Naoshima art island: planning one day
You want the island with the famous museums, and do not want to arrive and find it closed.
Sights and local experiences
Uchiko and Ozu old towns on Shikoku
You have seen Kyoto and Tokyo, and you want a quiet town where nobody else is going.
Uchiko and Ozu are small old towns in Ehime Prefecture on Shikoku. They suit return visitors who want streets with few crowds, and they pair naturally with Matsuyama. This is a slow trip, so plan fewer sights and longer pauses.
Why visit small old towns?
After the main Kyoto and Tokyo sights, a small town shows daily Japanese life at a gentler speed. JNTO lists the Uchikoza Kabuki Theater in Uchiko and Ozu Castle in Ozu as attractions 1. Neither is a long visit, which is the point.
How do they fit with Matsuyama?
Matsuyama is the base that links them. It also has Dogo Onsen, which JNTO calls the oldest hot spring in Japan 1. A simple plan is one night in Matsuyama, one half-day in Uchiko, and one half-day in Ozu.
To get to Matsuyama, the Shiokaze Limited Express from Okayama takes about three hours, and flights from Tokyo take one hour and 20 minutes 2. Our Shikoku flights guide compares the options.
Who is this for?
It suits couples and return visitors who enjoy walking slowly and do not need a long list of attractions. It is a lighter fit for families with teenagers who want entertainment.
What should you plan around?
Rural timetables are thin. Read the rural bus and service gaps guide before you commit, and ask us about a taxi or driver for the awkward legs.
For food, small towns have limited choices, and Muslim-friendly options are scarce outside the big cities. We plan meals in advance.
What else pairs with this loop?
Add the art island in the Naoshima day guide, or the Iya Valley if you have time. The Shikoku for return visitors guide shows how these links form a full week.
If a slow Shikoku loop appeals, send us your dates and how long you have. We tell you whether Uchiko and Ozu fit, and how to link them to Matsuyama.
Keep planning
Iya Valley vine bridges: worth the transit?
You are curious about Shikoku's mountain bridges and want to know the journey before you commit.
Flying into Shikoku: Matsuyama or Takamatsu
Shikoku feels far from the usual routes, and you wonder how to reach it from Malaysia.
Shikoku: is it for a return trip
You have done the main Japan circuit and want somewhere slower, but you worry about getting around.
Shikoku, planned around your family
Shikoku feels quieter and less known, and you want to be sure the journey is worth it.
Okayama as a base for Shikoku and Naoshima
You want Naoshima art or a taste of Shikoku, and a base that does not tire you.
Questions travellers ask
Are Uchiko and Ozu worth the detour?
They are worth it if you like small towns, old buildings and an unhurried pace. They are not the choice for shopping or nightlife. JNTO lists the Uchikoza Kabuki Theater and Ozu Castle as highlights, and both suit a short stroll rather than a full day.
How do we get to Matsuyama first?
From Okayama the Shiokaze Limited Express takes about three hours, and flights from Tokyo take one hour and 20 minutes, according to JNTO. Matsuyama is the usual base, and we confirm the local train or bus onward to each town before your date.
Can we do it without a car?
Often yes, but timetables are thin in rural Shikoku, so a missed connection costs time. We check train and bus times for your dates and tell you when a taxi or driver is the simpler choice.
Sources
Figures are checked against these sources and dated so you can see how current they are.
- JNTO, Ehimeaccessed 2026-10-20
- Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), Ehimeaccessed 2026-10-20
Ready to shape your Japan trip?
Tell us your dates, who is travelling and what you hope to see. We will reply with ideas and a tailored quote.