Shodoshima

We start our trip around noon all the way up in Tochigi prefecture with a bus to Utsunomiya Station.

Getting close to Okayama, our final stop with the Shinkansen, our car in the train is completely empty.

Finally arriving at Takamatsu Station.

Took many hours to get here.

Part of Takamatsu Castle on our way to the hotel.

Getting to sleep in a capsule for the first time. It was much bigger than I imagined. For some reason the TV has been taken out.

On day 2, we're going to take the ferry to our destination Shodoshima.

Aboard the ferry. It's a one hour ride to the island from Takamatsu.

The ferry even have some arcade games.

The ferry also transports cars. There is one which doesn't, it's twice as fast but twice the cost.

We had not planned our trip much. We knew what we wanted to see, and where it was, but not how to get there. While asking for some directions at a gas stop we spot a Mariko calendar. We are also equipped with two iPad2's and an Ultraman pocket WiFi. Commercial below.

Something doesn't look right here. A lone wanderer in straw hat and walking stick, and cell phone and running shoes.

The town of Tonosho is building some new proper roads.

Walked into this random shrine we stumbled upon. One of the many things that I like about Japan.

Finally arriving at Angel Road, our main target on the island.

Riding up the ropeway to see Kankakei Gorge, a very unique view, and said to be the most beautiful gorge in Japan.

Looking down the town of Kusakabe.

Due to the high altitude it suddenly got a little foggy and rained for a bit. We took shelter while waiting it out, and decided to do some Mayuyu worship - my friend's favorite member (oshimen).

We also found some nasty things in the bushes.

On our way down we are surrounded by wild monkeys.

The windmill near the olive garden.

The sun is setting but we are not done yet. Walking from Tonosho down to Kose to locate a school building.

After taking some final shots of the school we had to rush back for the last ferry to Takamatsu. Visiting the island was a nice experience with many unique views. In a way the island felt kind of dead with almost no people around, but it was also kind of refreshing with next to no tourists or stressful people roaming around.

There was an old guy practicing his golf swing in the school yard.

Love these irregular rooftops with tiles.