With lush mountains and rushing rivers found inland, Shikoku carries a spiritual air. Iya Valley, at the centre of the island, is the place to experience its intense natural beauty. Gorges cut through the foothills, making this a popular area for whitewater rafting, while traditional bridges woven from vines make for great photo-ops.

But in the cooler months, don’t miss the hot springs. There are several onsen in Iya, and the famed Hotel Iya Onsen has a bath facing directly into the valley. You have to take a funicular cable car down the hill to reach the onsen. Whether surrounded by the lush greens of summer, fiery hues of autumn or snow-flecked trees of winter, the experience of steeping in the hot water and facing nature’s bounty is otherworldly. No matter how many times you’ve sat in an outdoor bath in Japan, there is something that’s just a little more authentic and astonishing about Iya Onsen.