Encompassed by mountains and a never-ending countryside view, Takamatsu Airport makes the best introduction to what will follow on this Shikoku trip, a driving adventure around Shikoku. Takamatsu Airport is small but navigating the terminals and security procedures is a breeze. Collecting the car was a simple test of a free shuttle bus ride to the rental facility and then the signing of a single document. In under an hour, I went from sitting on a plane in Takamatsu Airport, to driving a car around the countryside of Shikoku, a true testament to Japanese efficiency. After a long flight and a long adventure ahead, there is nothing better than Udon, a local specialty. Udon are thick-cut Japanese noodles served in various styles. Handmade and refined to the point of perfection, as well as a source of regional pride, Udon can be served hot or cold, making them the perfect dish for any season. After a long flight and a taste of regional culture, nothing is better than driving around the city of Takamatsu to get a true understanding of one’s new surroundings, from old towns to amazingly small bridges running across the clearest streams. The roads are smooth and the city streets are presented in a way which makes them easy to understand and navigate.

One cannot leave Takamatsu without a visit to Marugame Castle, a castle sitting atop a massive mountain overlooking Takamatsu. There is no better way to start the morning than atop a small mountain saying farewell to such an amazing city. After saying goodbye to Takamatsu, dive into some Japanese culture by visiting the Zenigata Sand Sculpture, a massive sand sculpture that resembles an old Japanese coin. A drive to the top or a hike to the finish, the coin can be best seen from the top of the mountain. One can also walk down the beach to get a close view of all its curves and features but for the full impact its important that one makes their way to the top of the mountain to get a good view of the massive sand sculpture. Depending on the weather and the time you started your day, you may even have a few hours to spend on the beach. The coin is sculpted right on a beautiful public beach, and if time is on your side and a break is required, spend a few hours soaking up the sun and enjoying the company of the locals at the beach.

Famous for yuzu and hosting various different foods and restaurants, choosing just one might seem impossible. However, at the end of Kochi’s main shopping street sits “Hirome Ichiba,” a kind of open market where customers can pursue various types of food from different vendors and eat them right there in the hall, a fantastic location dripping in the local culture. My recommendation is “Tebasaki Ageya”. The owner is super friendly and made what I can only describe being the greatest chicken wings I have ever eaten in Japan. While there, also try the various types of sashimi (raw fish) and other regional specialties. It’s a truly unmissable experience.

Further away from the city and an unmissable site for any art history lover is the Monet’s Garden, Claude Monet’s second and only garden outside of France. This garden was painstakingly recreated in Kitagawa Village, Kochi. Wandering the garden, you can feel how Monet must have been inspired to create his own style of ukiyo-e (Japanese woodblock prints). From wonderful gardens to the dark Ryuga Caves, Kochi is an ever-expanding adventure. From adventure trails to solo walks, the Ryuga Caves are always expanding and creating new routes for people to explore. The current adventure route open to the public is something that needs to be experienced first-hand to fully appreciate. Crawling and climbing up and under limestone, this really is a stop for the most adventurous traveler.