The Awa-Odori in Tokushima attracts 1.4 million visitors – with our typical impulse travel plans, there was no way we were going to get a hotel room in Tokushima, although we tried.  Instead we stayed in Takamatsu (高松), an hour train ride away.  Takamatsu is the largest city on the island of Shikoku and famous for its Sanuki Udon – although the Inaniwa Udon we had last year in Akita still ranks higher on my list.  Udon is almost fast-food like in this town – they even eat it for breakfast (udon with pouched egg on top).

While in Takamatsu, we took in the sights such as the grounds of Takamatsu Castle.  It used to be one of the few castles built along a waterfront.  Originally built in the 1500s but torn down in the late 1800s. Its currently being rebuilt.

Morning commuters coming down the city’s main shopping arcade:

The city’s “No Mercedes Allowed” sign:

From Takamatsu, we headed back to the main island of Honshu via the Seto Bridge.