[Japan Travel]: Takamatsu and Yashima
Hullo! 
Finally another travel entry. I'm sorry to have kept you waiting.
Takamatsu and Yashima (April 1st 2011):
My second day in Kagawa Prefecture on Shikoku where the cherry blossoms still weren't blooming at all.
After visiting Marugame and Kotohira in one day I went with all my luggage to my hotel in Takamatsu that night. The next morning I got up early to explore Takamatsu.
And that's where we gonna start off this time. Here we go!~
I went straight away to Takamatsu Station which is quite big with a lot of modern buildings surrounding it. Takamatsu is definitely a bigger city and so it's no wonder it's the capital of the prefecture.
I didn't need to take a train yet, but I heard there's a rental bike service and as my experience with it in Marugame was awesome and cheap I thought I'd give it a try again, especially because one of my destinations was a bit too far away for walking (3km is a lot if you're short on time!).
The rent-a-cycle system in Takamatsu is a nice idea but VERY confusing if you've never been there! It seems like almost the whole city gets their bikes from there. So this is not something that just tourists use.
In front of the station you'll have to go to a HUGE underground platform full of TONS of bicycles!! It's really very confusing. You'll register for a card, then get a bike and just like in a parking house, you'll use your card and pay. You can keep the bikes overnight, too. There are a few rules you have to stick to. Most of them pretty obvious like not parking in forbidden spots and not forgetting to lock the key.
I definitely recommend getting a bike from there, but be warned that it can be very confusing. They did have a few signs in English, but I'm not sure if I'd gotten far with English. I used Japanese only and even then it was a bit confusing (^^') ....
My first destination of the day was, of course, the castle which is conveniently located pretty much right next to the station! It's also known as Tamamo Castle.
It's surrounded by a nice park.
As it was still early in the morning I literally had the whole park to myself. Only a few gardeners were around!
The weather was really nice again!
A very nice picture of the castle.
They're rebuilding the main tower. In the background modern buildings. Quite typical for Japan. It's clearly not a hilltop castle *gg*
Can't wait until they finished construction works. Bet it's worth another visit then!!
Probably some cherry blossoms, but hell do I know? I gave up getting the difference between plum and cherry blossoms! ;P
And here we see some of the leftovers of the castle. As there's no main tower you also cannot go inside and only admire them from the outside. The one tower that is right next to the ocean is awesome!! I love castles that are so close to the ocean!! Rarely ever see those!
Random plant I took a photo of on my way back as I found it very interesting.
And then I was back on my bike for a 3km ride to my next destination. Stopping to take a photo of those awesome pink blossoms. Not sure what those were.
Close-up :D
As so many people seem to use bikes the pavement has strict rules telling you where you can drive and where not. Interesting but some people don't give a damn. That's Japan. When it comes to bicycles there will always be chaos XD
There you go! Eastern Japan has Suica, Kansai region has Icoca (which I have, too) and Shikoku has *drums* ....... Iruka (= dolphin ... who would have thought after seeing the photo?! XD)
While waiting for the traffic light to change I saw this funny dude. A fat ... racoon??!!
Pink blossoms again. Sorry I have no idea what it could be and before I tell you something wrong I just keep my mouth shut ^^;
My second destination of the day was Ritsurin Garden
It's a HUGE (really really h.u.g.e.) Japanese garden and among the best out there!! I spent way too much time there (hours!!) and thus you'll be bombarded with photos now!! Hohoho~
Way too many hungry kois! XD
Really a very beautiful and spacious garden! It was difficult to choose where to start first. It was full of people and yet it wasn't that difficult to take photos without any people in it as it's so spacious there ^-^
I'm quite positive that this is a cherry blossoms tree. So beautiful!! :) Not in full bloom yet, though.
I wasn't that lucky with the cherry blossoms, but I really couldn't complain about the weather this time!!! It was about time that I got some weather luck already after my last few bad-weather holidays, huh? ;P
Spotted another beautiful tree and approached it.
Can I just stay here forever, please? (*__*)b
So relaxing and calm. Could have stayed there, staring, forever!!
As you can see there's still so much more to explore, so I'm on my way again.
Absolutely awesome!
The right photo is one of my favorites as I just adore the colors!
Maybe there's no need to mention this, but of course there were various tea houses and also museums and other stuff. So many things to see, I swear! Absolutely worth the money and the time!
The tree + bridge from before again. Just can't get enough of it, so I took a few more photos on my way back.
That big pond was quite popular. An awesome spot to have a break, have lunch or just play around with the kois.
Still no cherry blossoms, but they don't care and have a "hanami" (flower viewing - this year rather a: flower searching XD) nevertheless!
In the end I had to hurry up a bit, go all the way back to the station, get rid of my bicycle and then I took a local train (not JR) to Yashima!
On my way I took a shot of one of the gullies of Takamatsu City. Very colorful!
Also, quite a colorful train. It's from the private railway Kotoden that runs around that area besides JR and which I also used to get to Yashima.
Yashima (lit. "roof island") is a flat topped mountain just outside of Takamatsu's city center. It was the site of an important 12th century battle during the Gempei War between the Taira and Minamoto Clans.
It offers an awesome view of Takamatsu City and also the Seto Island Sea. Furthermore there's Yashima Temple which is the 84th temple of the 88 Shikoku temle pilgrimage. I've been to quite a few of them by now, just wished that I had my seal book earlier on, then my goal to get a seal of all 88 would have been within reach ... but now I only have 1!!!! ;o; ... Oh well.
Random photo I took on my way. Nice shape for a house, huh? :D
Truth is there's a shuttle bus running right next from the Kotoden Station up to the hilltop. There's no way you can walk up there. Either you go by bus, by taxi or by your own car.
I checked the bus times and then started walking because before going up there, there was something else I wanted to see (yah, I know, busy schedule as always, huh? XD)
Though it wasn't far away I wasn't sure about the way. It was hot and I didn't have any time to lose, so I asked an older lady who was standing next to the road.
Her answer was completely rude and I was soooo shocked! She was totally aggressive! No idea what her problem was. Maybe she was mentally ill? Or maybe that's just her personality?
"What the hell do you want from me?" "Go away from me?!"
I was just normally asking for the way like I always do, starting with "Sumimasen..." ... No idea what her freaking problem was ... really ... but that got my mood down for a while. So annoyed!
After I finally found my destination, I sat down and had a quick lunch (earlier bought in a conbini, so no photo).
Welcome to Shikoku Mura! That bridge was awsome but also a bit scary to walk over it!
Looks like a tuning fork, doesn't it?
An open-air kabuki theater and everything is decorated with carp flags for Golden Week / Children's Day in May already.
Not so windy!
Now, why would I want to see the same-style houses I just saw this winter in Takayama and Shirakawago??
Well, gotta see some in spring in a totally different area, on a totally different main island, right? ;P
Close-up of the roof.
Bamboo forest!!!! :3333
And you also could walk inside some of those houses as they're all small museums. It's the year of the rabbit and it's truly the cutest year out there, ne?! ^-^
Totally random, but I thought it was interesting.
There were some people around me always, but it still was really a nice stroll, quiet and inspiring.
Already quite a nice view from up there, but wait until later when I'm actually on the hilltop! ^-^
And then it was time for various interesting ponds, fountains and waterfalls.
Only noticed later on when I saw the photos that those came pretty much one after another ^^;
After drinking too much, it was time to leave the Shikoku Mura. JK! XD
Byebye!~
Right outside of the village was this really nice building (love the colors!). I can't remember what it was. Maybe a restaurant?!
As I still had some time until the next shuttle bus would come I also took a stroll up all those stairs of Yashima Shrine which is right next to Shikoku Mura.
Nothing too interesting there, though.
Took a photo of the map of Yashima while waiting for the bus.
And finally up there. Just as I expected the night view would be awesome. This was not the last time that I regretted not having my own car as the buses ALWAYS stop running BEFORE sunset no matter where you go! The only option you have is an expensive taxi ride ;o; ....
I decided to wait and see later if I'll stay for sunset or not.
A lot to explore up there, but my first destination was, of course, Yashima Temple! ^___^
I already spent way too much time in the entrance area because there were so many interesting statues.
There was also a smaller shrine with ...
.. lots and lots of Tanukis!!!!
Close-up.
And that's some huge stone statues there!!
Definitely a lot of interesting and different things to explore there!
The monk on the left is holding a sign that says "84th temple of the 88 Shikoku Temple Pigrimage" - Yashima Temple" .. guess you're supposed to take a photo of yourself together with that monk ^^;
Tanukis everywhere!
Two pilgrims praying.
There was also a small museum on the temple grounds (not the building in the picture). There was a small entrance fee, but it was quite interesting to get to know more about Yashima's history.
It's small and not really a must-see.
Sakura still not out up there.
This is also something Yashima is famous for! So famous that on that day there was a TV team filming XD
You buy these clay disks and then you're supposed to throw them down from ...
... here! For good luck!
I didn't do it because ... y'know it's just not fun doing it all by myself ^^; ... *sigh*
The view from up there was absolutely breathtaking!!! Seto Island Sea!!!! :3333
That's Megijima Island out there.
And one more shot with cherry blossoms ... not yet in bloom ... (T_T) ...
Found a cute kitty there! ^___^
And also a cute frog statue.
Former castle grounds!!
A lot of cute and strange statues keep popping up everywhere! ^__^;
Saying goodbye to the awesome view.
In the end I decided not to stay until after sunset as I just didn't want to spend all that money on a taxi back down.
So, I took the last bus back down and the Kotoden train back to Takamatsu Station.
Random photo at the station. Cute "iruka" trashbox.
Back in Takamatsu City. Sunset time.
And that's where I took the Barbapapa(sp?XD) poster photo. So now you also know which castle it is in the background!! :D
Entered the shopping arcade to get some food. I was really starving!
Very yummie oyakodon with sanuki udon (again XD - this time "traditional style" - no soy sauce).
Looks like a huge portion, but if you look back on my day, I really needed to refuel!
I grabbed my suitcase and was off to Okayama (yah, busy day! XD)
Again with the Marine Liner as it connects Okayama with Kagawa. I just went back the same way I came one day earlier.
When I arrived in Okayama it was already time for bed.
As I've already spent quite some time in Okayama in spring 2009, I didn't really go sightseeing in Okayama City, but travelled to other spots I haven't been to yet.
Camera(s) used:
Pentax K-x
Next up:
Kurashiki
Stay tuned and thanks for being patient readers!
See you next time!~
Finally another travel entry. I'm sorry to have kept you waiting.
Takamatsu and Yashima (April 1st 2011):
My second day in Kagawa Prefecture on Shikoku where the cherry blossoms still weren't blooming at all.
After visiting Marugame and Kotohira in one day I went with all my luggage to my hotel in Takamatsu that night. The next morning I got up early to explore Takamatsu.
And that's where we gonna start off this time. Here we go!~
I went straight away to Takamatsu Station which is quite big with a lot of modern buildings surrounding it. Takamatsu is definitely a bigger city and so it's no wonder it's the capital of the prefecture.
I didn't need to take a train yet, but I heard there's a rental bike service and as my experience with it in Marugame was awesome and cheap I thought I'd give it a try again, especially because one of my destinations was a bit too far away for walking (3km is a lot if you're short on time!).
The rent-a-cycle system in Takamatsu is a nice idea but VERY confusing if you've never been there! It seems like almost the whole city gets their bikes from there. So this is not something that just tourists use.
In front of the station you'll have to go to a HUGE underground platform full of TONS of bicycles!! It's really very confusing. You'll register for a card, then get a bike and just like in a parking house, you'll use your card and pay. You can keep the bikes overnight, too. There are a few rules you have to stick to. Most of them pretty obvious like not parking in forbidden spots and not forgetting to lock the key.
I definitely recommend getting a bike from there, but be warned that it can be very confusing. They did have a few signs in English, but I'm not sure if I'd gotten far with English. I used Japanese only and even then it was a bit confusing (^^') ....
My first destination of the day was, of course, the castle which is conveniently located pretty much right next to the station! It's also known as Tamamo Castle.
It's surrounded by a nice park.
As it was still early in the morning I literally had the whole park to myself. Only a few gardeners were around!
The weather was really nice again!
A very nice picture of the castle.
They're rebuilding the main tower. In the background modern buildings. Quite typical for Japan. It's clearly not a hilltop castle *gg*
Can't wait until they finished construction works. Bet it's worth another visit then!!
Probably some cherry blossoms, but hell do I know? I gave up getting the difference between plum and cherry blossoms! ;P
And here we see some of the leftovers of the castle. As there's no main tower you also cannot go inside and only admire them from the outside. The one tower that is right next to the ocean is awesome!! I love castles that are so close to the ocean!! Rarely ever see those!
Random plant I took a photo of on my way back as I found it very interesting.
And then I was back on my bike for a 3km ride to my next destination. Stopping to take a photo of those awesome pink blossoms. Not sure what those were.
Close-up :D
As so many people seem to use bikes the pavement has strict rules telling you where you can drive and where not. Interesting but some people don't give a damn. That's Japan. When it comes to bicycles there will always be chaos XD
There you go! Eastern Japan has Suica, Kansai region has Icoca (which I have, too) and Shikoku has *drums* ....... Iruka (= dolphin ... who would have thought after seeing the photo?! XD)
While waiting for the traffic light to change I saw this funny dude. A fat ... racoon??!!
Pink blossoms again. Sorry I have no idea what it could be and before I tell you something wrong I just keep my mouth shut ^^;
My second destination of the day was Ritsurin Garden
It's a HUGE (really really h.u.g.e.) Japanese garden and among the best out there!! I spent way too much time there (hours!!) and thus you'll be bombarded with photos now!! Hohoho~
Way too many hungry kois! XD
Really a very beautiful and spacious garden! It was difficult to choose where to start first. It was full of people and yet it wasn't that difficult to take photos without any people in it as it's so spacious there ^-^
I'm quite positive that this is a cherry blossoms tree. So beautiful!! :) Not in full bloom yet, though.
I wasn't that lucky with the cherry blossoms, but I really couldn't complain about the weather this time!!! It was about time that I got some weather luck already after my last few bad-weather holidays, huh? ;P
Spotted another beautiful tree and approached it.
Can I just stay here forever, please? (*__*)b
So relaxing and calm. Could have stayed there, staring, forever!!
As you can see there's still so much more to explore, so I'm on my way again.
Absolutely awesome!
The right photo is one of my favorites as I just adore the colors!
Maybe there's no need to mention this, but of course there were various tea houses and also museums and other stuff. So many things to see, I swear! Absolutely worth the money and the time!
The tree + bridge from before again. Just can't get enough of it, so I took a few more photos on my way back.
That big pond was quite popular. An awesome spot to have a break, have lunch or just play around with the kois.
Still no cherry blossoms, but they don't care and have a "hanami" (flower viewing - this year rather a: flower searching XD) nevertheless!
In the end I had to hurry up a bit, go all the way back to the station, get rid of my bicycle and then I took a local train (not JR) to Yashima!
On my way I took a shot of one of the gullies of Takamatsu City. Very colorful!
Also, quite a colorful train. It's from the private railway Kotoden that runs around that area besides JR and which I also used to get to Yashima.
Yashima (lit. "roof island") is a flat topped mountain just outside of Takamatsu's city center. It was the site of an important 12th century battle during the Gempei War between the Taira and Minamoto Clans.
It offers an awesome view of Takamatsu City and also the Seto Island Sea. Furthermore there's Yashima Temple which is the 84th temple of the 88 Shikoku temle pilgrimage. I've been to quite a few of them by now, just wished that I had my seal book earlier on, then my goal to get a seal of all 88 would have been within reach ... but now I only have 1!!!! ;o; ... Oh well.
Random photo I took on my way. Nice shape for a house, huh? :D
Truth is there's a shuttle bus running right next from the Kotoden Station up to the hilltop. There's no way you can walk up there. Either you go by bus, by taxi or by your own car.
I checked the bus times and then started walking because before going up there, there was something else I wanted to see (yah, I know, busy schedule as always, huh? XD)
Though it wasn't far away I wasn't sure about the way. It was hot and I didn't have any time to lose, so I asked an older lady who was standing next to the road.
Her answer was completely rude and I was soooo shocked! She was totally aggressive! No idea what her problem was. Maybe she was mentally ill? Or maybe that's just her personality?
"What the hell do you want from me?" "Go away from me?!"
I was just normally asking for the way like I always do, starting with "Sumimasen..." ... No idea what her freaking problem was ... really ... but that got my mood down for a while. So annoyed!
After I finally found my destination, I sat down and had a quick lunch (earlier bought in a conbini, so no photo).
Welcome to Shikoku Mura! That bridge was awsome but also a bit scary to walk over it!
Looks like a tuning fork, doesn't it?
An open-air kabuki theater and everything is decorated with carp flags for Golden Week / Children's Day in May already.
Not so windy!
Now, why would I want to see the same-style houses I just saw this winter in Takayama and Shirakawago??
Well, gotta see some in spring in a totally different area, on a totally different main island, right? ;P
Close-up of the roof.
Bamboo forest!!!! :3333
And you also could walk inside some of those houses as they're all small museums. It's the year of the rabbit and it's truly the cutest year out there, ne?! ^-^
Totally random, but I thought it was interesting.
There were some people around me always, but it still was really a nice stroll, quiet and inspiring.
Already quite a nice view from up there, but wait until later when I'm actually on the hilltop! ^-^
And then it was time for various interesting ponds, fountains and waterfalls.
Only noticed later on when I saw the photos that those came pretty much one after another ^^;
After drinking too much, it was time to leave the Shikoku Mura. JK! XD
Byebye!~
Right outside of the village was this really nice building (love the colors!). I can't remember what it was. Maybe a restaurant?!
As I still had some time until the next shuttle bus would come I also took a stroll up all those stairs of Yashima Shrine which is right next to Shikoku Mura.
Nothing too interesting there, though.
Took a photo of the map of Yashima while waiting for the bus.
And finally up there. Just as I expected the night view would be awesome. This was not the last time that I regretted not having my own car as the buses ALWAYS stop running BEFORE sunset no matter where you go! The only option you have is an expensive taxi ride ;o; ....
I decided to wait and see later if I'll stay for sunset or not.
A lot to explore up there, but my first destination was, of course, Yashima Temple! ^___^
I already spent way too much time in the entrance area because there were so many interesting statues.
There was also a smaller shrine with ...
.. lots and lots of Tanukis!!!!
Close-up.
And that's some huge stone statues there!!
Definitely a lot of interesting and different things to explore there!
The monk on the left is holding a sign that says "84th temple of the 88 Shikoku Temple Pigrimage" - Yashima Temple" .. guess you're supposed to take a photo of yourself together with that monk ^^;
Tanukis everywhere!
Two pilgrims praying.
There was also a small museum on the temple grounds (not the building in the picture). There was a small entrance fee, but it was quite interesting to get to know more about Yashima's history.
It's small and not really a must-see.
Sakura still not out up there.
This is also something Yashima is famous for! So famous that on that day there was a TV team filming XD
You buy these clay disks and then you're supposed to throw them down from ...
... here! For good luck!
I didn't do it because ... y'know it's just not fun doing it all by myself ^^; ... *sigh*
The view from up there was absolutely breathtaking!!! Seto Island Sea!!!! :3333
That's Megijima Island out there.
And one more shot with cherry blossoms ... not yet in bloom ... (T_T) ...
Found a cute kitty there! ^___^
And also a cute frog statue.
Former castle grounds!!
A lot of cute and strange statues keep popping up everywhere! ^__^;
Saying goodbye to the awesome view.
In the end I decided not to stay until after sunset as I just didn't want to spend all that money on a taxi back down.
So, I took the last bus back down and the Kotoden train back to Takamatsu Station.
Random photo at the station. Cute "iruka" trashbox.
Back in Takamatsu City. Sunset time.
And that's where I took the Barbapapa(sp?XD) poster photo. So now you also know which castle it is in the background!! :D
Entered the shopping arcade to get some food. I was really starving!
Very yummie oyakodon with sanuki udon (again XD - this time "traditional style" - no soy sauce).
Looks like a huge portion, but if you look back on my day, I really needed to refuel!
I grabbed my suitcase and was off to Okayama (yah, busy day! XD)
Again with the Marine Liner as it connects Okayama with Kagawa. I just went back the same way I came one day earlier.
When I arrived in Okayama it was already time for bed.
As I've already spent quite some time in Okayama in spring 2009, I didn't really go sightseeing in Okayama City, but travelled to other spots I haven't been to yet.
Camera(s) used:
Pentax K-x
Next up:
Kurashiki
Stay tuned and thanks for being patient readers!
See you next time!~