Introduction to Autumn Colours 2024 in Shikoku Region’s Onsen Resorts – with information about the best time to view fall foliage in different regions

Photo: Mount Ishizuchi & Ishizuchi Skyline

Shikoku Region

Note: 

1. This article introduces the best time to view the foliage in each area’s onsen resorts, as well as a number of selected ryokans in each onsen area.

2. The best time to view fall colours listed here is based on open information published in Japan.（Survey date: November 19, 2024） Influenced by the weather and other natural factors, the actual period when autumnal leaf colouration meets its peak might be a little bit different from our prediction.

Oboke & Koboke（大歩危･小歩危）[ Map ]

Best time to view fall foliage

Late November

Access

One hour 45 minutes by JR Limited Express from Okayama Station to Oboke Station, then 5 minutes by taxi

Vine Bridge in the Iya Valle (Kazurabashi Bridge)（祖谷のかずら橋）[ Map ]

Best time to view fall foliage

Late November to early December

Access

One hour 45 minutes by JR Limited Express from Okayama Station to Oboke Station, then 25 minutes by bus to Kazurabashi and 5-min walk from there

Iya Valle (Hinoji Valley, The Peeing Boy)＜祖谷渓（ひの字渓谷・小便小僧）＞[ Map ]

Best time to view fall foliage

Late November to early December

Access

One hour 45 minutes by JR Limited Express from Okayama Station to Oboke Station, then 20 minutes by taxi

List of Ryokans in Naruto Onsen

List of Ryokans in Oboke-Iya Onsen

Ritsurin Garden（特別名勝 栗林公園）[ Map ]

Best time to view fall foliage

Late November to early December

Access

5 minutes by JR Kotoku Line from Takamatsu Station to Ritsurin Station, then 15 minutes on foot

Kotohiragu Shrine（金刀比羅宮）[ Map ]

Best time to view fall foliage

Late November to early December

Access

(1) One hour by JR Limited Express from Okayama Station to Kotohira Station, or
(2) 50 minutes by bus from Takamatsu Airport to Kotohira Station, then 15 minutes on foot

Umpenji Ropeway（雲辺寺ロープウェイ）[ Map ]

Best time to view fall foliage

Early to mid-November

Access

(1) One hour 5 min by JR Limited Express from Okayama Station to Kan’onji Station, or
(2) 15 minutes by JR Dosan Line from Kotohira Station (Konpira Onsen) to Tadotsu Station, then 30 minutes by JR Yosan Line to Kan’onji Station and 25-min taxi ride from there

List of Ryokans in Takamatsu Onsen

List of Ryokans in Konpira Onsen

Matsuyama Castle（松山城）[ Map ]

Best time to view fall foliage

Late November to early December

Access

(1) Two hours 50 min by JR Limited Express from Okayama Station to Matsuyama Station, then 12 minutes by Botchan Train to Okaido Station,
(2) 30 minutes by Airport limousine (Bound for Dogo Onsen) from Matsuyama Airport to Okaido Station, or
(3) 10 minutes by Botchan Train from Dogo Onsen Station to Okaido Station, and 5-min walk from there

Mount Ishizuchi & Ishizuchi Skyline（石鎚山・石鎚スカイライン）[ Map ]

Best time to view fall foliage

Mid-October to early November

Access

(1) Two hours 50 minutes by JR Limited Express from Okayama Station to Matsuyama Station (Dogo Onsen), then approximately one hour 30 min by car
(2) Approximately one hour 30 min by car from Matsuyama Airport

Omogokei Gorge（面河渓）[ Map ]

Best time to view fall foliage

Mid-November

Access

(1) Two hours 50 minutes by JR Limited Express from Okayama Station to Matsuyama Station (Dogo Onsen), then approximately one hour 30 min by car
(2) Approximately one hour 30 min by car from Matsuyama Airport

Nakatsu Gorge（中津渓谷県立自然公園）[ Map ]

Best time to view fall foliage

Mid to late November

Access

(1) Two hours 40 minutes by JR Limited Express from Okayama Station to Kochi Station, then 30 minutes by JR Limited Express to Sakawa Station and 40-min bus ride to Nanokawa
(2) Approximately one hour 40 min by car from Dogo Onsen
(3) Approximately two hours by car from Oboke-Iya Onsen
(4) Approximately two hours 20 min by car from Shimanto River Onsen

Ozu (Ozu Castle, Furoan in Garyu Sanso)＜大洲（大洲城、臥龍山荘 不老庵）＞[ Map ]

Best time to view fall foliage

Late November

Access

(1) 15 minutes by Airport limousine from Matsuyama Airport to Matsuyama Station, or
(2) 25 minutes by Botchan Train from Dogo Onsen Station to Matsuyama Ekimae Station (near Matsuyama Station), then 35 minutes by JR Yosan Line to Iyo-Ozu Station and 5-min taxi ride from there.

List of Ryokans in Dogo Onsen