Kojima Tourist Guide Association
“Encounter • Discovery • Inspiration”
– Walking with a guide makes familiar scenes become extraordinary –
Have you ever thought, “I want to know more,” or “Where should I go?” during your travels?
That’s exactly when a journey accompanied by a local expert guide can make all the difference.
1. Discover deeper charm
Explore the town through the eyes of a guide who knows its local history, culture, and legends—insights you won’t find in brochures or on the web. It will transform how you see the town.
2. Enjoy smoothly and efficiently
Even in places that are tricky to navigate or hard to find, you can avoid getting lost and enjoy a seamless experience with a guide.
3. Enrich your journey through people
Conversations with your guide can reveal local lifestyles and old tales, sparking unexpected laughter and touching moments.
4. Secure and stress-free support
Your guide can help with any small issues or questions during the tour—ideal for seniors and families traveling with children.
5．Inbound-friendly service
We have staff proficient in English to assist inbound travelers.
Traveling with a guide isn’t just about “seeing”—it’s about “feeling and learning deeply.”
This kind of journey can become a memory for a lifetime.
We would be delighted for you to experience it with us.
Guided by the Kojima Tourist Guide Association.
Reservation Tours (By Advance Booking)
Please reserve at least one week prior to your preferred date. After you apply, the Kojima Tourist Guide Association will contact you to discuss details. We currently offer the following core tour options, but are happy to accommodate other requests.
Tours marked with a star (☆) are also available in English.
☆ Former Nozaki Residence
The historic home built by the “Salt Field King,” Nozaki Busaeimon. It is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property and served as a setting in the NHK-BS drama The Inugami Family and the film Mystery to Iu Nakare.
☆ Washuzan (Washu Hill)
A representative scenic spot of the Setonaikai National Park—Japan’s first national park—featuring sweeping views of the Seto Inland Sea’s islands and the majestic Seto Ohashi Bridge.
Jeans Street
In Kojima—the birthplace of Japan’s domestic jeans industry—you’ll find numerous shops selling unique jeans. Stroll through this area once a bustling shopping street from the Meiji to Showa eras and enjoy discovering retro Taisho-era architecture.
Former railway line “Shimotsui Electric Railway” (Wind Path)
Walk along the path of the former narrow-gauge Shimotsui Electric Railway, enjoying the beautiful Inland Sea and the grandeur of the Seto Ohashi Bridge.
☆ Shimotsui Town Walk
Explore the nostalgic streets of the port town that prospered with Kitamaebune trading ships during the Edo to Meiji periods.
☆ Tour of the Shimotsui Castle Ruins
“A Castle Ruin Overlooking the Beautiful Seto Inland Sea”
Shimotsui Castle was a mountain castle built on a low hill overlooking the Seto Inland Sea.
Although it was relatively small in scale, it was a splendid castle complete with a main keep (tenshukaku).
Due to the “One Domain, One Castle” law issued after its construction, the castle had a short life of only 36 years.
From the site, you can enjoy sweeping views of historic battlefields, including those of the Shiwaku Navy and the Genpei War.
Within the castle grounds, you can also stroll along the Thirty-three Kannon Pilgrimage, making it a relaxing and culturally rich walking experience.
Climb Mount Ryuozan
A 30-minute trail from the foot of the mountain leads to a panoramic view of the Seto Inland Sea and even Shikoku beyond. You’ll also visit the now-iconic “Torii in the Sky,” a popular Instagram spot.
Japan’s First Kumano Shrine & Goryu Sonryuin
Said to have been founded in the 700s after transferring the sacred object from the Kumano Shrine in Kishu to Kojima. These historic sites remain connected to the grand roots of Shugendo (Japan’s mountain ascetic practice).
Yuga Shrine (Main Shrine) & Yuga-san Rendaiji Temple
Since the Edo period, visitors believed that worshiping both Kotohira in Sanuki (Konpira Shrine) and Yuga would double their benefits. Even today, many come seeking protection from misfortune.
Jeans Museum & Village and the Kojima Student Uniform Museum
Learn the history of jeans and school uniforms. Popular experiences include making your own original jeans and trying on school uniforms.
Mount Oujigatake
Another scenic highlight in Setonaikai National Park, where you can take in deep blue sea vistas and distant Shikoku mountain ranges. Unique rock formations such as “Niko Niko Iwa” (Smiley Rock) and “Ojisan Iwa” (Old Man Rock) dot the hiking trail.
“Catch Guides” (Saturdays & Sundays Only)
Subject to cancellation due to weather or association circumstances.
Our “Catch Guides” welcome visitors without advance reservation at locations such as Washuzan and the Former Nozaki Residence. Look for staff wearing red jackets (or vests/polo shirts) and hats wearing name tags. If a guide is available, please feel free to ask — though they may not always be able to respond when busy.
Washuzan (Washu Hill)
A representative scenic spot of the Setonaikai National Park—Japan’s first national park—featuring sweeping views of the Seto Inland Sea’s islands and the majestic Seto Ohashi Bridge.
Former Nozaki Residence
The historic home built by the “Salt Field King,” Nozaki Busaeimon. It is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property and served as a setting in the NHK-BS drama The Inugami Family and the film Mystery to Iu Nakare.
Inbound (Foreign Language) Tour Support
We have staff including native English speakers, language teachers, and those with international experience. For assistance in other languages, please arrange your own interpreter.
Please note: Currently, inbound services are available in English only.
【Request】
Currently, our inbound support is available in English only.
For visitors who speak other languages, we kindly ask that you arrange your own interpreter.
How to Request a Tour Guide
How to Request a Guide
We accept bookings for individuals, families, and small group tours. Please reserve at least one week in advance.
①Contact us via:
- The reservation banner on our website
- Phone: 086-474-4004
- Email: kojima.kankouguide@outlook.jp
②When making your reservation, please provide:
- Desired date, time, and location for the guide
- Number of participants
- Contact phone number of the group leader
③A staff member will follow up to confirm the tour details.
