After leaving Kochi, I aimed for Cape Ashizuri, the most southern point of Shikoku Island.
Kochi is known for it’s surf and nearby pristine gorges and rivers such as Yasui River. I followed the nearby Niyodo River for some time. Visiting the gorges further up was a little too much trouble with the weather and having a motorcycle, but it was a nice ride. There is no doubt the rivers are clear and clean. I hadn’t seen anything comparable since the northern parts of Canada’s Dempster Highway. I tried to stay in the mountains but the weather was not on my side and it became too slippery with ice.
I should mention Shikoku Island’s ancient Buddhist pilgrimage (some 1,200km long). I would occasionally pass walkers on the pilgrimage, sometimes with traditional dress and equipment.
My accommodation at Cape Ashizuri. Being in a summer tourism area in the middle of winter has it’s advantages. They were running in limited mode but it was a nicely renovated upmarket hotel for a very good price.
I had a slow start after a delicious and adventurous Japanese breakfast. In fact it was lunchtime before I got going. During this time of the year, Cape Ashizuri is just a small sleepy town, with seemingly only one public restaurant open, mum (server) and dad (cook). These are my favourite places to eat in Japan and they are everywhere if you seek them out.
It was a cold and wet day but I decided to walk out to the cape after lunch. There is a walk that takes you along the coast from the town.
At times the path goes through low coastal forest. For an Australian it is intriguing to come across native Camellias, occasionally still in flower.
There was a small port. Japan is good at building sheltered ports, even in small locations. It always fun to explore them.
I made my way around to Matsuyama. I had stayed here before but it was good to explore the city again.
Matsuyama Castle. I was surprised to see cherry blossoms starting. Maybe I am far enough south for this time of the year?
Looking over Matsuyama City from the castle. In the 1800’s there were some 200 castles in Japan. Around that time many were purposely closed or abandoned.
A ferry again. I decided to skip around Setonaikai National Park area. But I had been through there before and was getting a little tired of riding. I took the Matsuyama to Ihota ferry, rather than ride north to Honshu Island.
My hotel view in Shunan. Not the prettiest but it was fun watching the Sanyō Line Shinkansen regularly pass by. I spent a couple of days here hiding out from the weather.
Wakayama Ferry to Shikoku Island
Update 51 (January 2024)
Kyushu Island to Tokyo
Update 53 (March 2024)