Doutor was our breakfast venue of choice this morning. Their 390 yen sandwich and coffee deal is excellent value for money and always tastes great.
We needed to catch a train from Takamatsu Chikko station to Furutakamatsu, just eight stops away.
Luckily we saw the funny side when we realised we were on the wrong train. It was just one of those moments when you jump on the train as the doors are about to close hoping it was the correct one.
We finally found the correct platform, our train was due to depart in 15 minutes. Ella took out her sketchbook and set about drawing a train on the opposite platform. Before she had time to finish her sketch it pulled away though.
The place we were heading to today was the flat area on top of the mountain in Yashima. From Furutakamatsu station we passed a lake filled with koi carp and followed a path which led up the mountainside.
I wasn't sure if there would be vending machines further up so bought a bottle of Pocari Sweat to be on the safe side. Don't be put off by the name, it's a really refreshing mild grapefruit flavoured ion supply drink.
The hike to the top was quite challenging but also very satisfying. The temple grounds also contain large stone images of Minoyama Daimyojin, a rascally tanuki (raccoon dog) that is able to change shape and assume other forms.
There were plenty of these to be seen around the temple.
Just beyond the temple we found a small shop selling these sweet potato tarts, so delicious!
High up on top of the mountain you can find a Setoutchi Triennale exhibit called "Smoke and Fog' by Teppei Kaneuji. It was made up of randomly placed rocks, a greenhouse and a giant image of a sunset.
Turn your head in the opposite direction to the exhibit and this was the view, looking down onto the Seto Inland Sea.
A short walk away a derelict building appeared in the distance.
It was another derelict hotel!
Arcade machines in the lobby.
Just like before at the derelict hotel in Shodoshima, we were able to easily enter the building. There were gardeners not far away though so we didn't want to spend too long inside here.
I'd read about a derelict cable car that leads up the mountainside but I had no luck in finding it. I had no idea we'd find this abandoned hotel though, as before many of the things inside were simply left there.
The reception area leading up to the dining room.
The hotel kitchen.
Before making our way back down the mountain we took in the views of Takamatsu down below. If visiting Takamatsu I'd definitely recommend a trip to Yashima, it's quite a hike but the temple and stunning views are really rewarding.
Back in Takamatsu we had dinner in a restaurant inside one of the malls. A reasonably priced set meal that comes with your choice of main dish (I chose chicken and vegetables), rice, pickles, miso soup and salad.
Ella went to visit a book shop inside this huge department store.
Whilst she checked out the books I checked out some sake, pretty strong stuff!
I also tried a pork skewer from Family Mart, you can buy these on the hot counter beside the till. Very tasty indeed and reasonably priced too at just 180 yen.
We also tried this melon bread filled with ice cream, a wonderful combination of flavours!
We stocked up on beer and crisps to watch the sunset by the port. The pepperoni pizza crisps were amazing, the occasional crisp would be coated in cheese!
Once again the clouds turned up to ruin the sunset party.
Back at the hotel we feasted on food from a nearby department store food hall. Tonight I chose an onigiri based mixed platter similar to the one I'd eaten last week on the Shodoshima ferry.
Click here for Day 19
Kurashiki
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