Shikoku

From Kurashiki we headed to Shikoku, the smallest of Japans 4 main islands.  Shikoku is quite remote and was completely different than the main island of Honshu.  It is known for its deep valleys and remote villages tucked into the side of mountains.  I wished we had had time to spend more time here, but what we did see, was beautiful.  We went to Takamatsu and first stopped at a famous landscape garden very well known here.  Ritsurin Koen.

 Stanley was literally placing the food in the mouths of the koi fish, and petting them

Loved this bridge

From there we went to a small village near Takamatsu to explore...

One of my favorite flowers in full bloom

used to store rice

Shikoku is known for its vine bridges (but there was a hidden steel cable)

kids loved this....

it reminded me of swinging bridge back home

but don't slip, these were scary wide, I was very worried about Audrey

Rhododendron and late blooming cherry trees...

Leaving Shikoku had us crossing the famed Naruto Whirlpools and the longest suspension bridge in the world Akashi-Kaikyo connecting Shikoku to Kobe.  May I add it cost 6500 yen!