Seems that Shikoku is Awa Odori Crazy (Part 4 - One More)

So I lied about the last Awa Odori post being the last... Oh well, here are some more photographic evidence that Tokushima is Awa Odori crazy. These were all taken at the airport, so if you thought that you might escape the madness by leaving the city center, you are wrong.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f2.8, ISO 100, 1/400 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f8.0, ISO 800, 1/60 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f4.0, ISO 100, 1/250 sec.

Seems that Shikoku is Awa Odori Crazy (Part 3 - Last)

Since I myself am not Awa Odori crazy, this will be the last Awa Odori post. I did not have the opportunity on this visit to see any Awa Odori (dancing) or visit the Awa Odori Kaikan. Those who may more enamored than myself, will probably be let down by this final Awa Odori post of a crosswalk post and the stained glass feature topping it.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f5.6, ISO 100, 1/250 sec.

Seems that Shikoku is Awa Odori Crazy (Part 2)

In the lobby of our hotel in Tokushima we were greeted by these anime themed Awa Odori posters. I guess I'm not enough of a anime fan to be able to identify the anime in these posters, but I still like the design.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f2.8, ISO 400, 1/100 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f2.8, ISO 400, 1/200 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f2.8, ISO 400, 1/80 sec.

Seems that Shikoku is Awa Odori Crazy (Part 1)

Although we didn't know it at the time, Shikoku and especially Tokushima was gearing up for the Awa Odori Matsuri. It seems that a little of everything in the town had some sore of Awa Odori theme. I first noticed when we stopped for refreshments waiting for a connection at Awa Ikeda Station. This bottle of Sudachi Cider which I am not familiar with featured Awa Odori dancers. Anyway, I'm not sure if this is always available, a seasonal or special limited time beverage, but it was tasty and the label was unique and eye-catching.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 24mm f/2.0 Nikkor AI @ f8, ISO 400, 1/80 sec.

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.