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

Highland Wonders and Lakeside Calm

Another day, another adventure on Shikoku Island! Today was all about experiencing the diverse landscapes this island has to offer, from the elevated beauty of the Shikoku Karst to the peaceful shores of Lake Sameura. It’s amazing how much variety can be packed into a single day, and I’m excited to share all the details.


Discover the breathtaking beauty of Shikoku Karst, a unique tourist attraction in Japan perfect for hiking and enjoying scenic landscapes.

Our day started with a hearty breakfast at Yuzuan Restaurant. What a quirky place! The parking lot itself was like a museum, dotted with intriguing objects from the owner's collection, including a shark statue and a mini Cat Bus from *My Neighbor Totoro*. Inside, the decor was just as whimsical, with statues of local heroes and giant dragons overseeing the diners. The menu, cleverly disguised as a newspaper, added to the unique charm. I opted for their signature omuraisu, a Japanese-style omelet filled with rice and covered in demi-glace sauce. It was delicious and set me up perfectly for the day ahead. Olivia went for the katsuo no tataki, seared tuna, which she raved about. Ethan, predictably, chose the biggest fried shrimp in Japan, which was indeed an impressive sight!

With our bellies full, we set off for the Shikoku Karst. The drive itself was an experience, winding through lush green hills and offering glimpses of the stunning landscape to come. As we climbed higher, the air grew cooler, a welcome change from the humidity of the coast. I was kicking myself for forgetting the sunscreen, though. Note to self: always double-check the essentials, even when the weather forecast is iffy.

Reaching the Shikoku Karst felt like stepping onto another planet. The landscape was unlike anything I’d ever seen, with rolling grasslands dotted with striking white limestone formations. It stretched for about 25 kilometers along the border between Ehime and Kochi prefectures, at elevations between 1,000 and 1,500 meters. It reminded me a bit of the Burren in Ireland, but with a distinctly Japanese twist. The views were simply breathtaking, with clear blue skies stretching out in every direction. I can see why they call it one of Japan's three major karst landscapes.

The beauty of the Shikoku Karst lies not just in its unique geological formations, but in the sense of peace and tranquility it evokes.

We spent a good few hours hiking around, exploring the various viewpoints and taking photos. Ethan, surprisingly, was really into it, scrambling over the rocks and pointing out interesting formations. Olivia, ever the nature lover, was in her element, identifying various wildflowers and soaking in the scenery. I tried my hand at some landscape photography, attempting to capture the vastness and beauty of the karst. It’s definitely a challenge, but I think I managed to get a few decent shots.

I was also interested to find out that the best time to visit the karst for hiking is early summer, around June and July. This is when the morning star lilies come into bloom all around the karst. The area near the upper reaches of the karst is a cold zone with annual temperatures of around 8-9°C.

We even stumbled upon a small kitchen car offering coffee, latte, juice and cookies. It was the perfect way to recharge before continuing our exploration. I grabbed a drip coffee and a cookie, while the others opted for juice. Sipping coffee with that view was a moment I won’t soon forget.

After our highland adventure, we drove down to Lake Sameura, a man-made lake created by the Sameura Dam, the largest dam in Shikoku. The contrast between the rugged karst landscape and the serene lake was striking. The lake was surrounded by tree-covered peaks, creating a stunning backdrop for an afternoon of relaxation.


Discover the tranquil beauty of Lake Sameura in Kochi, Japan—a scenic escape perfect for relaxation, exploration, and enjoying nature's wonders.

The lake was created by the construction of Shikoku's largest dam which stands 106m tall; an impressive piece of modern engineering and worthy of a visit in itself. I was keen to try canoeing or stand-up paddleboarding. We rented a couple of canoes from Sameura Canoe Terrace and spent a pleasant hour paddling around the lake. The water was calm and clear, perfect for a leisurely paddle. Ethan, of course, wanted to race, but Olivia and I were content to take our time and enjoy the scenery. I even managed to get a few action shots of Ethan, paddling furiously across the lake.

Apparently, Sameura Canoe Terrace also offers SUP yoga on the second Saturday and fourth Sunday between June and September. I think Olivia would have enjoyed this.

We learned that Sameura Tent Park is located in a picturesque spot that overlooks the lake from above. It seems you can get commanding views of the lake and provide the best views of the night sky right from your tent. This area is also great for stargazing as it is largely free from light pollution.

As evening approached, we headed to Amekaze Shokudo for dinner. This restaurant is known for its home-style dishes packed with vegetables. It’s a cozy little place, filled with old books and offering a warm, inviting atmosphere. The menu changes daily, featuring seasonal ingredients and local specialties. I opted for the daily special, a fish dish with a variety of vegetables. It was simple, but incredibly flavorful and satisfying.


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

Olivia chose another fish dish, while Ethan, surprisingly, went for a vegetable-heavy option. It seems even teenagers can appreciate a good home-cooked meal after a day of outdoor adventures. I also found out that Amekaze Shokudo is celebrating its 12th anniversary and the opening of its bookstore on July 5th.

Before heading back to our guesthouse, we made a quick stop at Shikoku Shop 88. It was located on the first floor of Takamatsu Symbol Tower. This shop is a treasure trove of local crafts and souvenirs. Olivia picked up a few small gifts for friends back home, while Ethan found a cool t-shirt with a Japanese design. I was tempted to buy a bottle of local sake, but decided to save it for another day. I did find a Shikoku 88 minimalistic back patch. It had a simple Japanese design in black, white and gold. The text meant 'Two people walk together'.


Explore Shikoku Shop 88 for unique souvenirs and local delicacies that embody the spirit of Takamatsu and the Shikoku region.

Today was a reminder of why I love traveling. The opportunity to experience new landscapes, cultures, and cuisines is something I’ll never take for granted. And sharing these experiences with my family makes them even more special.

Tomorrow, we’re off to Ōboke Gorge and Todoroki Falls. I’ve heard the gorge is stunning, with dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters. And the falls are supposed to be equally impressive. I’m looking forward to another day of adventure and exploration. I am also looking forward to visiting Bar Salvador tomorrow for a nightcap!

“Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.” That’s how I feel after a day like today. The memories we’ve made, the sights we’ve seen, and the experiences we’ve shared are priceless. And I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings.

I am also glad that I didn't forget the travel adapter today. I will make sure to pack the umbrella and sunscreen tomorrow, just in case. I am looking forward to another great day tomorrow with Olivia and Ethan.