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.