Takamatsu Area: Experience tradition and contemporary art on a three-day, two-night course

Day 1: why not take in the first morning light with a garden stroll? Even busy travelers can put their morning hours to good use.
If you visit in the morning, eat some okayu, or traditional rice porridge, as you gaze out at the garden scenery (reservations required) at Hanazono-tei. After 9 a.m., you can join a Japanese-style boat tour or visit the Kikugetsu-tei teahouse.

■ Sanuki Lacquerware Museum

With a craftsperson to guide you, paint designs using real lacquer. The lacquerware needs 1 week after painting to be ready, so you can ship your craft overseas and enjoy it when you get home.
(Estimated time: 90 min.)

■ Sanuki Kagari Temari Preservation Association

Try your hand at making kagari temari, embroidered balls that are Kagawa's traditional handicraft. The balls are characterized by a warm style, sewn with plant-dyed cotton thread. After the activity, you will be surprised by the skill that artisans need to make them!
(Estimated time: 90 min.)

The tabletop lava mountain, Mt. Yashima. At the summit, take in the city of Takamatsu and the many islands of the Seto Inland Sea from an observation deck, or visit Yashimaji Temple, one of the temples along the Shikoku Henro pilgrimage. Shikoku Mura (Shikoku Folk House Museum) at the base offers outdoor displays of folk houses and other buildings moved from every corner of Shikoku. Plus, don't miss the Shikoku Mura Gallery, designed by the architect Ando Tadao.

Day 2: Naoshima Island. One of the top sights here is architecture by Ando Tadao, such as the Benesse House Museum, Minamidera, Chichu Art Museum, Lee Ufan Museum, and the ANDO MUSEUM. Since Naoshima is in the Setonaikai National Park, blueprints incorporate nature and homes, and the blending of art and architecture is itself a work of art. Join a tour by Koebi-tai, a volunteer group that supports the Setouchi Triennale, to gain a deeper understanding of the artworks and understand the appeal of Naoshima even more.
(Estimated time: 1 day)

Koebi-tai Customized Tour Reservations: setouchitour@koebi.jp

Day 3: Teshima Island, the perfect size for circling by bicycle. Along with Naoshima, Teshima is known as an art island. Here, though, many artworks deal with the theme of life and death, letting you spend a more philosophical day. As you take in the nature and lifestyles of the people on the island, stop by the Teshima Art Museum, the Teshima Yokoo House, and Les Archives du Coeur. 
(Estimated time: half day or all day)

Koebi-tai Customized Tour Reservations: setouchitour@koebi.jp

★Further afield…

In Kobe, enjoy more architecture by Ando Tadao at the Hyogo Prefectural Art Museum. Or if the Teshima Yokoo House was up your alley, the Yokoo Tadanori Museum of Contemporary Art has works by the same artist!

©Natori Kazuo