Exploring the Cultural and Natural Wonders of Shikoku Island

First Impressions of Shikoku: A Tale of Two Extremes

Today marked the beginning of our Shikoku adventure, and what a start it was! From meticulously manicured gardens to the raw, untamed energy of nature's whirlpools, Shikoku has already proven to be a land of captivating contrasts. Hans and I are excited to delve deeper into this island's unique charm.

Our day began in Takamatsu, where we enjoyed a traditional Japanese breakfast at Kohanyu. As someone who grew up in the Seychelles, surrounded by the flavors of Creole cuisine, I always find it fascinating to explore the culinary nuances of other cultures. The breakfast set was a delightful combination of savory and sweet, featuring miso soup, grilled fish, and pickled vegetables. It was the perfect way to fuel up for a day of exploration. It reminded me of the simple breakfasts my mother used to make back home, each ingredient carefully chosen and prepared with love. I am definitely looking forward to having such a great start to the day for the remainder of our stay on Shikoku Island. I am glad that we chose this location, out of all of the possible options, to begin our journey.

Ritsurin Garden: A Stroll Through Paradise

After breakfast, we made our way to Ritsurin Garden. I had read so much about this place, but nothing could have prepared me for its sheer beauty. As we stepped through the entrance, we were transported to a world of meticulously crafted landscapes, tranquil ponds, and ancient trees. The garden is vast, and with every turn, a new vista unfolded before us. It felt like stepping into a painting, each element carefully placed to create a sense of harmony and balance. We spent hours wandering along the winding paths, admiring the carefully pruned trees and the serene beauty of the ponds. The air was filled with the scent of pine and damp earth, a welcome change from the city's hustle and bustle. I couldn't help but think how much my mother would have loved this place. She has always had a passion for gardening, and I know she would have appreciated the artistry and dedication that went into creating this masterpiece. I made a mental note to find a small bonsai tree to bring back to Bonn as a reminder of this magical place.


Explore the tranquil beauty of Ritsurin Garden, a historical gem in Takamatsu, showcasing Japan's exquisite landscape design and seasonal charm.

The beauty of Ritsurin Garden lies not just in its meticulously crafted landscapes, but in its ability to transport you to a world of serenity and peace.

One of the highlights of our visit was the Kikugetsu-tei Teahouse. Perched on the edge of Nanko Pond, this traditional teahouse offers stunning views of the garden. We sat on tatami mats, sipped matcha tea, and savored the moment. The tea was bitter and earthy, a perfect complement to the sweet Japanese sweets that accompanied it. As I gazed out at the serene landscape, I felt a sense of deep contentment wash over me. It was a moment of perfect harmony, a fusion of nature, art, and culture. I remember when Hans and I first met in Bonn. He took me to a small tea house near the Rhine, and we spent hours talking and getting to know each other. That day, I knew that he was someone special, someone with whom I could share my life's journey. Today, as we sat in the Kikugetsu-tei Teahouse, I felt that same sense of connection, a reminder of the bond that we share.

Before leaving Ritsurin Garden, we stopped by Shikoku Shop 88. This charming souvenir store offers a wide array of local products, from Sanuki udon noodles to olive oil and traditional crafts. I picked up a few small gifts for my family back in the Seychelles, as well as a few treats for ourselves. The shop was bustling with tourists, all eager to take home a piece of Shikoku's rich culture. It was a fun and lively atmosphere, and I enjoyed browsing through the various items on display. I even sampled some olive-flavored gelato, which was surprisingly delicious. As we left the shop, I felt a sense of excitement and anticipation for the rest of our journey. Shikoku had already captured my heart, and I couldn't wait to see what other treasures it held.


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

Naruto Whirlpools: Dancing with Nature's Fury

After a peaceful morning in Takamatsu, we traveled to Naruto to witness the famous whirlpools. I was excited, yet slightly apprehensive. I've always been fascinated by the power of the ocean, but I also have a healthy respect for its potential dangers. As we approached the Naruto Strait, I could feel the energy in the air. The sea was churning and swirling, and the sky was a dramatic mix of dark clouds and patches of sunlight. We boarded the Wonder Naruto tour boat , which promised the best views of the whirlpools. As we set sail, the captain gave us a brief overview of the phenomenon. The whirlpools are created by the meeting of the Seto Inland Sea and the Pacific Ocean, and they are at their most impressive during high and low tide. The captain explained that the size of the whirlpools varies depending on the intensity of the tides, with the largest ones occurring in the summer.


Discover the breathtaking Naruto Whirlpools in Tokushima, Japan, where natural forces create stunning tidal whirlpools and scenic beauty.

As we approached the whirlpools, I couldn't believe my eyes. The water was swirling and churning with incredible force, creating massive vortexes that seemed to defy gravity. The boat rocked and swayed as we navigated through the turbulent waters, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and respect for the power of nature. The whirlpools were mesmerizing, a constantly changing display of energy and motion. I watched in fascination as the water spiraled and crashed, creating a symphony of sound and movement. It was like watching a dance, a wild and untamed ballet performed by the forces of nature. I thought of Hans's work as a software developer. He spends his days creating order and structure in the digital world, while here, in the Naruto Strait, nature was creating chaos and unpredictability. It was a reminder that there is beauty in both order and chaos, and that both are essential to the balance of the world.

We spent about half an hour watching the whirlpools, taking photos and videos to capture the moment. It was an exhilarating experience, one that I will never forget. As we headed back to shore, I felt a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to witness such a spectacular natural phenomenon. It was a reminder that there is so much beauty and wonder in the world, waiting to be discovered.

A Culinary Conclusion

To cap off our first day, we enjoyed dinner at Tataki Kobo in Takamatsu. I was eager to try the local specialty, *katsuo no tataki* (seared bonito). The restaurant was cozy and inviting, with a lively atmosphere. As we settled into our seats, I couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment. We had experienced so much in one day, from the serene beauty of Ritsurin Garden to the raw power of the Naruto Whirlpools. And now, we were about to indulge in the flavors of Shikoku's cuisine. The *katsuo no tataki* was a revelation. The fish was perfectly seared, with a smoky flavor that was both delicate and intense. It was served with a variety of condiments, including ginger, garlic, and ponzu sauce. I savored each bite, appreciating the freshness and quality of the ingredients. As someone who grew up on an island, I have always had a love for seafood, and this dish was a true masterpiece. Hans, who is usually not a big fan of fish, was also impressed. He admitted that it was one of the best things he had eaten in a long time. As we finished our meal, I felt a sense of satisfaction. We had started our Shikoku adventure on a high note, and I couldn't wait to see what the rest of the trip had in store.

Tomorrow, we're venturing into the Iya Valley [if last day of trip, merge in “Trip end”], home to the famous Vine Bridge. I've heard it's quite an adventure, and I'm looking forward to sharing the experience with you all. We plan on having breakfast at Amekaze Shokudo, lunch at Yuzuan Restaurant, and dinner at Dining Room Hibari. And maybe, just maybe, we'll stop by the Irish Pub Amontillado for a nightcap. Until then, *à bientôt*!