Family Adventure on Shikoku Island: Exploring Japan's Hidden Gem

Adieu, Shikoku!

As our ten-day adventure on Shikoku Island draws to a close, I find myself filled with a bittersweet mix of emotions. There's a sense of accomplishment, having explored so much of this beautiful island, but also a pang of sadness that our time here is over. Today, our final day, was a perfect encapsulation of what made this trip so special: a blend of historical exploration and artistic immersion.

Our day began with a hearty Japanese breakfast at Joyfull Kochi Otsu Shop. It's a family restaurant, and Sofia loved the pancakes, while Hans and I opted for a more traditional Japanese breakfast set. It was a great way to fuel up for a day of exploring. It's funny, even though we're in Japan, Sofia still craves her familiar pancakes. It reminds me of our travels through Europe, where she always wanted pasta, no matter what country we were in!


Enjoy a diverse menu at Joyfull Kochi Otsu Shop, where family-friendly dining meets affordable prices in the heart of Kochi.

Our first stop was the statues of the Three Tosa Samurai near the Kochi Station. These statues commemorate Hanpeita Takechi, Sakamoto Ryoma, and Nakaoka Shintaro, three influential figures from the Tosa domain who played a crucial role in Japan's modernization. Standing before these bronze figures, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and respect for their dedication and sacrifice. I explained to Sofia who they were and their importance in Japanese history, which sparked a lot of questions. It's moments like these that make traveling with family so rewarding – seeing the world through her curious eyes. It was interesting to learn that the statues are popular photo spots for tourists.


Honor the Tosa Samurai: Bronze statues of Takechi Hanpeita, Sakamoto Ryoma, and Nakaoka Shintaro near Kochi Station, a gateway to Kochi's history.

Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.

After soaking in the historical atmosphere, we drove to the Otsuka Museum of Art in Tokushima. This museum is truly unique. It houses over 1,000 full-size ceramic reproductions of Western masterpieces, from ancient murals to modern paintings. Initially, I was skeptical. Could reproductions really capture the essence of the originals? But as I wandered through the museum's vast halls, I was completely won over.


Discover a world of art at the Otsuka Museum of Art, featuring stunning replicas of masterworks from the Western art tradition in scenic Naruto, Tokushima.

The sheer scale of the museum is impressive. We started in the basement and worked our way up, journeying through different eras of art history. The reproductions are incredibly detailed, and being able to see so many iconic works in one place was an overwhelming experience. Seeing a life-size recreation of the Sistine Chapel was breathtaking. I remember visiting the actual Sistine Chapel in Rome years ago, and this reproduction brought back all those awe-inspiring feelings. It's amazing how art can transcend time and place.

We spent hours wandering through the museum, admiring everything from Michelangelo's frescoes to Monet's Water Lilies. The museum even has a cafe inspired by Monet's garden in Giverny. We stopped for a coffee and a pastry, taking a moment to reflect on all the beauty we had witnessed. Hans, ever the pragmatist, was fascinated by the technology behind the ceramic reproductions. He kept marveling at how the colors would remain vibrant for over 2,000 years! Sofia, on the other hand, was drawn to the more whimsical pieces, like Van Gogh's sunflowers.

For lunch, we decided to try Burandoshoppuhapinesukochiten. It turned out to be a delightful little spot. I opted for one of their local specialties, while Hans enjoyed a hearty noodle dish. Sofia, predictably, chose something with chicken. It’s always a challenge finding something she likes, but she was happy, and that's all that matters.


Experience the charm of Kochi at Burandoshoppuhapinesukochiten, your destination for unique gifts and local crafts.

In the afternoon, we squeezed in some time for shopping at youme Town Tokushima. I was hoping to find a few last-minute souvenirs, and Sofia was on a mission to find the perfect Kit Kat flavor to bring back to her friends in Bonn. We managed to find some unique local crafts and, of course, an assortment of Kit Kats in flavors I'd never even imagined. It's always fun to see what quirky snacks are popular in different parts of the world.


Explore Youme Town Tokushima, a vibrant shopping mall offering a mix of retail, dining, and entertainment in the heart of Aizumi, Tokushima.

As the sun began to set, we made our way to Tosa Rokkon for our final dinner on Shikoku Island. This restaurant is known for its authentic Japanese cuisine and dedication to local ingredients. We indulged in a multi-course meal featuring fresh seafood, seasonal vegetables, and, of course, plenty of sake. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and the staff went out of their way to make us feel welcome. It was the perfect way to end our culinary journey through Shikoku.


Experience authentic Japanese cuisine at Tosa Rokkon in Kami, Kochi - where tradition meets flavor in every dish.

During dinner, Hans and I reminisced about our favorite moments from the trip. For me, it was the serene beauty of the Iya Valley and the spiritual experience of visiting the temples along the pilgrimage route. Hans loved exploring the coastal landscapes and learning about the island's history. And Sofia, of course, was thrilled by all the new foods she tried (even if she still preferred pancakes most of the time!). We spoke about the places that had left a mark on us, promising to return someday and delve deeper into the island's hidden corners.

As we prepare to leave Shikoku tomorrow, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences we've had and the memories we've made. This trip has been more than just a vacation; it's been a journey of discovery, connection, and growth. I feel a deeper appreciation for Japanese culture, a stronger bond with my family, and a renewed sense of wonder for the world around us. And although our time on Shikoku Island has come to an end, the lessons we've learned and the memories we've created will stay with us forever.

Before heading back to the hotel, we took a moment to look up at the stars, reflecting on our amazing journey and the new experiences that have enriched our lives. As we prepare to leave Japan and return to our daily routines in Bonn, I know that the memories of this trip will stay with us forever. The blend of historical exploration, artistic immersion, and family bonding has made this adventure on Shikoku Island truly unforgettable. We'll be taking a domestic flight from Shikoku Island to Tokyo before flying back home to Germany, filled with stories and souvenirs to share.

Thank you, Shikoku, for the adventure of a lifetime. Until next time, sayōnara!