This is the main shrine of the Konpira Shrine group, but its construction date is not known. It hosts the Gods known as Oomononushi no Mikoto and Emperor Sutoku, and is particularly revered by fishermen and mariners, due to the temple Gods acting as protectors for those at sea. The shrine has enjoyed popularity due to its unique souvenir of a gold emblem being imprinted onto a circular trinket. The path up to the temple is long, with 1368 stone steps.
An Onsen built in 1997, situated in the western part of Kagawa prefecture, this is often a stop off spot for those visiting the shrine of Konpira Shrine. The local area is known for its special production of udon, with many restaurants serving unique types of udon noodle, as well as a Japanese sake museum built from a sake storage facility.※Credit:旅と温泉の無料写真素材 おんふぉと http://on-photo.com/
This is Shikoku's only nationally governed park, located in Kagawa prefecture. The park contains natural habitats for animals, a flower garden and an auto camping area. The area is particularly popular as a seasonal park as there are various varieties of flowers for all seasons, and for which there are seasonal festival events held regularly throughout the year.
This is a castle which was built in 1602 by Ikoma Chikamasa. It is one of Japan's 12 remaining castle towers, and is famous for being built on Japan's tallest castle stone hill of 66 meters, giving it the name of the "stone castle". Visitors can also see a wooden model of the castle which was originally created as a proposal submitted to the Edo Bakufu Shogunate.
This shrine hosts the Gods known as Ninigi no Mikoto, Ukemochi no KamiKonohano-sakuyahime no Mikoto, with the main shrine hall at the top of the 407 meter Mount Inazumi. Its construction date is known. From the top area (which is 270 steps up) visitors can see views of the whole of Kannonji Temple along with the Setouchi coast, which has given the shrine the alternate moniker of "The heavenly Torii gate". Night views are equally as stunning, drawing numerous photographers to the area regardless of the time of day.
This is a sandy beach facing the Setouchi coast in the western part of Kagawa prefecture. With its stunningly clear salt waters, it is known as the "heavenly mirror" as it is an ideal photo spot to take a picture of a landscape, with it faithfully reflected by the sea. This has made the area particularly popular for photographers, as well as holidaygoers who visit the area in the summer for beach and water activities.
This is a mountain that protrudes out into the Setouchi coast, located in Kagawa prefecture. The name originates from a Chinese legend, and there are five mountains named with the colors of red, yellow, blue, black and white, hence the name "Go-iro" which means "5 colors". The Shiromine Temple and Negoro Temple, which were recognized by the Japanese poet and author Kukai as one of the "88 holy places of Shikoku" is also nearby. The mountain and coastal area also give way to stunning views.
This is a famous park in Takamatsu city. With Mount Shiun in the background, there are 6 ponds and 13 man made mountain areas, which boasts 400 years of history. There are various seasonal flowers that bloom from the trees in this areas, making it a park that constantly changes with the seasons, and its sheer variety of flora has meant that it has become known as a park with a "new view with every step taken".
A 133m high mountain situated in Kurashiki City. Facing the Seto Inland Sea, it has an observation platform with views of the entire Great Seto bridge as well as numerous islands. It was named due to its resemblance to an eagle spreading its wings There is an ancient tomb between the middle of mountain and the summit which is a particular highlight.
This is a bridge in the west part of Tokushima prefecture that traverses a valley. It is said that when Minamoto clan built this bridge, it was made by tying several tree roots together, so that it could be severed at any time to be able to escape. The 42 meter bridge has various gaps in the flooring, making it quite the adrenaline rush.
This is an island in Kagawa prefecture, that is situated in the Setouchi coast. This island is in fact famous for art exhibits, and hosts many art museums and exhibits, such as the "pumpkin" exhibition of Kazuyo Kusama, and attracts many art enthusiasts from around the world.
A shrine whose construction date is unknown. The main shrine God is known as Ookibitsu no Mikoto, and was revered as the great shrine of the Kibikuni area (which included Okayama, Hiroshima and parts of other areas). Ashikaga Yoshimitsy, who instructed the construction of the shrine, is said to have used the "Hiyoku Irimoya Zukuri" style, which a traditional Japanese Shinto architectural style characterized by four dormer gables, two per lateral side, on the roof of a very large main shrine. The place was designated as a national treasure and is famous for its 398 meter long passageway It is also famous for being the setting of the legend of "Ura Taiji" featured in Japanese folt tale "Momotaro(The peach boy)".
This is one of Japan's three great parks, created in 1700 under the instruction of Ikeda Tsunamasa, as a representation of the "Genroku" culture of the Edo period(1603-1868). The garden has the "Enyotei" area as the center of the garden, where views of Okayama Castle and the surrounding area can be enjoyed. The park boasts an area of 133,000 square meters, with many amazing sites such as a Noh theatre stage, Mount Yuishin, a plum grove as well as Chishio forest.
This is a mountain in the Tokushima prefecture. The name comes from the fact that it resembles the shape of an eyebrow in any perspective from which it is viewed. The surrounding area has a park, ropeway and driveway facilities. The contrasting views of the sunset along with the Yoshino River make this a particularly attractive spot for visitors.
This is a road of 59.4 km connecting Hiroshima Onomichi City and Imabari City in Ehime prefecture. There are six large islands in the area, which is also known as "the Bridge art museum" as ten bridges are linked here. It is popular as a cycling road, and bicycles can be rented here.
This is a castle built in 1240 by Akiba Saburo Shigenobu. It is situated at the top of the 430 meter tall Mount Gagyu, and among Japan's remaining castle towers, is located at the highest location in Japan. During the battle of Bicchu in 1574, the large castle walls were built, and became a great fortress stronghold. During the months of October to April, it is possible to see the clouds below, giving it the alternate nickname of "The heavenly castle".
This is a castle built in 1601 by Yamauchi Katsutoyo. It is one of Japan's 12 remaining castle towers that has survived fire, earthquakes, and attacks, and the whole building still remains. There is also a castle park nearby that is free to enter, as well as a statue of Itagaki Taisuke, one of the key figures in the Meiji restoration, born in the local area.
This is an island of Hiroshima in the Seto Inland Sea. It is famous as the only island that is home to a factory producing poisonous gases, and is home to around 700 rabbits that had previously been used for scientific experiments. It is a well known tour spot with plentiful facilities including a camping area, leisure facilities and onsen.
A bridge that connects Naruto city and South Awaji city, it is a swirling lake area that spreads from the Naruto strait. The water swirls here can reach sizes of up to 30 meters, which is said to be one of the largest in the world.
This is a shrine that allowed Mount Ishizuchi to be considered a holy mountain, in 685 AD. It is one of Japan's seven worshipped mountains, with Ishizuchihiko no Mikoto as the shrine God. It is also the shrine set at the highest altitude is west Japan, at 1,982 meters. In particular, there is a very steep part of the hill, for 230 meters, where it can be only climbed by using the chain, which provides an intense experience that taps into the survival instincts.
This is a coastal area in the southern part of Kochi prefecture. The area is famous for the statue of Sakamoto Ryoma, of the Tosa clan, a heroic figure, whose statue which gazes over the pacific ocean appears to be recalling the hero's great tales. It is also known as an ideal area to view the moon.