Experience Fresh Seafood and Jaw-dropping Scenery on ShikokuTokushima / Kochi

Many activities in Japan draw in visitors from around the world. Yet, while numerous centers on the country’s unique food heritage and stunning natural wonders, others highlight Japan as a progressive nation not afraid to push the boundaries. A visit to the Kamikatsu Zero Waste Center is one of those experiences. Kamikatsu was Japan’s first town to declare a zero-waste policy, and the recycling center is at the heart of this transformation. Another attraction that can’t be missed on your visit to the town is a trip to Cafe polestar. Here, wonderful dishes created with sustainable local ingredients are paired with events and a store celebrating the forward-thinking ethos of Kamikatsu. Experiences in Japan will never fail to surprise and delight you, but you might want to drop into Cafe polestar for something a little different.

Kamikatsu has realized its goal of creating a sustainable town that operates a zero-waste policy. Many villages in Japan strive to achieve similar sustainability, but Kamikatsu has done it. These achievements are celebrated everywhere, including at HOTEL WHY – a unique hotel that’s located at the Kamikatsu Zero Waste Center. Combined, these buildings are the hub from which the town’s sustainability efforts take place, and they form the shape of a question mark, asking visitors the simple question: “Why?” Here, waste is separated into 45 different categories, and visitors can take part and learn about the sorting process. Away from recycling, the hotel provides light, airy rooms built from sustainable wood. Everything in the hotel celebrates the milestone of achieving zero-waste and as such, it relies on as much local produce and support as possible.

Kinme, the splendid alfonsino fish, is one of the culinary specialties of the Cape Muroto area, Kochi. Located adjacent to a Kochi beach, this seaside city is a must stop for seafood lovers, and all Japan adventures should come with a taste of the sea. Fish caught in the area are exceptionally well fed and fresh due to a plankton-rich environment. One of the places to sample Kinme-don, a spectacular dish of kinme sashimi and fresh-grilled kinme over steamed rice is Kamameshi Hatsune. This traditional restaurant has been serving bowls of delicious Kinme-don for over 70 years. In the decades since it was founded, the décor retains traditional flourishes including hanging scrolls and paper doors, and the only seating option is Japanese style on straw tatami floors. Yet, it is this enduring tradition and dedication to quality that gives the restaurant great appeal, and people still flock to it whenever they are lucky enough to visit Muroto.

When you visit a cave in Japan you might be struck by its size, tranquility or perhaps stunning location. For visitors to Japan cave excursions are a wonderful way to explore the wilderness and find something truly unique. Ioki Cave is a true natural marvel. Finish your tour of Shikoku with a visit to this natural phenomenon located just off the main road. At 40 meters long, the cave is substantial. The three-meter-wide and five-meter-high walls of the cave are littered with fossils. However, it is the verdant green ferns that cover much of the cave walls that will take your breath away. In fact, with more than 40 species of fern present, the government recognized these ferns collectively as a National Natural Monument way back in 1926. Follow the small river that runs through the cave, and you’ll be treated with the sight of three small waterfalls, adding to the mystery and magic of Ioki Cave.