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

Finding Serenity in Shikoku's Waterfalls and Gorges

Today was all about immersing ourselves in the raw, untamed beauty of Shikoku. We traded temples and towns for towering gorges and cascading waterfalls, seeking out the kind of natural wonders that remind you how small, yet connected, we are to this planet. It was a day of breathtaking views, invigorating hikes, and the kind of quiet contemplation that only nature can inspire.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Okamura. I always appreciate a good, solid start to the day, especially when I know we'll be doing a fair bit of walking. This morning, I opted for a traditional Japanese breakfast set, complete with grilled fish, miso soup, and a mountain of perfectly steamed rice. Ethan, ever the adventurous eater, surprised us by trying the *natto* (fermented soybeans). His reaction was priceless – a mixture of curiosity and slight disgust, which Olivia, of course, captured on camera. I stuck to the fish. I'm all for trying new things, but some things are better left untried, in my humble opinion.

Fueled up and ready to go, we set off for Ōboke Gorge. The drive itself was stunning, winding through lush green mountains and alongside the turquoise waters of the Yoshino River. As we approached the gorge, the landscape transformed into a dramatic display of towering rock formations and sheer cliffs. The name 'Oboke' translates to 'big dangerous steps,' and you can certainly see why. The steep slopes and narrow paths made me a little nervous, especially with Ethan's tendency to wander off to take photos. He definitely has a knack for finding the perfect angle, though, so I can't fault him too much.


Discover the stunning vistas and thrilling adventures at Ōboke Gorge, Tokushima's hidden gem for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

We decided to take a sightseeing boat cruise through the gorge. It was a fantastic way to appreciate the scale and grandeur of the place. The boatman, a friendly local with a wealth of knowledge about the area, pointed out various rock formations and shared stories about the gorge's history and legends. Olivia was particularly fascinated by the geological aspects, while Ethan was busy snapping photos of the monkeys playing along the riverbanks. I just enjoyed the peacefulness of the water and the stunning views. It was the perfect way to relax and soak in the beauty of Shikoku.

Sometimes, the most profound experiences are the ones where you simply stand in awe of nature's artistry.

Lunch was at Restaurant Obokekyo Mannaka, conveniently located right by the gorge. The restaurant uses a unique machine ticket system for ordering. You select your menu items by remembering the corresponding numbers. The food was decent, nothing to write home about, but the view of the gorge from the restaurant was absolutely worth it. We tried some local dishes, including *deko mawashi* (grilled potatoes and tofu on skewers) and *hiyamugi* (cold wheat noodles). Ethan, surprisingly, loved the *deko mawashi*, while Olivia enjoyed the refreshing *hiyamugi*. I stuck to a simple bowl of *udon* noodles, which hit the spot perfectly.

After lunch, we drove to Todoroki Falls, eager to experience another of Shikoku's natural wonders. The drive took us through winding mountain roads, offering glimpses of traditional Japanese farmhouses and terraced rice paddies. As we got closer, we could hear the roar of the falls in the distance, building our anticipation.


Experience the serene beauty of Todoroki Falls, a breathtaking natural attraction in Tokushima, Japan, perfect for nature lovers and adventurers alike.

Todoroki Falls is actually a series of waterfalls, collectively known as the 99 Todoroki Falls. The main waterfall, however, is the star of the show. It's one of Japan's top 100 waterfalls and the largest in Shikoku. As we approached the falls, we were greeted by a refreshing mist and the thunderous sound of water cascading down the rocks. The falls are framed by lush green forest, creating a scene of unparalleled beauty.

We hiked up to the base of the main waterfall, marveling at its power and majesty. The water plunged into a clear pool below, creating a swirling vortex of foam and spray. Ethan, of course, couldn't resist getting as close as possible, much to Olivia's dismay. I managed to capture a few good shots of him with the falls in the background, though, so it was worth the worry.

The hike to the top of Nabewari Falls was supposed to take about two hours, and while the falls are considered one of Shikoku's best, Olivia was having none of it. She'd apparently read online that the path was closed due to road work. I didn't push it. Happy wife, happy life, as they say. Instead, we explored some of the smaller waterfalls in the area, each with its own unique charm. We even stumbled upon a small Shinto shrine, tucked away in the forest, where we took a moment to offer a prayer for safe travels.

As the day drew to a close, we made our way back to our guesthouse, tired but exhilarated by our adventures. Before dinner, I managed to sneak in a quick visit to Bar Salvador, a local watering hole that came highly recommended. I sampled a couple of local craft beers, chatting with the friendly bartender about the local brewing scene. It was a great way to unwind and reflect on the day's experiences.


Discover Bar Salvador in Kochi: A charming bar with a vibrant atmosphere and delightful drinks, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.

For dinner, we opted for Dining Room Hibari, a cozy restaurant near our guesthouse. The menu featured a variety of local specialties, including fresh seafood and mountain vegetables. Olivia ordered the *ayu* (sweetfish), which was grilled to perfection, while Ethan went for the *katsuo no tataki* (seared bonito). I decided to try the *imoni* (taro stew), a hearty and flavorful dish that was perfect for a cool evening.


Discover authentic Japanese flavors at Dining Room Hibari in Otoyo - home to the best katsudon experience!

As we ate, we reminisced about our day, sharing our favorite moments and laughing at our misadventures. It was a perfect end to a perfect day, filled with natural beauty, family bonding, and the simple joys of exploring a new place. I couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to share these experiences with my loved ones.

Tomorrow, we're heading to the Otsuka Museum of Art and the Shikoku Automobile Museum. It'll be a change of pace from today's outdoor adventures, but I'm looking forward to seeing some of the region's cultural and historical treasures. Plus, Ethan's a huge car enthusiast, so I know he'll be in his element at the automobile museum. I'm hoping to pick up some inspiration at the museum of art for my photography.

Before drifting off to sleep, I made sure to double-check our packing list, making a mental note to buy some sunscreen and an umbrella tomorrow. It seems we forgot a couple of essentials back in Kelowna, and the summer sun in Japan can be quite unforgiving. Lesson learned!

Goodnight from Shikoku. Until tomorrow.