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

A Day of Discovery in Kochi

Today was all about embracing the unexpected. We ventured into the depths of ancient caves, wandered through art-filled parks, and savored the local flavors of Kochi. It was a day that reminded me why I love traveling – the thrill of discovering something new around every corner.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Yuzuan Restaurant. Olivia, Ethan, and I were ready to start our adventures after a good night's sleep. The restaurant itself was quite quirky, with a newspaper for a menu. I opted for the Omurice, which came highly recommended, and it was indeed incredibly fluffy. Olivia enjoyed a traditional Japanese breakfast set, while Ethan went for something a little more familiar. I made a mental note to try and recreate the Omurice back home; it might be a good addition to my homebrewing blog, pairing it with a nice pale ale. It reminded me of the kind of places we used to find back in Truro – unpretentious and full of character.


Discover the essence of Kochi through authentic Japanese dishes at Yuzuan Restaurant—where every meal tells a story.

With our stomachs full, we headed to the Ryugado Museum. The museum provided a fascinating glimpse into the area's prehistoric past. I never thought I'd be so intrigued by pottery shards and earthenware vessels, but seeing artifacts from the Yayoi period really brought history to life. Ethan, surprisingly, was quite engaged, asking lots of questions about the people who once lived in the cave. I found myself imagining those early inhabitants seeking shelter in the very cave we were about to explore.


Discover the rich cultural heritage of Kochi at the Ryugado Museum, where history comes alive through captivating exhibits and local artistry.

The Ryugado Cave itself was a marvel. Walking through the dark, damp caverns, surrounded by towering stalactites and the gentle sound of flowing water, felt like stepping into another world. The standard route took us about an hour, and I must admit, there were a few spots where I had to watch my head. I could only imagine what it must have been like for those early humans making their homes in this cave. Olivia was fascinated by the cave's ecosystem, pointing out the various species of insects and bats that call it home. Ethan, of course, was hoping to spot a spooky creature, but he had to settle for bats. I was tempted to try the Adventure Course, which involves climbing ladders and crawling through narrow passageways, but Olivia gave me a look that clearly said, "Don't even think about it." Perhaps another time, when I'm not traveling with the family.

Sometimes, the greatest adventures are found in the most unexpected places.

After emerging from the depths of Ryugado, we decided to embrace the natural beauty of Aji Ryuozan Park. The park is located atop Mt. Ryuo in the Aji peninsula, offering stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea. The park's concept, "The park for playing with art," was immediately apparent as we wandered among the various stone sculptures that dotted the landscape. Ethan, who usually groans at the mention of art, actually seemed to enjoy exploring the park, climbing on the sculptures, and taking photos of the views. Olivia was in her element, admiring the way the art blended seamlessly with the natural surroundings.


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

I found myself particularly drawn to a sculpture that resembled a giant beer stein. It made me chuckle, and I couldn't resist taking a photo with it. I imagined filling it with a local craft beer and enjoying the view. Speaking of local, I learned that Aji is famous for its stone, Aji stone. It is also known as diamond granite. I made a mental note to look into getting a small Aji stone carving as a souvenir. The park was peaceful and serene, a perfect place to unwind after our cave exploration.

With the afternoon sun starting to dip, we realized we needed to get some shopping done. We headed over to the Suehiro Shopping Center, hoping to find some local crafts and souvenirs. The shopping center was bustling with activity, a mix of locals and tourists. We browsed through the various shops, sampling local snacks, and admiring the handicrafts. Olivia found a beautiful piece of pottery, while Ethan picked up a quirky t-shirt. I was on the hunt for local craft beer, but alas, I didn't have any luck. I did, however, find a local yuzu-flavored soda, which I thought would make a refreshing mixer for a gin and tonic back at the guesthouse.


Discover the vibrant shopping scene at Suehiro Shopping Center, where local charm meets a diverse range of shops and amenities in Tosa.

For lunch, we stopped at Osusowake Shokudo Mado, a cafeteria known for its commitment to reducing food waste. The concept of Osusowake, sharing and paying it forward, resonated with me. The owner gets excess vegetables from local farmers and uses them to create affordable meals. It felt good to support a place that was doing good for the community. The menu changes daily, depending on what vegetables are available. I had a set lunch featuring local vegetables and grilled fish. It was simple, wholesome, and incredibly tasty. Olivia had a vegetarian dish, and Ethan opted for the chicken. We all left feeling satisfied and nourished.


Discover authentic Japanese cuisine at Osusowake Shokudo Mado in Kami, Kochi - where tradition meets flavor in every dish.

As evening approached, we made our way to Eki-mae Shokudo for dinner. This restaurant is known for its authentic Japanese regional cuisine and warm ambiance. It was a bit of a drive, but I figured experiencing a new place for dinner would be a treat. I was keen to try some local specialties, so I ordered the bonito tataki, which is seared skipjack tuna. The fish was incredibly fresh and flavorful, and the searing gave it a wonderful smoky taste. Olivia tried the tempura, while Ethan went for a comforting bowl of ramen. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting, and we felt like we were getting a true taste of local life.


Experience authentic Japanese flavors at Eki-mae Shokudo in Otoyo - where tradition meets taste in every dish.

Kochi has several events and festivals throughout the year, and while we didn’t catch the Yosakoi Festival, which happens in August, I did learn about the Ekin Festival, which showcases spooky paintings by candlelight, and the Cape Muroto Lighthouse Festival in early November. Maybe we’ll have to plan another trip sometime to experience those.

As we walked back to our guesthouse, the air was filled with the sounds of cicadas and the gentle breeze rustling through the trees. I felt a sense of contentment, knowing that we had made the most of our day in Kochi. Tomorrow, we're heading to Yokai House and Kurushima Strait Observatory. I'm looking forward to seeing what other adventures await us on this beautiful island.

I thought about Kelowna, about the brewery tours I guide, and how I could bring some of these experiences back home. Perhaps I could incorporate some Japanese flavors into my homebrewing, or maybe even start a community garden to reduce food waste, just like Osusowake Shokudo Mado. Traveling always inspires me to be a better version of myself, to embrace new ideas, and to appreciate the simple things in life. And as I drifted off to sleep, I couldn't help but smile, knowing that this family adventure on Shikoku Island was creating memories that would last a lifetime.