“Pre-booked guided tours” require advance reservation. Please make your reservation at least one week in advance. After your reservation is made, the Kojima Tourism Guide Association will contact you to arrange the details of your tour. We currently offer the following tour itineraries as our main programs.
Former Nosaki family residence
We invite you to tour the former residence of Takezaemon Nozaki, known as the “Salt King of Japan.” This is a designated National Important Cultural Property. It was also used as a filming location for the NHK-BS drama “The Inugami Clan” and the film “Don’t Call It Mystery.“
Guide time | about 1 hour |
meeting place | Former Nosaki Residence Parking Lot |
Main guide courses | Information about the Former Nosaki Family Residence |
Walking around Shimotsui Town
“A Visit to the Port Town Where the Kitamaebune Ships Once Docked”
Discover the charming, old-fashioned atmosphere of this historic port town. Shimotsui, a port town that thrived during the Edo and Meiji periods thanks to the Kitamaebune ships, offers a delightful setting for a leisurely stroll, allowing you to imagine what life was like for its inhabitants in the past.
Guide time | Approximately 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes |
meeting place | Former Shimotsui Shipping Company bus parking lot |
Main guide courses | Madakana Bridge → Gion Shrine → Strolling through Shimotsui Town → Former Shimotsui Shipping Agency Building |
Washuzan
This is one of the most iconic scenic spots within the Seto-no-Umi National Park, which was the first national park designated in Japan. We will introduce you to the breathtaking scenery of the Seto Inland Sea, featuring its numerous islands and the majestic Seto-Ohashi Bridge.
Guide time | about 1 hour |
meeting place | Second observation deck (near the rest house) |
Main guide courses | Near the 2nd observation deck ⇒ Visitor Center |
Former railway line “Shimotsui Electric Railway” (Wind Path)
This guide will take you along the old railway line of the “Shimotsui Electric Railway,” which was famous for its narrow gauge tracks – now transformed into a scenic walking path called “Kaze no Michi” (Path of the Wind). From this path, you can enjoy beautiful views of the Seto Inland Sea and the magnificent Seto-Ohashi Bridge.
Guide time | about 2 hours |
meeting place | Former Shimotsui-Dentetsu Kojima Station |
Main guide courses | We will explore the route of the former Shimotsui Railway line (approximately 6 km in length). |
Exploring the ruins of Shimotsui Castle
“This is a castle ruin that offers a beautiful view of the Seto Inland Sea.”
Although it was a small castle, it was a magnificent one with a keep, and it had a short history, lasting only 36 years after its construction. From here, you can see the battlefields of the Shio-uchi naval forces and the Genpei War, among other historical sites.
Guide time | about 1 hour |
meeting place | Shimotsui Castle Ruins Parking Lot |
Main guide courses | Baba Gate → West Courtyard → Keep Terrace → Second Courtyard → Third Courtyard → Inner Courtyard |
Mount Ryuo-san hiking
After a 30-minute hike up the mountain trail from the foot of the mountain, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea and the Shikoku region beyond. We will take you to the “Torii Gate in the Sky,” a popular photo-worthy spot on social media.



Guide time | about 2 hours |
meeting place | Kojima Community Center |
Main guide courses | We will hike along the trail on Mount Ryōōzan, which is famous for its iconic torii gate perched high on the mountain. This hiking trail is also part of the 33 Kannon Temple Pilgrimage route. |
Jeans Street
Kojima, the birthplace of Japanese-made jeans, boasts a charming array of shops selling unique and stylish jeans. Originally a bustling shopping district from the Meiji to Showa eras, exploring the area allows you to discover charming, retro architecture reminiscent of the Taisho period. Here are some of the highlights to look out for.
Guide time | about 1 hour |
meeting place | Jeans Street Parking Lot |
Main guide courses | Exploring Jeans Street on foot |
Nihon Daiichi Kumano Shrine – Goryu Sonryu In Temple
It is said that the Nihon Daiichi Kumano Shrine was established in the 700s AD, when the sacred object of the Kumano Shrine in Kii Province was moved to Kojima. This shrine, along with Goryu Sonryu In Temple, the head temple of the Shugendo sect, has a long and rich history.
Guide time | about 1 hour |
meeting place | Nihon Daiichi Kumano Shrine Parking Lot |
Main guide courses | Nihon Daiichi Kumano Shrine – Goryu Sonryu In Temple |
Yuka Shrine Main Temple and Yugasan Rendai-ji Temple
During the Edo period, it was believed that making a pilgrimage to both the Kimbara Shrine in Sanuki and the Yogashima Temple would double the spiritual benefits, and this practice of “visiting both shrines” became widespread. Even today, many people still visit these sites seeking blessings and protection from misfortune.
Guide time | About 1 hour and 30 minutes |
meeting place | Rendaiji Temple Parking Lot 1 |
Main guide courses | Yuka Shrine Main Temple, Yugasan Rendai-ji Temple, and the surrounding area |
Jeans Museum & Village and Kojima School Uniform Museum
You can learn about the history of jeans and school uniforms.
Popular activities include making your own custom jeans and trying on different school uniform styles.

Guide time | about 1 hour |
meeting place | Betty Smith Parking Lot |
Main guide courses | We will visit the Jeans Museum and the School Uniform Museum. |
Oojigatake
This is a breathtaking scenic spot located within the Seto-no-Umi National Park. It features unique rock formations such as “Nikoniko Iwa” and “Ojisan Iwa” and offers panoramic views of the sparkling blue sea below and the Shikoku mountain range in the distance.
Guide time | about 1 hour |
meeting place | Oojigatake Parking Lot |
Main guide courses | This tour includes panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea from Ojigatake Mountain and a visit to the area’s unique rock formations. |