Exploring the Cultural and Natural Wonders of Shikoku Island

Karst and Cartoons
Today was a day of contrasts, a blend of serene landscapes and whimsical characters that perfectly encapsulates the charm of Shikoku Island. Lena and I embarked on a journey that took us from the heights of the Shikoku Karst to the colorful world of Anpanman, creating memories that I know we'll cherish for years to come.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Ombelico, a delightful Italian restaurant in Tosa. It felt a little strange to start our day in Japan with Italian food, but hey, when in Tosa!

After breakfast, we set off towards the Shikoku Karst, one of Japan's three major karst landforms. The drive itself was an experience, winding through lush green valleys and steadily climbing in altitude. As we ascended, the views became increasingly breathtaking. The air was crisp and clean, a welcome change from the bustling city life we left behind in Berlin.

Reaching the Shikoku Karst was like stepping into another world. The rolling expanse of gentle mountain faces, dotted with exposed clusters of limestone, stretched as far as the eye could see. It felt like a scene straight out of a movie, with the vast sky above and the panoramic views that extended to the horizon. Lena, ever the photographer, was in her element, snapping away at the stunning scenery. I even managed to get a few good shots myself, though I'm no match for her artistic eye.

We took our time exploring the area, walking along some of the trails and soaking in the tranquility of the surroundings. The Tengu Highlands were particularly captivating, with their green meadows and grazing dairy cows. It's not every day that you see cows leisurely munching on grass at such a high altitude in Japan! I couldn't help but think of my childhood in Costa Rica, where open landscapes and grazing animals were a common sight. It brought a sense of nostalgia and a feeling of connection to my roots.

Route 383, also known as the road in the sky, was an absolute highlight. Driving along this winding road, with clouds seemingly within touching distance, was an exhilarating experience. I can only imagine how magical it must be at night, with millions of stars emerging in the clear sky. We made a stop at a Mountain bookshop, a charming little place where I picked up a guidebook about the local flora and fauna.

Explore the tranquil Mountain Bookshop in Kochi, where books and coffee meet in a picturesque setting, perfect for relaxation and inspiration.

Sometimes, the most unexpected journeys lead to the most unforgettable memories.

After immersing ourselves in the natural beauty of the Shikoku Karst, we drove to Kami City to visit the Kami City Takashi Yanase Memorial Hall & Anpanman Museum. This was a complete change of pace, but equally delightful. As someone who appreciates art and design, I was intrigued to learn about the creator of Anpanman, a beloved character in Japan.

Explore the enchanting world of Anpanman at the Kami City Takashi Yanase Memorial Hall & Anpanman Museum, a joyful experience for families and fans alike.

The museum is a vibrant and colorful space, filled with exhibits showcasing Yanase Takashi's original artwork, picture books, and Anpanman-themed displays. It's amazing how a character like Anpanman, with such a simple design, can capture the hearts of so many people. The museum wasn't just for kids; Lena and I found ourselves enjoying the exhibits just as much as the children around us. The Anpanman World, a diorama reproducing the town where Anpanman and his friends live, was particularly charming.

I was fascinated by the Poem & Märchen Gallery, which featured Yanase Takashi's non-Anpanman works. It was interesting to see the range of his creativity and his contributions to Japanese art and literature. Lena was particularly drawn to the illustrations from the magazine Poem & Märchen, which Yanase Takashi served as chief editor for.

For lunch, we stopped at Yuzuan Restaurant in Nankoku, a culinary gem known for its authentic Japanese dishes. The restaurant's interior was quite quirky, with statues and unusual decorations that added to its unique charm. I decided to try their signature omuraisu, a Japanese-style omelet filled with rice and covered with demi-glace sauce. Lena opted for the katsuo no tataki, seared tuna, a local specialty. Both dishes were absolutely delicious, a testament to the restaurant's dedication to quality and flavor.

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

In the evening, we headed to Dining Room Hibari in Otoyo for dinner. This restaurant is famous for its large portions, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype. I ordered their famous katsudon, a huge bowl of pork cutlet served on top of a mountain of rice. The portion was indeed enormous, but the taste was fantastic. The pork cutlet was perfectly crispy, and the rice was cooked to perfection. Lena, being a bit more sensible, ordered a smaller dish, but even she was impressed by the generous portions. It's no wonder this place is so popular with locals and tourists alike.

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

As we drove back to our accommodation, I reflected on the day's adventures. From the breathtaking views of the Shikoku Karst to the whimsical world of Anpanman, it was a day filled with unexpected delights. I'm grateful for these experiences, for the opportunity to explore new places and cultures with Lena by my side. These are the moments that make travel so rewarding, the memories that will stay with us long after we return home.

Tomorrow, we're planning to visit Kochi Castle and Tosa National Park [Itinerary of Tomorrow]. I'm excited to delve deeper into the history and natural beauty of this region. And perhaps, we'll even find time to relax at the Irish Pub Amontillado [Itinerary of Tomorrow] after a long day of exploring!

I'm also starting to think about what kind of souvenirs to bring back to Berlin. I might look for some local crafts or artwork to remind us of our time here. And of course, I need to find an adapter for Japanese outlets; I completely forgot to pack one!

This trip has been an incredible experience so far, and I'm looking forward to what the next few days have in store. Shikoku Island has truly captured my heart with its unique blend of culture, nature, and warm hospitality. I can't wait to share more of our adventures with you all!