Day 39 - Naoshima

Art, Walking, and a Surprise Festival

A morning ferry from Uno brought us to Naoshima, where art spills out of the museums and onto the shoreline. We visited the Chichu Art Museum, explored the outdoor sculptures, and saw both the yellow and red spotted pumpkins. There was even a little red-clawed crab along the way.

Our wandering added up to 6.35 miles, with plenty of hills and stops to admire the art and sea views. Never enough walking! :)

The unexpected highlight came back at Miyanoura Port. Drums were beating loudly as a local festival procession came off the ferry, with elaborately dressed performers riding above the shoulders of the carriers. We watched them move from the port toward the streets before we had to line up for our own boat. After narrowly missing festivals earlier in the trip, what luck to stumble into this one!

We caught the 2:20 ferry to Takamatsu, then took the train to Tokushima. Our carriage was decorated with Anpanman characters—even the ceiling. A cheerful way to end the journey.

Dinner was at a French bistro, with mixed reviews. Phil’s beef ajillo was fine; Cindy wasn’t keen on the chicken thighs. The portions were tiny, so no danger of overeating!

Tomorrow we trade art-island wandering for the start of our Shikoku temple pilgrimage.Read more