A short ferry ride from the lovely city of Okayama put me on the island of Shikoku, the smallest of Japan’s major islands. Mountains in the center of the island have pushed most cities to the coast.  My destination was the small city of Uwajima on the West side of the island.  This small town is booming with modern industry juxtaposed with a rich cultural heritage.  Shipyards compete for harbor space with a plethora of oyster platforms where world-class pearls are farmed.  A medieval castle, Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, bull fights, and waterfalls guarded by aggressive Japanese macaques are just of few of the offerings in this area filled with natural beauty and warm people.   

Resting from the hike

Majestic cascade behind

Monkey steals my lunch