JAPAN UPDATES FROM JNTO KUALA LUMPUR OFFICE |
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Shikoku
A hidden gem in Japan
Shikoku, a lesser-known region located at the western part of Japan. It is the only major island which has no Shinkansen connection to Japan's main island (Honshu).
However, you can access the Shikoku region by domestic flights, ferries, buses and express trains.
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Shikoku has been chosen by Lonely Planet, the world's most popular travel guidebook, as one of the top 10 regions to travel in 2022.
There are 4 prefectures (Kagawa, Ehime, Kochi, Tokushima) in Shikoku, each of them has interesting and unique experiences for you to discover.
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Kagawa prefecture
(The Udon Prefecture)
~ Taste delicious udon in a unique way ~
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Kagawa prefecture is known as the "Udon Prefecture" among the Japanese. The locals are very fond of udon and it is said that a person living in Kagawa prefecture can eat up to 33kg of udon in a year!
The local udon in Kagawa prefecture is called "Sanuki Udon". It is well known for its thick noodle and chewy texture which is irresistibly delicious.
Take a look at some examples of Sanuki Udon dishes in Kagawa prefecture!
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Kamatama Udon
Fresh boiled udon noodles with fresh raw egg, seasoned with soy sauce or broth. One of the classic ways of serving Sanuki udon.
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Bukkake Udon
Thick broth poured over the fresh boiled udon noodles. A simple yet delicious way to enjoy Sanuki udon.
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Udon Taxi
An unique and novel way to taste different kinds of udon
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Udon taxi is a local taxi service unique to Kagawa prefecture, in which professional taxi drivers who know udon inside and out take you to various udon restaurants to taste different kinds of udon.
You can customize your udon route by telling your preferred restaurants or flovours.
The standard udon tour offers a choice of three courses ranging in length from 60 to 120 minutes!
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Photos credit: Kagawa Prefecture Tourism Association |
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Japan's Oldest Hot Spring Area in
Ehime Prefecture
(Dogo Onsen)
~ Inspired the famous Studio Ghibli film "Spirited Away" ~
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Dogo Onsen, one of Japan's oldest hot spring areas located in Matsuyama city, Ehime prefecture. The main building of Dogo Onsen is believed to have inspired the concept of the bath house in Studio Ghibli's animated fantasy film "Spirited Away". |
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The temperature of the hot spring is adjusted by mixing water from different hot spring sources.
There are a total of 18 hot spring sources in Dogo onsen area, each with different temperatures ranging from 20 to 55 degree Celcius.
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After a relaxing hot spring bath, how about tasting some famous local Japanese desserts (wagashi) in this area? |
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Matsuyama Tart
Looks like a Swiss roll but the fillings are yuzu flavoured red bean paste instead of whipped cream.
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Bot-chan Dango
Skewered rice cakes wrapped with bean pastes which are colored and flavoured by green tea, eggs and red beans.
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Mysterious turquoise blue river in
Kochi prefecture
(Niyodo River)
~ The locals make sure it stays the purest and clearest in Japan ~
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Niyodo River, a river that runs across Kochi prefecture and discharges into the Pacific Ocean. Its length is 124 kilometres, and the water creates different landscape as it flows down from an altitude of about 1,500 metres above sea level. |
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The water of Niyodo River is well known for its purity and turquoise blue colour under the sunlight. The best time to capture this beautiful vibrant colour is from November to March. The locals named this gorgeous colour as "Niyodo Blue" as none of the existing name can describe its beauty.
If you're worried about missing the best time to photograph the Niyodo Blue, don't!
You will still be able to witness the special blue colour throughout the year. Whenever you visit Kochi prefecture, Niyodo River is always ready to show you its magnificent Niyodo Blue.
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Photos credit: Visit Kochi Japan |
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Tokushima prefecture
(Naruto Whirlpools)
~ Largest whirlpools in Japan ~
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Tokushima prefecture, situated at the point where the Pacific Ocean and the Seto Inland Sea meet, is famous for its Naruto whirlpools scenery.
These tidal whirlpools are formed in Naruto strait, a channel between Naruto city in Tokushima and Awaji Island in Hyogo. Large amounts of sea water is moved into and out from the Seto Inland Sea by the tide twice a day.
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Due to the difference in the water level between the Pacific Ocean and the Seto Inland Sea, as well as the narrowness of the Naruto strait, water rushes through the strait at a speed of about 13~15km/h four times a day, creating large whirlpools up to 20 m in diameter. These whirlpools are said to be among the largest in the world. |
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Whirlpools sightseeing boats are available at Naruto city, Tokushima. It allows you to observe these powerful whirlpools from an extremely close distance.
For those who are not good with boats, there is another option for you too!
You are able to witness the huge spinning whirlpools right under your feet from 45m above the water level through the glass floor at the end of "Uzu no Michi", a walkway underneath the Onaruto Bridge which connects Tokushima with Awaji Island in Hyogo.
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Learn more about the Shikoku region! |
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