A short drive away from the city is a fantastic store where one can try their hand at making their own traditional Japanese washi paper. The process is seemingly straightforward but amazingly fun. While the paper is drying, the Niyodo River awaits. With a fantastic blue hue, one cannot resist getting their feet wet.

A relaxing morning at Niyodo before the trip to Matsuyama is advised. Enjoy a slow morning as this second day of driving may be crazy depending on the route you choose. There are two ways to get from Kochi to Matsuyama; the first is a simple drive along the highway. The roads are well-maintained and the drive will be simple enough, with mountains and old villages aplenty to keep all interested. However, for the experienced driver, the National Roads may be a route you wish to take. Winding and at times treacherous these mountain roads can take you from the lowest valleys to the highest peaks. Ridiculously fun and intensely terrifying at times, these roads can be a joy to drive on for the experienced driver. From terrifyingly fun National roads to beautiful rivers, a relaxing break from these roads may be essential thus, canoeing. Canoeing is a sport which we are all familiar with, however, canoeing on the crisp rivers of Kochi is a different experience altogether. It can be difficult for beginners at first but the waves are soon mastered by all. Canoeing is hilariously fun especially on the crisp clear waters of Kochi, better still boats can be ridden alone or with a friend so those less confident in their skills can easily pair up. Once afloat on those crisp valley rivers, nothing is more exciting than drifting in a canoe in the middle of a clear river, mountains on both sides and the sound of nature all around you.

With the scariest chair lift and the highest castle of all on the route so far, Matsuyama Castle is a jet-black castle steeped in Japanese history. The castle grounds are insanely massive; as such various installations and even a light show have been incorporated into the grounds, a perfect mix of modern and traditional Japanese culture. From a castle to the temple, the 45th temple in the 88-temple pilgrimage is Iwaya-ji Temple. It is indescribable how amazing this temple is. The surrounding areas are simply beautiful, which alone are worth the trip. From the base to the temple, the climb is about 20 minutes when taken slowly, and it should be taken slowly as the walk up to the temple is steeped in culture. Mini shrines, statues, a sea of trees, the natural energy is something one has to feel themselves to understand. Iwaya-ji Temple is a place of quiet contemplation and should be respected at all costs. Many travel miles on foot to make the journey to the temple and it was only after visiting did I understand its majesty.

Easily accessible by car or train – easier by car as trains are limited to 1 or 2 per hour – this is a station unrivaled in beauty as it sits perfectly above the beach. Sunset is most definitely worth waiting for as the station sets facing the setting sun. Small crowds do, however, slowly form at this time but who can blame them with views this amazing. Shimonada Station is perfect to finish this Shikoku adventure. The final trip to Matsuyama Airport will finish off this perfect driving vacation. The airport is small but there are tons of places to buy small gifts and presents, making it a great airport for travelers who hadn’t the time to shop during their adventures.