requires a further 583 steps, reaching step 1,368 in total. The stone steps are steeper in places than they appear — allow 30–40 minutes each way for the main shrine. Five vendors known as the 'Gonin Byakusho' sell sweet candy along the approach; bringing your own food and drink beyond that point is not permitted. Walking sticks are available to borrow at the base (return on the way down). Admission to the treasure hall and shoin (including the ema hall) ¥800.

Designed over roughly a century by successive Takamatsu domain lords of the Matsudaira clan, Ritsurin Garden was designated a National Special Place of Scenic Beauty in 1953. The grounds stretch 1.6 km north to south and 900 m east to west, arranged around six ponds and thirteen artificial hills in a strolling-style (kaiyushiki) layout that frames the borrowed scenery of Mt. Shiun beyond. The garden has received prominent international recognition for its design. Autumn foliage and spring cherry blossoms draw the largest crowds. Admission ¥430. Opening hours vary seasonally (sunrise to sunset).

Kagawa Prefecture has the highest per-capita udon consumption in Japan, and its self-service (serufu) style is unlike anywhere else: customers choose their own toppings, pick up tempura from a display case, and ladle broth themselves — all for around ¥300–500 a bowl. Takamatsu has many popular spots including Udon Baka Ichidai and Merikenya. The legendary Gamo (Sakaide City) is beloved by locals and often sells out by mid-morning — aim to arrive by 10:00. For a more forgiving schedule, central Takamatsu shops typically stay open well into the afternoon.

Construction began under Kato Yoshiaki in 1602 (Keicho 7) and was completed in 1627 (Kan'ei 4). It is one of Japan's twelve surviving original castle towers (genson tenshu) and a National Important Cultural Property. The castle sits on the 132-metre summit of Shiroyama (Katsuyama), accessible by ropeway (round trip ¥520), chair lift, or on foot. The view from the keep encompasses central Matsuyama and the Seto Inland Sea. Matsuyama has strong literary associations: the haiku poet Masaoka Shiki and the novelist Natsume Soseki both lived here; brothers Saneyuki and Yoshifuru Akiyama, who played key roles in the Russo-Japanese War, were also Matsuyama natives.

One of Japan's oldest hot-spring resorts, with records stretching back more than 3,000 years. The Dogo Onsen Honkan, built in 1894 (Meiji 27), is a National Important Cultural Property and is famous as the setting for Natsume Soseki's novel Botchan; the room associated with the story (Botchan no Ma) is open for viewing. The Honkan is undergoing major preservation work (completion expected late 2024), with some areas restricted, but the adjacent Asuka-no-Yu and Tsubaki-no-Yu facilities offer the same hot-spring water. The shopping arcade around the baths sells Dogo Beer, mandarin orange juice, and Botchan dango sweets — ideal for a stroll in a yukata.

A crescent-shaped beach tucked between the capes of Ryuto and Ryuo on Kochi's Pacific coast, known for its dramatic seascape and the large bronze statue of Ryoma Sakamoto (approximately 5.3 m tall) that watches over it. The sand is too shallow and the surf too powerful for swimming, but the beach is ideal for a walk and for photographs. A seasonal paid platform beside the statue lets visitors stand at Ryoma's height for a memorable photo. The adjacent Katsurahama Aquarium (admission ¥1,350) showcases local marine life.

Construction began under Yamanouchi Kazutoyo in 1601 (Keicho 6), and the castle was rebuilt and completed in 1753 (Horeki 3) after a fire. It is the only castle among Japan's twelve surviving original towers where both the main tower (tenshu) and the inner bailey palace (Kaitoku-kan) remain standing. The Otemon gatehouse, built in 1664 (Kanbun 4), is a National Important Cultural Property. The covered veranda (kaien) and its balustrade on the top floor of the keep are a rare feature shared only with Inuyama Castle in Aichi. Open 9:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30). Admission ¥420. The adjacent Kochi Castle History Museum holds some 67,000 items from the Tosa domain's Yamanouchi family, including national treasures.

Located just east of Kochi Castle, Hirome Ichiba is a lively indoor market of local restaurants and souvenir stalls that functions as Kochi's communal dining room. Open year-round from morning to evening. Stalls such as Yairo-tei and Myojin-maru serve Kochi's signature straw-seared katsuo tataki — bonito quickly seared over burning rice straw, leaving the flesh almost raw inside. The local way to eat it is with garlic slices, green onion, and sea salt (shio tataki), a style worth trying before reaching for the ponzu. One plate runs ¥1,200–¥1,800. The Sunday Market (Nichiyoichi), held every Sunday near Kochi Castle, offers local produce and crafts.

よかったという声が多い点

Visitors who time their trip to catch the Naruto whirlpools on a spring tide consistently describe the sight as more dramatic in person than in photographs — 'the roar of the current was something I hadn't expected' is a common sentiment. Dogo Onsen earns praise for its unhurried, unpretentious atmosphere: 'unlike the polished resort feel of other onsen towns, Dogo has a lived-in warmth' appears repeatedly in reviews. Many visitors cite climbing all 785 steps of Konpirasan as their single most memorable moment of the trip. And on Sanuki udon: 'the noodles I ate in Kagawa were a completely different creature from what I'd had in Tokyo — the chewiness was on another level' captures a reaction shared by nearly every first-time visitor.

期待と違ったという声

The most frequent frustration is the sheer distance between sights within a single day, particularly in Kochi and between prefectures. 'Three nights and four days sounds like plenty, but with driving time it felt rushed' comes up in multiple reviews. The Otsuka International Art Museum draws a specific complaint: at ¥3,300 admission, visitors often feel pressure to see everything — 'I tried to walk the whole 4 km and was exhausted before I'd finished half' is a common outcome. On Dogo Onsen Honkan: 'I was looking forward to photographing the historic building, but the scaffolding was still up and spoiled the exterior shots' — check the official site for the latest status before your trip.