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

A Day of Culture and Chrome

Today was a whirlwind of art, automobiles, and appetites, all set against the backdrop of beautiful Shikoku Island. It’s amazing how much you can pack into a single day when you’re determined to soak up every last drop of a new experience. From world-renowned masterpieces to classic cars and local delicacies, Takamatsu delivered in spades.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Hattorikun. This wasn't just any breakfast; it was an experience. The atmosphere was buzzing with locals starting their day, and the food was simple, comforting, and utterly delicious. I opted for a traditional Japanese breakfast set, complete with grilled fish, miso soup, and perfectly steamed rice. It’s amazing how such simple ingredients can come together to create such a satisfying meal. Olivia went for the tamagoyaki (rolled omelette), which was sweet, fluffy, and cooked to perfection. Ethan, predictably, chose the onigiri (rice balls), devouring them in record time. Fully fuelled, we were ready to tackle the day's adventures.


Experience authentic Italian flavors at Hattorikun in Nankoku – where Italy meets Japan in every delicious bite.

Our first stop was the Otsuka Museum of Art. Now, I’ve seen a fair few art galleries in my time, but this place is something else. It’s not just a collection of paintings; it’s an immersive experience that takes you on a journey through the history of Western art. The museum boasts life-size ceramic reproductions of masterpieces from all over the world, and I must say, the scale of some of these works is truly breathtaking.


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.

From the moment we stepped inside, we were transported to another world. The sheer size of the place is staggering, with seemingly endless corridors leading to room after room filled with iconic works of art. We wandered through halls adorned with reproductions of everything from ancient murals to Renaissance masterpieces and modern marvels. I was particularly impressed by the recreation of the Sistine Chapel, which was awe-inspiring in its detail and grandeur. Olivia, with her librarian's eye for detail, was fascinated by the precision of the reproductions, while Ethan, surprisingly, was captivated by the sheer scale of the place. He spent a good hour wandering around the ancient Roman and Greek sections, snapping photos and peppering me with questions about the history of each piece.

I found myself particularly drawn to the Impressionist collection, with its vibrant colours and evocative depictions of light and shadow. Monet's Water Lilies were a particular highlight, their delicate brushstrokes and ethereal beauty transporting me to the gardens of Giverny. It was a surreal experience to stand before these iconic works, knowing that they were not the originals, yet feeling the same sense of awe and wonder that they must have inspired in countless visitors over the years.

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

After a morning spent immersed in the world of art, it was time for a change of pace. We hopped back in our rental car and headed to the Shikoku Automobile Museum. As a bloke who appreciates a good engine, I was eager to see what this place had to offer, and I wasn't disappointed. The museum is home to a fascinating collection of classic cars, from vintage Japanese models to iconic European sports cars. It’s a petrolhead’s dream come true.


Discover the rich automotive heritage of Japan at the Shikoku Automobile Museum, featuring unique exhibits and a diverse collection of vehicles.

The museum may be small, but it is packed with automotive gems. The collection included everything from meticulously restored vintage models to sleek sports cars and quirky microcars. I was particularly excited to see a Toyota 2000GT, a true icon of Japanese automotive design. Olivia, while not as enthusiastic about cars as I am, enjoyed admiring the sleek lines and stylish designs of the classic European models. Ethan, of course, was drawn to the fastest and flashiest cars on display, spending a good half-hour drooling over a vintage Porsche 911.

Wandering through the museum, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era of automotive design. These cars were more than just machines; they were works of art, each with its own unique character and personality. It was a reminder of a time when driving was an adventure, and cars were built to last. I even managed to bore Ethan with a few stories about my old Mini Cooper back in the UK, a car that, in my humble opinion, was a true classic.

By this point, we were all feeling rather peckish, so we decided to head into town for some lunch. After a bit of research, we settled on Munagin, a local restaurant known for its delicious Sanuki udon. Now, I’ve had udon before, but nothing quite like this. The noodles were thick, chewy, and perfectly cooked, and the broth was rich, flavourful, and utterly addictive. I opted for the classic kake udon, a simple dish of noodles in broth with a sprinkle of green onions and a dash of soy sauce. It was the perfect lunchtime pick-me-up, and it left me feeling satisfied but not overly full. Olivia went for the tempura udon, which came with a generous serving of crispy, golden-brown tempura. Ethan, predictably, chose the meat udon, devouring a mountain of noodles and beef in record time.


Experience the authentic taste of Japan at Munagin - a premier destination for unagi lovers in Nankoku.

After lunch, we decided to stretch our legs with a stroll through Takamatsu Central Shopping Street. This bustling arcade is home to a wide variety of shops, from traditional craft stores to trendy boutiques and everything in between. It’s a great place to soak up the local atmosphere and pick up a few souvenirs. The sun was beating down, but the arcade provided a welcome respite from the heat. We wandered along, browsing the shops and soaking up the vibrant atmosphere. Olivia, of course, was in her element, browsing the clothing stores and admiring the local crafts. Ethan, predictably, was more interested in the arcades and game centres, begging me to let him try his hand at the claw machines. I relented, and he managed to win a small plushie, which he proudly carried around for the rest of the day.


Explore the lively Takamatsu Central Shopping Street for a rich blend of shopping, dining, and local culture in the heart of Kagawa.

I was particularly interested in the local craft stores, which were filled with beautiful handmade items. I picked up a few small gifts for friends and family back home, including a set of hand-painted chopsticks and a traditional Japanese tea set. It’s always nice to bring back something unique and authentic from our travels, something that captures the essence of the place we’ve visited.

As evening approached, we made our way to Inonakanokawazu for dinner. This charming restaurant is known for its traditional Japanese cuisine and its warm, welcoming atmosphere. We were greeted by the friendly staff and shown to a private tatami room, where we settled in for a delicious meal. I opted for the kaiseki dinner, a multi-course feast of seasonal delicacies. Each dish was a work of art, beautifully presented and bursting with flavour. Olivia chose the sushi set, which was fresh, delicate, and utterly divine. Ethan, predictably, went for the tempura, which was light, crispy, and perfectly cooked.


Discover authentic Japanese flavors at Inonakanokawazu in Kami, Kochi – a true taste of tradition awaits you.

As we savoured our meal, we reflected on the day’s adventures. It had been a whirlwind of art, automobiles, and appetites, but it had also been a day of discovery, connection, and shared experiences. These are the moments that make travel so rewarding, the moments that create lasting memories and strengthen the bonds between us.

Tomorrow, we’re planning to explore some of the island’s more spiritual sites, with a visit to Umpenji Temple and a ride on the Bizan Ropeway. I’m also hoping to sneak in a visit to Bar Kohno for a taste of the local nightlife. Until then, it’s time for a good night’s sleep, ready for another day of adventure on Shikoku Island.

Before I sign off, I wanted to mention something I've been meaning to look into. As a craft beer enthusiast, I'm keen to explore the local breweries here in Shikoku. I've heard whispers of some fantastic small-scale operations producing unique and flavourful brews. I'm particularly intrigued by Blue Brew Taproom in Kochi Prefecture, which apparently uses pristine spring water from the Niyodo River. I might have to make a detour to check that out! Also, Rise & Win Brewing Co. sounds very interesting, especially since they apply recycling and sustainability initiatives to their craft beer brewing. I'll keep you all posted on my beery discoveries!