Ryokans & Archipel : Tokyo, Takamatsu & Shodoshima - Japon

The Spirit of the Journey: Tokyo is the capital of Japan and one of the largest urban areas in the world. Tokyo serves as Japan's financial hub and is a fusion of cutting-edge technology and tradition. Tokyo is vast and a well-structured modern city. The cityscape of Tokyo is composed of temples and shrines, serene nature reserves, historical structures, futuristic architecture, and neon lights. The heart of the city encompasses Chiyoda and Chuo. This region boasts the magnificent Imperial Palace, the national government buildings, the renowned shopping district of Ginza, Tsukiji fish market, Akihabara electronics market, and the historic Tokyo Station. The peaceful neighborhood of Asakusa offers must-see attractions like the Sensoji Temple, the Nakamise-dōri shopping arcade, and the Golden Poo. Close by is the Ueno area, which includes the Ameyoko market. It's an ideal place to shop for traditional gifts and visit a significant Buddhist temple. Another key attraction of the city is the Meiji Shrine, situated in Shibuya. Tokyo is a distinctive city that offers something for everyone, bustling shopping districts, famous nightlife, historical landmarks, tranquil parks, and stunning scenery.

The Spirit of the Journey: Takamatsu is a major port city on the Seto Inland Sea in central Kagawa Prefecture on the island of Shikoku, Japan, and serves as the prefectural capital. Designated a core city by the Japanese government, it is the closest port on Shikoku to the main island of Honshu, a position that helped it flourish as a castle town under the Takamatsu domain during the Edo period. Today, Takamatsu is an important regional business hub, with a high concentration of national corporations’ branch offices and most of Shikoku’s national government branch offices. The city’s original castle tower, once its symbol, was destroyed in the Meiji period. In 2004, the modern Symbol Tower was completed in the Sunport waterfront district, becoming the city’s new landmark and tallest building, standing next to another prominent high-rise, the JR Clement Hotel, also part of the Sunport complex.

The Spirit of the Journey: Shodoshima, a tranquil island in Japan’s Seto Inland Sea, blends Mediterranean charm with classic Japanese scenery. Known for its olive groves, terraced rice fields, and dramatic coastline, the island offers a slower pace that’s perfect for travelers looking to escape the bustle of Osaka, Kobe, or Okayama. Ferries connect Shodoshima to several mainland ports, and once you arrive, a network of buses and rental cars makes it easy to explore its winding coastal roads and hidden valleys. One of the island’s highlights is Kankakei Gorge, ranked among Japan’s most beautiful gorges. A ropeway glides over rugged cliffs and dense forest, offering panoramic views that are spectacular in autumn when the leaves turn vivid red and gold. At the top, short hiking trails lead to viewpoints where you can see the sea dotted with small islands. It’s an easy half-day trip that combines light adventure with truly memorable scenery. Shodoshima’s Mediterranean image comes from its thriving olive industry. The Olive Park, with its windmills, whitewashed buildings, and hillside groves, is both photogenic and educational. Visitors can sample local olive oil, soft-serve ice cream flavored with olives, and olive-infused cosmetics, or simply wander the grounds with views over the calm inland sea. Nearby, quiet beaches and small fishing ports show a more traditional side of island life, especially at sunset. Culture lovers will appreciate the island’s role in the Setouchi Triennale, a contemporary art festival that scatters installations and sculptures across Shodoshima and neighboring islands. Even outside festival years, many artworks remain on display, blending modern art with rural landscapes and abandoned schools or factories. Combined with local soy sauce breweries—some open for tours—temples, and rustic guesthouses, Shodoshima offers a rich, multifaceted experience that rewards those willing to slow down and explore.