Shikoku offers unforgettable memories through its nature and tradition

the Pacific Ocean at the Ashizuri area

Some of the stone steps at Kotohira Shrine

Here's one examples of a tour all around Shikoku:

In Kagawa Pref., the Ritsurin Japanese Garden and Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum should not be missed. Kotohira Shrine, which transformed itself into a pure shrine at the beginning of Meiji, was fun too but you have to tolerate 785 stone steps to the main shrine building (but there's a way to skip the first 365 by taking a taxi). You are welcome to hike up another 583 steps to visit the inner shrine. It's a challenge but you will have a feeling of conquering and achievement. The view you command after the hike will refresh yourself.

Then in Tokushima, you've gotta try crossing the vine suspension bridge. See the Yoshino River below. While reaching the vine bridge, you will enjoy looking at the gorge and rustic setting surrounding it. Another destination I fully recommend is Tairyu-ji temple which involves a dynamic aerial cable ride. The temple stands on top of the mountains. You will see pilgrims, whether they are serious or casual, visiting the Shikoku 88 temples on the looped route in Shikoku.

In Kochi, you should not miss the places associated with Ryoma and John Mung (John Manjiro or Nakahama Manjiro). They are inspiring and represent the Kochi spirit. Katsurahama beach is easy to go and good to take a walk but never go near the water. Once in a blue moon, unexpectedly violent waves would come and take you into the water. Ashizuri Misaki, though quite far from central Kochi, offers you some inspiration. Kongofuku-ji temple, one of the 88 temples on the pilgrimage route, is a must to visit. They have a garden with fabulous stones and rather interesting items including limestone pillars. Also Kochi Castle is authentic and walking up to the central citadel gives you a lot of photo opportunities and encounter with intriguing items on the castle buildings such as Ninja blockers. Kochi has a beautiful river called Shimanto. Several companies offer river cruises. Or if you are a biker, try riding a bike along the river for some distance.

Finally in Ehime, you have to bathe at the Dogo Onsen public bathhouse. If you are too timid, do not despair. Try a guided tour inside (but in Japanese). You will see the imperial quarters of the whole complex and glimpses into visitors chilling in the lounge. Matsuyama Castle is also good. Shikoku has four old castles from the Edo period which retain their original castle towers. Kochi and Matsuyama castles are major two.

There's more Shikoku has to offer: indigo dying experience will be one of them and you can bring back your dyed T-shirt or something; local food should not be missed; different kinds of natural beauties will be appreciated depending on where you are in Shikoku; combinations of the Seto Inland Sea and the Pacific Ocean, and the Yoshino River and Shimanto River expand your natural experiences in Shikoku.

The artistic islands of Naoshima, Teshima, Inujima, and others in the Seto Inland Sea are the places you should definitely go. You can make a great tour covering these islands, Okayama, Hiroshima, and Shikoku. It will be a grand tour, away from the golden tour route Japan beginners would not like to miss.

It's a beautiful country, Japan is.  

Trail at Ashizuri Misaki lined by primeval camellia trees

Dogo Onsen public bathhouse is fun

Here's a picture of the famed Dogo Onsen bathhouse built in 1894. The photo shows the present rear of the building. The three-layered gables on the right were part of the building once exclusively for the imperial visit. Presently the imperial members stay and bathe at hotels and the imperial chamber of the bathhouse is not used anymore but the bathhouse offers a guided tour to this chamber. There's a vantage point where a great photo of the whole bathhouse including the statue of a white heron on top of the highest roof, which is not visible in this picture, can be taken. Well just go there and walk around. I wish you could find that spot!
There's a good ice cream shop in the shopping arcade, named Dolce. Their citrus sorbet is so good.

Blessing from the garden

One of the large round eggplants growing in the home garden. All this summer and at present too, regular crop of this plant has been enjoyed. Veggies for daily meals right from the garden is simply gorgeous and gives you quality life. But I am not the one to take care of them but cook and eat them for the family. I love the eating part !

Katsura hama beach

Katsura hama

The beach is a great place for moon viewing. Part of the TV program, Ryomaden (the story of Ryoma), was taken here. Kochi has always owed a lot to this romantic figure. Making up 2% of Kochi Prefecture's gross production and 40.9 billion JPY nation-wide, the economic effect of the drama Ryomaden was huge.

vine suspension bridge full of suspense!

Biwa-no-Taki

Try crossing the bridge. Some sensation you can feel. The fall nearby - the Fall of Biwa or lute-like musical instrument - had gushing water after the typhoon rainfall.

Kazura Bashi

Breathe deep at Ashizuri Misaki

I was there the day after the typhoon affected the area. One beautiful day. What a blessing.

The cape has interesting trails. It is also noted for primeval camellia forests. They come into bloom in February.

natural camellia tunnel

Kongofuku-ji, 38th temple on the Shikoku looped pilgrimage route

main hall of the temple called Kongofuku-ji

the garden with spectacular locks

This temple stands on Ashizuri Misaki, a cape which sours at the southernmost tip of Shikoku island, the smallest island of the four major islands of Japan. Its flora is subtropical, reflecting the area's climate. The temple has been going through a major renovation and the grand garden has almost been completed. Besides the garden and trees, the temple displays interesting items including limestone! The distance between this temple and the 37th temple is about 80 km, the longest span of all the spans between the 88 pilgrimage temples. Kochi has 16 of such temples and the distances between them are rather long so simple accommodations free of charge are set up at appropriate places for pilgrims. Shikoku's character has been fostered with these temples and hospitality people extended to the pilgrims and visitors. Together with the observation platform where the stretching Pacific Ocean is seen and the trail along the cape, the tour to Ashizuri gives you an inspiring experience.

approach to the temple