Exploring the Cultural Wonders of Shikoku Island

Finding Peace in Parks and Rice Terraces

Today was a day of exploration and immersion into the natural beauty that Shikoku Island has to offer. From scenic parks to stunning rice terraces, every moment was filled with awe and wonder. It's days like these that remind me why I love to travel, to experience new cultures and landscapes, and to share those experiences with all of you.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Joyfull Kochi Otsu Shop. It's always a pleasure to start the day with a traditional Japanese meal, and Joyfull didn't disappoint. It reminded me of the simple, nourishing meals Aisha makes back home in Toronto. Fuelled up, we set off to explore Aji Ryuozan Park.


Discover tranquility at Aji Ryuozan Park in Takamatsu, a lush retreat perfect for nature lovers and families seeking a peaceful escape.

Aji Ryuozan Park: Where Art Meets Nature

Aji Ryuozan Park is a gem that perfectly embodies the harmony between art and nature. As we drove up, the anticipation grew, and the park did not disappoint. The concept of the park is based on experiencing the scenery of Seto, interacting with nature, and playing with art.

The park features an observatory that doubles as a piece of art for the Setouchi International Art Festival, sculptures that blend seamlessly into the Seto landscape, and a memorial square surrounded by lush greenery. The views from the observatory were breathtaking. I could see the Seto Inland Sea stretching out before me, dotted with islands. It was a perfect spot for photography, and I snapped away, trying to capture the beauty of the scene.

The essence of travel is not just seeing new places, but experiencing them fully, connecting with their culture and nature.

As I wandered through the park, I was struck by how well the art installations were integrated into the landscape. They didn't feel out of place or intrusive; instead, they enhanced the natural beauty of the surroundings. It reminded me of some of the art installations we have in Toronto's parks, but with a distinctly Japanese sensibility.

Otoyo Yone Rice Terraces: A Step Back in Time

After spending a refreshing morning at Aji Ryuozan Park, we drove to Otoyo Yone Rice Terraces.


Experience the serene beauty of Otoyo Yone Rice Terraces in Kochi, Japan, where stunning landscapes meet rich cultural heritage.

This was an experience I had been eagerly anticipating, and it turned out to be even more spectacular than I had imagined. As we approached the terraces, the landscape transformed into a patchwork of vibrant green fields, cascading down the mountainside.

The Otoyo Yone Rice Terraces are a testament to the ingenuity and hard work of the local farmers who have cultivated these fields for generations. The terraces are not just a source of food; they are a vital part of the cultural heritage of the region. As I walked along the narrow paths between the terraces, I felt a sense of peace and tranquility wash over me.

The rice terraces are located in a mountainous town in Shikoku. This spot features a small Shinto shrine, Akiba Shrine, nestled amongst its rice terraces. The shrine is home to a majestic 500-year-old Ginkgo tree. The shrine and ancient tree offer a peaceful, spiritual atmosphere with an expansive view of the paddies and surrounding mountains.

It was easy to imagine life here centuries ago, with families working together to plant and harvest the rice. The terraced rice fields of Otoyo Town reflect the blue sky, clouds, and sunsets like mirrors. This place, where the traditional farming village life still lives, is the original scenery of Japan.

A Taste of Local Flavors

For lunch, we stopped at Amekaze Shokudo.


Discover authentic Japanese cuisine at Amekaze Shokudo, where delightful dishes meet stunning views of rice fields in Nankoku.

This restaurant is known for its Yoshoku, Japanese-style Western cuisine. I decided to try one of their set meals, which included a hamburger steak, miso soup, and rice. The hamburger steak was juicy and flavorful, and the miso soup was the perfect accompaniment. It was a comforting and satisfying meal that gave me a taste of local flavors.

Shopping at youme Town Tokushima

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

In the late afternoon, we decided to do some shopping at youme Town Tokushima. This large shopping mall has a wide variety of shops and restaurants, offering everything from fashion to souvenirs. It's the largest shopping facility in the area, boasting around 160 stores that cater to various needs. It was a great place to pick up some gifts for the family back home. Aisha always appreciates a thoughtful souvenir, and I was determined to find something special.

youme Town Tokushima is a family-friendly facility that provides many playground areas, popular character shopping carts, and kids' bathrooms to facilitate an easy shopping time for everyone. The mall features a diverse range of shops and restaurants. You can easily spend a whole day here.

Before leaving the mall, I stopped by the GODIVA store and picked up a box of chocolates. I know Aisha has a sweet tooth, and I couldn't resist getting her some of her favorite treats. Plus, I figured Ethan would enjoy them too.

Dinner at Kohanyu: A Culinary Delight

Discover Kohanyu in Kochi: A charming restaurant offering traditional Japanese cuisine and a cozy café atmosphere perfect for tourists.

For dinner, we dined at Kohanyu. This restaurant is a hidden gem located in Kami, Kochi. It offers a unique culinary experience that reflects the rich traditions of Japanese gastronomy. It was the perfect way to end a day of exploration and discovery.

The restaurant operates primarily during lunchtime, offering patrons the chance to enjoy their meals from 11 AM to 3 PM daily. The limited hours create an intimate dining environment, allowing guests to savor each bite without feeling rushed.

The menu showcases an array of dishes that highlight local ingredients and traditional cooking techniques, making it an ideal stop for food enthusiasts exploring the region. The chefs delight taste buds with their expertise and creativity. The restaurant has a wonderful sound system that allows you to listen to music such as artists' concerts and music after meals.

Looking Ahead

As I reflect on today's experiences, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to explore this beautiful island with my friends. Each day brings new adventures and discoveries, and I am excited to see what tomorrow holds. Tomorrow, we plan to visit Iwaya Falls and the Shikoku Automobile Museum. I'm also hoping we can check out Bar Kohno in the evening for a relaxing drink.

But for now, it's time to rest and recharge for another day of exploration. Goodnight from Shikoku Island!

The Awa Odori Festival is also taking place, but we will not be able to make it in time. The Awa Odori Festival in Tokushima is one of Japan's most famous summer dance festivals. It attracts almost 1.5 million tourists every year. It features traditional food, costumes, and a centuries-old traditional dance.