Kazurabashi Bridge

About half-way done with the family vacation to Shikoku and we crossed the Kazurabashi Bridge in the Iya Valley. There are several of these bridges located in this area. Back when there were fewer river crossings and less sturdy construction, these bridges were made solely out of natural vines. Today, it seems that these vines have a steel cable center. It made me less neverous, but only slightly since the gaps between the slates were still quite large. My 9-year old daughter opted out from crossing because she thought that the slats were too wide and that her foot would go through.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 24mm f/2.0 Nikkor AI @ f8, ISO 100,1/60 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 24mm f/2.0 Nikkor AI @ f8, ISO 100,1/60 sec.

Oboke Gorge Sightseeing

While in Oboke, we indulged in a gentle 30-minute ride down the Yoshino River on a small sightseeing boat. Although the guide provided only spoke Japanese, there was plenty to see and enjoy. The scenery including sheer cliffs, exposed rock faces, bridges, clear water, usual rock formations and cormorants were all amazing.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 24mm f/2.0 Nikkor AI @ f8, ISO 100, 1/100 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 24mm f/2.0 Nikkor AI @ f8, ISO 100, 1/40 sec.

Anpanman Train at Takamatsu Station

As we were departing Takamatsu for Oboke and the Iya Valley in central Shikoku, I spied the Anpanman Train waited at Takamatsu Station. The family got the chance to ride another Anpanman Train later the same day from Tadotsu Station. Seems that the Anpanman Trains are a big deal in Shikoku. Even some of the garbage and recycling bins had a Anpanman Theme.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f5.6, ISO 100, 1/125 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f4.0, ISO 100, 1/80 sec.

Sanuki Udon or I Love Udon

If you didn't know, there surely would be enough indicators that sanuki udon is Shikoku's famous prized delicacy. It's probably sacrilege for those who truly love it; however, I was not able to notice a big difference. Perhaps I wasn't paying enough attention or didn't have enough udon experience. I was probably overwhelmed by the beautiful natural scenery of the Seto Inland Sea. Even if you don't have an opinion about the local udon, you've got to love the sticker that I found in my hotel's gift shop!

Nikon D600 with Nikon 50mm f/1.4G AF-Sf8.0, ISO 100, 1/80 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 50mm f/1.4G AF-Sf2.0, ISO 100, 1/25 sec.

Kankakei Ropeway

Besides the olives in Shodoshima, the Kankakei Gorge is also worth stopping by for a visit. We didn't have time on this trip, but the area also has many hiking trails to explore. Due to the summer heat, we did not take the optional 1-hr trail (2.3-km) back to the base of the ropeway.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 50mm f/1.4G AF-Sf8.0, ISO 100, 1/250 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 50mm f/1.4G AF-Sf4.0, ISO 100, 1/500 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 50mm f/1.4G AF-Sf5.6, ISO 100, 1/500 sec.

Shodoshima is the Olive Island

Although Shodoshima just north of the Takamatsu City on Shikoku, can be translated as "small bean" island, it is more famous for its olive plantations. It was on Shodoshima that olive cultivation started in Japan. If you ever have the opportunity to visit, japan-guide.com has some great information on visiting the island's many attractions. I didn't have time to try the somen, but I did try the olive flavored ice cream which was delicious.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 50mm f/1.4G AF-Sf2.2, ISO 100, 1/40 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 50mm f/1.4G AF-Sf2.2, ISO 100, 1/40 sec.

Ferry from Takamatusu to Shodoshima

Several weekends ago, the family ventured into what many Japanese would call "tooi inaka" or "distant country". We went to the seldom traveled (at least by foreign tourists) island of Shikoku. It's the smallest of the main four islands (Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku) that make up Japan. Funny, thing is once we got to Takamatsu on Shikoku, we boarded a ferry to the even smaller neighboring island of Shodoshima. Anyway, here are the first what may be many posts from my Shikoku adventure.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 50mm f/1.4G AF-Sf8.0, ISO 100, 1/500 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 50mm f/1.4G AF-Sf8.0, ISO 100, 1/400 sec.

Takamatsu Nasu no Yoichi Manhole Covers

On our first morning in Shikoku, we actually decided to take a ferry to head to nearby Shodoshima. Near the redeveloped pier and train station at Sunport Takumatsu, I came across these interesting manhole covers. Both refer to a the famous samurai Nasu no Yoichi at the Battle of Yashima. The first depicts the samurai on his horse, his bow and arrow and a fleeing ship with a fan attached to the mast. The second manhole only depicts the fleeing ship with the fan attached to the mast. Nasu no Yoichi shot down the fan from the fleeing ship with a single shot. If you are interested in seeing more manholes from Japan, head over to S. Morita's flickr page.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 50mm f/1.4G AF-Sf8.0, ISO 100, 1/640 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 50mm f/1.4G AF-Sf8.0, ISO 100, 1/250 sec.