Enjoying a local specialty of central Shikoku: the giant fried chicken leg at Iyo Banri – Kawanoe Main Store

Extra-Large Fried Chicken Drumstick at Iyo Banri – Kawanoe Main Store

Self-Guided 10 Days, 9 Nights Road Trip in Shikoku: Evening of Day 2.After spending the afternoon playing and taking photos at Chichibugahama Beach, we were ready to settle in for the night at Hotel Route-Inn in Ehime Prefecture. Not far from the hotel is the famous Iyo Banri – Kawanoe Main Store (伊予万里 川之江本店)  in Shikokuchuo City, … Read more

A must-see Sky Mirror at Chichibugahama Beach, one of Japan’s Top 100 Sunset Spots

Chichibugahama Beach is one of Japan's Top 100 Sunset Spots

After seeing the world’s largest Naruto Whirlpools in Tokushima Prefecture, Shikoku, it was already past 3:00 PM. We planned to stay the night at Hotel Route-Inn in Ehime Prefecture, Shikoku. On the way, we made a stop at Chichibugahama Beach in Kagawa Prefecture, Mitoyo City, one of Japan’s Top 100 Sunset Spots. This serene beach … Read more

Walk along the Onaruto Bridge’s Uzu no Michi promenade and overlook the Naruto whirlpools

The endpoint of the walkway at the Onaruto Bridge Promenade, Uzu no Michi

In Tokushima, Shikoku, the most exciting sight is the world’s largest whirlpools. Viewing them up close from a boat isn’t quite enough—you can also visit ‘Uzu no Michi’ on the Ōnaruto Bridge, where you can look down at the Naruto whirlpools from about 45 meters above, offering a unique perspective. After enjoying the breathtaking views … Read more

Enjoy the best view of the Naruto Bridge from the Ochaen Observatory in Naruto Park

View of the Naruto Bridge from the Ochaen Observatory

After disembarking from the high-speed sightseeing boat, Uzushio Kisen UZUSHIO LINE, our family plans to go to Naruto Park’s “Uzu no Michi,” where we’ll view the Naruto whirlpools from the Naruto Bridge above. Since we’ve already parked, we’d prefer not to move the car again. Looking at the map, we noticed that we’re parked in … Read more

10 Day Free and Easy Trip to Shikoku – First Night Stay at Toyoko INN Takamatsu Hyogomachi

The exterior of Toyoko INN Takamatsu Hyogocho and the self-serve toiletries and tea bags in the lobby

On the first day of our 10-day, 9-night self-drive trip around Shikoku, Japan in 2024, we didn’t have any scheduled activities. Since we took an afternoon China Airlines flight to Takamatsu Airport, it was already evening when we arrived. After taking a bus to Toyoko INN Takamatsu Hyogocho, we dropped off our luggage and went … Read more

Take China Airlines to Japan’s Shikoku for a 10 day self-drive tour

Take China Airlines to Takamatsu Airport in Shikoku, then take a shuttle bus to downtown Takamatsu.

In the summer of 2024, as family members were busy with working holidays and participating in service learning programs, we planned a family trip for late August—a roughly 10 day self-drive tour in Shikoku, Japan. China Airlines offers four flights weekly to Takamatsu, Shikoku, and we took the Tuesday flight. One benefit of an afternoon … Read more

A Dumpling Feast by the Railroad Crossing in Toucheng Township – Lucky Soup Dumpling

A plate of Jixiang Soup Dumplings has 10 pieces.

Since we didn’t have lunch, after enjoying the scenic views of the Northeast Coast of Taiwan and Turtle Island in the afternoon, we parked near Toucheng Sesame Noodles in Toucheng Township, Yilan County, intending to grab some snacks. However, it was closed, so we headed to Lucky Soup Dumplings(Jixiang-Xiao-Long-Bao), located by the railroad crossing on … Read more