Back to Honshu Island

Kimi-san sent me off at Takamatsu Port this morning. She drove me and my bike in her lorry and we reached the port at around 8am. It was a pity that I couldn`t stay longer at the Nakamuras. Anyways, they promised to call if they ever came to Singapore, and then it`ll be my turn to show them around!

I caught the 9am ferry out to Shodoshima Island, which was my intermediate stop on the way back to Honshu Island.

Takamatsu Port

The ferry ride from Takamatsu to Shodoshima Island took around an hour during which I caught some shut-eye. Reaching Tonosho Port on the island, I immediately set out for my destination, Fukuda Port, from which I will take the ferry to Himeji City on Honshu Island.

Shodoshima Island is located in the Seto Inland Sea and is famous for its olive trees. All over the island, there are scores of such trees. Its a pity the Japanese don`t really use olive oil in their cooking!

Olive Garden - Where there was an olive tree museum

Cycling northwards towards Fukuda Port, I passed by the Olive Garden, but did not enter. Didn`t really fancy paying money to learn about olive trees! Next to it, was Olive Beach, where I took a break at the little pier below.

Olive Beach

Me at the pier

View of the Seto Inland Sea from the pier

About 20km from Fukuda Port, I ran into a mountain. Didn`t really expect it cause I was travelling along the coastline, but apparently the mountain ridge formed a cliff along Shodoshima Island`s eastern coast. The climbing was tough, but the views were good....

Start of the climbing

Taking a break at the top

Great views of the sea

Finally reaching Fukuda Port at 130pm, I realised that I had just missed the 115pm ferry for Himeji! The next one left only 2 hours later, so I had the opportunity to have lunch first. Lunch was at a small cafe next to the ferry terminal where I had `so-men`. `So-men` is the specialty of Shodoshima Island, and I had mine cold, `zaru-soba` style. Texture of the noodles were great and didn`t cost me that much as well!

My ride to Himeji City

Ferry to Himeji City took almost 2 hours and by the time I checked into the Washington Hotel which was near Himeji Station, it was almost 6pm.