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While most of our guests visit us independently, several tour operators in the United States offer special packages that include stays at the Hotel Olivean. Here is a sample itinerary.
Click on the name of the operators at left to be linked to their website.
TOKYO AND KYOTO: THE "MUSTS!"
To visit Japan and not seeTokyo and Kyoto would be like visiting France and not seeing Paris, like visiting Britain and bypassing London. Tokyo, Japan's mesmerizing capital, is one of the world's most sophisticated and vibrant cities. Kyoto, Japan's ancient capital, survived World War II unscathed, and is a treasure trove of temples, palaces and gardens.
SHODOSHIMA ISLAND
SHIKOKU ISLAND AND TAKAMATSU
Shodoshima is a 30-minute high-speed ferry ride from Takamatsu, on Japan's Shikoku Island. Connected to the Japanese main island of Honshu by the extraordinary Seto Ohashi Bridge (one of the world's longest), there is much to see on Shikoku Island…from Takamatsu's magnificent Ritsurin Park, to Matsuyama Castle, to Heike Historical Museum and the glorious Kotohiragu Shrine.
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
DAY ONE
Arrive from Tokyo, Osaka or Kyoto at Takamatsu, capital of Shikoku Island. Take the 30-minute high-speed ferry ride through the calm waters of the Seto Inland Sea, to Shodoshima Island. Transfer to the luxurious Olivean Hotel, your resort-away-from-home. Tonight, choose from a multi-course Japanese dinner, or the freshest sushi and sashimi from the Inland Sea, or magnicifent gourmet French cuisine!
DAY TWO
After breakfast, morning touring includes the panorama of much of the island from Utsukushinohara Kogen - the Shihozashi observation platform. Continue to Mount Kankakei and descend the magnificent, 3-million-year-old gorge by cable car or on foot. On to Marukin Soy Sauce Historical Museum - a former factory, whose fascinating exhibits explain the complexities of producing soy sauce. Last stop is historic Nishinotaki Temple, with its views of the Inland Sea and Angel Road, an outcropping of beaches and mountains, covered half of every day by the waters of the Inland Sea. Afternoon at leisure. We suggest a delightful 2-hour walking tour to beautiful temples amidst glorious scenery. Tonight, a special treat: Sukiyaki dinner prepared by a host family in a private home's traditional tatami room - an unprecedented opportunity to experience real life in Japan!
DAY THREE
Breakfast. Day at leisure.
Optional tour of Shikoku Island: Visit glorious Ritsurin Park, with its ponds, hills and manicured gardens. Continue to Shikoku Mura - a vast park where guests can visit a dozen examples of authentic Japanese architecture, many hundreds of years old. Climb stone steps to ancient Kotohiragu Shrine, then learn to cook real Japanese noodles at the Nakano Udon School - once you graduate (you'll receive a certificate!), you'll have your product for lunch! A leisurely return to Shodoshima Island completes a magical day. [Tonight, stay on at the luxurious Hotel Olivean, or experience a night in the budget, Japanese-style Grand Hotel Suimei.]
DAY FOUR
After breakfast, transfer to Takamatsu Pier, and the continuation of your vacation.
OPTIONAL TWO-DAY TOUR TO MATSUYAMA
Our optional 2-Day tour to Shikoku Island's city of Matsuyama in Ehime Prefecture makes a delightful extension to your three days in Shodoshima. You'll stay overnight (dinner and breakfast included) in a real Japanese Inn (Ryokan) near the 3,000-year-old Dogo Hot Springs, and have plenty of time to sample the springs' curative waters. You'll also visit the 17th-century Matsuyama Castle, Yushinden Palace and the delightful Hojoen Garden, and you'll reach Matsuyama aboard the delightful Bocchan Train.
Option for Day 3: GRAND HOTEL SUIMEI
At the end of day 3, instead of returning to the Hotel Olivean, transfer to the budget Grand Hotel Suimei. This is an authentic Japanese-style hotel, complete with attractive Japanese-style rooms with tatami mats. You'll sleep tonight on a futon! Each guest room faces the calm waters of Tonosho Bay. The hotel has a pretty restaurant where lunch and dinner are served.
ANA Hallo Tours
JalPak
JTB USA
Kintetsu International
Nippon Travel Agency America
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