shikoku

certainly on driving through the mountains of central shikoku it was obvious to see the havoc that last years unusually high amount of typhoons had caused, but the quiet roads made for great bike climbing and the onsens (iya in particular) were a perfect tonic for tired limbs and a busy mind. having to take a funicular railway down the 45 degree gorge at snails pace with equally relaxing music to the riverside hotspring made the experience all the more worthwhile. a mid-week visit nearby the oboke gorge post-goldenweek also meant the amount of fellow travellers was relatively small. the food was really extra-ordinary and allergies were generally catered for (despite the usual russian roulette of unidentifiable soup stock). magic.