Shikoku

This weekend I visited Shikoku, the smallest of Japan's four main Islands, with fellow ALTs Ryan, Liz and Kim. On the way we crossed the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge (longest suspension bridge in the world) and stopped at Naruto to look for the famous whirlpools. What should have been around a five hour drive ended up taking us 13 hours! - largely thanks to getting lost twice, and then being halted by rock falls. We eventually arrived around 9pm and wasted no time in taking our beers down to the river at the base of our camp.

Upon waking the following morning we were all stunned by the scenery surrounding us. Mountains and trees as far as the eye could see, and no sound but for the rushing of water and brushing of leaves. After driving through miles of twisty mountain roads we stood for a while at a lookout point, and then visited an onsen, where we sandwiched a fantastic Japanese-style breakfast between rejuvenating hour-long soaks in the hot baths. We then headed back towards Honshu, stopping only to view a beautiful gorge.



The longest suspension bridge in the world.



Whirlpool at Naruto.



The wind taking it's toll on long-haired people.



One false move away from a pool party!



Our hut in the mountains.



Admiring the view.



Green, green, everywhere green.