From Shimanto we traveled to Uchiko, a town in western Shikoku. Uchiko features a preserved old town – the town thrived in the 18th century producing wax and paper.

For most of the trip by train from Shimanto to Uchiko, we were the only passengers. In Uchiko we stayed at an Auberge, Auberge Uchiko, and we were the only guests. Not used to such private treatment.

In japan, an Auberge is similar to a ryokan (Japanese inn) but the food and lodging are western. Similar to a ryokan, dinner and breakfast are included and the inn has an onsen. The meals are fixed menu, elaborate, and multi-course. At an Auberge, the dinner is typically French. The nightly rate is per person rather than per room.