Get trendy with pop culture around the island of Shikoku and Osaka with this itinerary – as approved by 4 super-trendy fashion influencers!

Day 1 to 2: Pay homage to famous Japanese cartoon icons and take a boat over majestic whirlpools.

Links to the rest of this itinerary series:

Day 3 to 4: Bask in autumn foliage at a scenic gorge and wind down at Dogo Onsen, the inspiration for Spirited Away
Day 5 to 6: Stand in the skies above the Osaka cityscape, and visit a Shinto Shrine with a majestic green dragon

DAY 1: Crayon Shin-chan Adventure Park

Crayon Shin-chan Adventure Park is an fun attachment to Nijigen no Mori, a new sensation theme park on Awaji Island of Hyogo. The special area is based on the popular Japanese manga and anime series, Crayon Shin-chan, where you can experience the world of its titular main character. Especially popular with families, children can play in a kindergarten setting from the show, while even older teens will find the huge themed adventure playground challengingly fun. Eexclusive Crayon Shin-chan merchandise and Shin-chan themed arcade games are also available.

Nojima Fault Memorial Park

The Nojima Fault Preservation Museum is a museum dedicated to the study and preservation of the Nojima Fault, a geological fault that runs through the city of Kobe, Japan. Located in the Hyogo Prefecture, it serves as an educational center for visitors interested in understanding how Japan leads in handling natural disasters. The museum's exhibits showcase the history of the Nojima Fault and its activity over time, as well as lessons learnt from the devastating earthquake that occurred from its movement back in 1995. Interactive displays, models, and photographs are sure to pique the interest of even non-enthusiasts.

Awaji Hello Kitty

"HELLO KITTY SMILE" of Awaji Island is an entirely Hello Kitty-themed complex facility. Other than the highlight underwater palace-themed exhibition "Otome Ryugu Castle" (where visitors can score their next Instagrammable profile picture against a wall of Hello Kitty plushies bathed in funky projection mapping), the facility also boasts a restaurant and hotel decked out with cute themed menus, furniture and decorations.
The complex faces the ocean and is impossible to miss from afar with its iconic 11-meter high, 14-meter-wide giant white Hello Kitty head sitting on its roof.

DAY 2: Gupo・Whirlpool Sightseeing Boat

Gupo・Whirlpool Sightseeing Boat is a popular attraction in Naruto City, Japan involving a very exciting natural phenomenon.
On a whirlpool cruise, you get to pass very close to where tidal whirlpools (cooly dubbed the Naruto whirlpools) occur along the coast of the strait. Spring and autumn tides bring some of the most majestic views, as powerful whirlpools of this season can get up to 20 meters in diameter.
From the boat, you can also see the Kurushima-Kaikyo Bridge, which has three huge suspension bridges. The cruise is completely safe, but those who prefer to stay on land an op for a view from the Uzu-no-michi, a glass-floored bridge in the area suspended over the ocean.

Konpira Onsen

Konpira Hotspring Town in Kagawa Prefecture and its array of good old hot spring inns is known as one of Shikoku's leading hot spring resorts. The waters here have been used for rest and relaxation since the early Edo period. The town is made up of hotels and inns that offer hot springs. There is something for all walks of visitors, as you will find here anything from large family hotels to traditional luxury inns. Take your pick of either facilities with outdoor or private baths, or choose to simply rest your feet at foot hot springs after a day of exploring.

Kotohiragu Shrine

Also sometimes called Konpira-san, this very popular shrine in the middle of Mt. Kotohira is said to be the head of all other Kotohira and Konpira shrines in Japan. It is dedicated to the deity, Omonushi no Kami, a "god of the sea". Part of its fame is attributed to its iconic stone steps:785 in total towards Motomiya, the shrine’s main hall, and 1,368 up to Okusha, the inner shrine. On your journey up, there are also many important cultural properties to enjoy alongside cafes and souvenir shops. Congratulate yourself for making the hike by securing a Kofuku no Kiiroi Omamori, a yellow charm praying for happiness.