Exploring the Cultural Wonders of Shikoku Island

A Day of Serenity and Speed

As our Shikoku adventure nears its end, I find myself reflecting on the incredible blend of nature, culture, and unexpected discoveries we've encountered. Today was no exception, offering a mix of tranquil beauty and roaring engines that perfectly encapsulates the diverse charm of this island. Join me as I recount our day exploring hidden waterfalls, revelling in automotive history, and savouring the local flavours of Kochi.

The morning began with a hearty breakfast at Hattorikun. It was quite a surprise to find an Italian restaurant in Kochi, but it came highly recommended, and the pasta was delicious. After fuelling up, we set off to find some natural beauty at Iwaya Falls.


Experience the enchanting beauty of Iwaya Falls in Kochi, a serene escape into Japan's natural wonders, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

 

Iwaya Falls: A Hidden Oasis

Iwaya Falls was a bit of a drive, but the journey was worth it. The falls are nestled in a serene, secluded spot, surrounded by lush greenery. The walk to the falls was peaceful, with the sound of the cascading water growing louder as we approached. It wasn't a huge waterfall, but the multiple tiers and the way the water tumbled down the rocks were mesmerizing. I took some photos, trying to capture the tranquility of the scene, but as always, the real thing was far more impressive.

 

Sometimes, the most rewarding experiences are found in the quiet corners of the world, away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

 

Shikoku Automobile Museum: A Collector's Dream

From the peaceful sounds of nature, we transitioned to the roar of engines at the Shikoku Automobile Museum.


Explore the Shikoku Automobile Museum in Konan, Kochi - a captivating journey through Japan's rich automotive history and vintage car collection. As someone who appreciates a good machine, I was really looking forward to this, and it didn't disappoint. The museum is a treasure trove of automotive history, with a collection of classic and rare cars from around the world.

 

The museum was founded by Ito-san, who established his Toyota Netz dealer network. His aim was regional revitalization, and he started with his Alfa Romeo TZ and TZ2, plus a Toyota 2000GT. Over the years, his collection grew and the museum became more popular.

 

There was a DeLorean DMC-12, a Back to the Future replica, which was a bizarre but cool addition. I was drawn to the rally cars, a nice selection from Group 4 to Group B. There was also a fantastic lineup of bikes. The museum isn't huge, but it makes up for its lack of size with quality.

 

It was fascinating to see the evolution of car design and technology over the years. I even spotted a one-off Cizeta Fenice TTJ Spider, built for Nakamichi Audio to demonstrate an in-car audio system. It's these kinds of unique finds that make a museum visit truly memorable. The friends enjoyed seeing the various race cars and classic cars.

 

A Taste of Kochi: Local Flavours and Nightlife

After a day of exploring, it was time to refuel. For lunch, we stopped at Inonakanokawazu.


Discover authentic Japanese flavors at Inonakanokawazu in Kami, Kochi – a true taste of tradition awaits you. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with traditional Japanese decor. The restaurant is celebrated for its focus on local ingredients and authentic cooking methods. We ordered a variety of dishes, including local seafood, grilled meats, and fresh vegetables. It was the perfect way to end a day of exploration and adventure.

 

As evening approached, we headed to Tataki Kobo.


Discover authentic flavors at Tataki Kobo in Kochi—a must-visit Japanese regional restaurant showcasing local culinary delights. for dinner. This charming regional restaurant is known for its traditional Japanese cuisine and local ingredients. Kochi is famous for its *katsuo no tataki* (seared bonito). The secret to the light texture comes from using fresh bonito and straw for the searing process.

 

We watched as the chef prepared the *tataki* right in front of us, searing the bonito over an open flame. The smoky flavour, combined with the fresh fish and tangy sauce, was an absolute delight. It was a true taste of Kochi, and I'm so glad we tried it.

 

To cap off the night, we decided to check out Bar Kohno.


Discover the vibrant nightlife of Tokushima at Bar Kohno, where excellent drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await., a local bar known for its extensive selection of cocktails and whiskies. It's been serving visitors for 24 years. The bartender was a true mixologist, crafting unique and delicious drinks. The bar has a selection of approximately 1,000 different whiskies.

 

I opted for a local citrus cocktail, while the friends tried some of the bar's signature whisky blends. The atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming, and we ended up chatting with some of the locals, sharing stories and laughs. It was the perfect way to wind down after a busy day, and a great reminder of the warm hospitality we've experienced throughout our time in Shikoku.

 

Final Thoughts on Day 14

As I sit here writing this, I'm struck by how much this island has to offer. From the serenity of Iwaya Falls to the excitement of the Shikoku Automobile Museum, and the culinary delights of Kochi, there's something for everyone here. And with just one day left, I'm determined to make the most of it. Tomorrow, we plan to visit the Statues of the Three Tosa Samurai and Kahokuno Natural Park, before heading back to Tokyo. I'm looking forward to exploring these final gems of Shikoku, and sharing my experiences with you all. Until then, *oyasumi nasai* (good night)!

 

It's been great to experience Shikoku with the friends. Being away from Aisha and Ethan is tough, but I know they're cheering me on from back home in Toronto. I can't wait to share all my stories and photos with them when I get back. I'm already planning our next family adventure!