Finally, the Big Bridge!

The big bridge I keep referencing is the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in the world. The bridge connects Honshu [largest island] to Awaji, which is just a skip away from Shikoku [smallest of the big 4 islands]. No trains over this guy, and no trains in all of Akashi, for that matter.

No picture of the bridge; in general I don't think suspension bridges are great viewing. Clearly, the Japanese postcard industry disagrees with me...

So we'd found seats on a highway bus to take us back to familiar grounds. We went over the bridge, and yes, it's huge. More interesting at night when it's lit up, but still nifty during the day. We went to Kobe for dinner, then met up with Joy, who graciously let us sleep over. Then it was a Costco run before finally heading home.

Shikoku reflections: Beautiful, but I think a car is a necessity. The trains don't travel to some of the most recommended sights [Iya valley], and they are slow and infrequent. Shikoku is also hugely popular with cyclists, so if you're hardcore, I'm sure you would have a great time on your bike. The cities all had very distinctive moods, with the laid-back surliness of Kochi being our favorite. Shikoku does a lot of agriculture, and the food is fab. Overall; you should go.