Shikoku Island
Trip Start
Aug 11, 2009
1
39
143
Trip End
Sep 30, 2010
Takamatsu, Shikoku, Japan
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Our first destination is Naruto (yes, Bevan does watch too much anime) too see the whirlpools that form in the channel on every tide change.
We also visit the secluded Iya valley where we take a tourist boat trip downriver and end up having the whole boat to ourselves. The guide still gives a non stop commentary in Japanese of which we understand two words - cold and fish.
The main attraction however are the vine bridges which have been here for centuries and are constructed out of flexible vines (its not literally the same bridge for centuries, they are rebuilt every 3 years for safety). One hell of a frightening way to cross the river as the vines are woven with foot sized holes along the walkway.
We decide not to take the sissy bus back, but instead stroll through the picturesque snow... until it starts snowing heavily and our clothes turn into icicles.
Last stop was Kanonji, which I think wins the largest sandcastle award - an ancient Japanese coin 350m across, the sculpture has been maintained here for hundreds of years.
