As the time of our train was approaching, we headed to the station. Our first destination, Naruto whirlpools. These whirlpools have formed due to tides in the Naruto straight between Awaji Island and Shikoku Island, Japan. The tides move large amounts of water twice a day between the inland sea and the Pacific Ocean. The reason the whirlpools form is because the straight is very narrow so the water is rushing through at 13 to 15 kilometers per hour between the times of high and low tides.
Upon checking the tide flow charts we were very confused. I had been given lots of information from students about times to go and where you should view from. They told me that if you go at the wrong time the whirlpools are basically non-existent. We learned that the best time to view was actually NOT at hight tide or low tide, but when the tides were changing, so before and after those times. Luckily, the train time that we had chosen was the perfect time.
We arrived at our stopover station where we were to change trains. Mind you, we were out in the middle of nowhere on and island riding on a train that had only one car. We asked the driver if it was the train at the station, he said yes so we hopped on only to discover either he didn't understand our Japanese, or he didn't like foreigners; it was probably our Japanese, but I'm still not sure. The next driver suggested we get off at the next stop and wait for the next train, which was about forty minutes later.
We walked around and took some photos near the station. Our fear of missing the next train was real and tangible due to the fact that if we missed the train, not only would we limit our day because we would have to wait another hour, but we would miss the changing of the tides and our chance at seeing the whirlpools.
The train was approaching as I purchased a glass bottle with Kit-Kat bars inside from a vending machine and we were off! Down to Naruto. We arrived at the Naruto station and talked to the attendant at the ticket window. Due to the infrequency of trains we decided that it was necessary to plan what train we wanted to take in order to ensure we would have enough time to see what we wanted at our next destination. We hopped on a bus to the straight, along with our new friend Oscar from Mexico, who was on a three week holiday from his work in Seattle.
We couldn't decide it we would rather view the whirlpools up-close-and-personal on a boat or under the bridge on a walkway. We opted for the bridge in order to try to save some cash and because the weather was not calling for a boat ride. Despite the sun, it was a very windy 13 degrees C and with only a light sweater and scarf I was in no condition to bear those circumstances.
However, to my dismay, under the bridge was actually freezing as it was open air and the winds at such a height were VERY strong. Despite the cold we were able to catch a glimpse at the whirlpools and snap a few photos before heading back down to catch our bus back the train station.
By the time we got to the station we were starving and had only about 13 minutes until the train came. There was no fast food in the area so we opted for a Family Mart convenience store on the corner. Now, convenience stores in Japan are very similar to those in America; they have both hot food and cold food along with ice cream, and a variety of snacks and drinks. But I think they are much more fun, probably because I can't read the packaging. Also, because of what we bought for lunch. Please let me introduce you to the AMERICAN DOG.
Meredith and I have been eating these for quite some time now, but I have come to realize that I have never blogged about this scrumptious snack bearing the name of my homeland. The American Dog is....a corn dog. I hope that didn't kill your suspense too much. But here is the exciting part about the American Dog in Japan. It is all in the condiments. When you buy one you get this ketchup and mustard packet (Japanese mustard is sooo spicy). Please check out the photo to see why it is so amazing. You squeeze it and it comes out in perfect lines with no mess. They also use this kind of packaging for salad dressing and many other liquids on the go. It is fantastic.
We hopped on our next train with our destination in mind; Takamatsu. We were off on a voyage to see what we could before the sun set and we had to take our bus back to Kobe. We only had a few hours so we settled and changed our plans to only include a very large Japanese Garden and the ultimate goal; UDON. Udon is a noodle soup with thick noodles. My mom was not fond of this upon her visit to Japan due to the sticky and chewy texture of the noodles, but I love them and I heard that in Takamastu not only were they famous, but they were even stickier and chewier than elsewhere in Japan!
We approached the station around 2:15 pm and decided to rent bicycles at the station for a mere 100 yen. I had recently re-taught Meredith how to ride a bike because she hadn't since she was very small, but in Japan you have be to be able to ride a bike sometimes, especially after you realize how much easier your life will become.
We rode down to the garden passing designer shops and a Domino's pizza restaurant, all of them proving to be little reminders of the mass amount of western influence that is in this country. But finally, we approached the traditional Japan that we craved, a giant Japanese Garden. It's name is Ritsurin Koen. It is built as a promenade style garden and was constructed in the 1600's during the Edo Period for the Matsudaira Family that ruled during this time. It was beautiful and the amount of Coy and Tea Houses were simply amazing.
After walking around here we headed to a noodle shop to have a bite to eat. I chose the udon with soy sauce with a side of tempura octopus and shrimp. It was so delicious and at only 450 yen it was such a steal. I wish we had these in Kobe!
We returned our bikes, bought our bus tickets, grabbed a bus-beer and a doughnut and we were on our way back home, thinking of the Wednesday workday that was in store for us the next day.
Oh what an adventure!
Next installment; Jen FINALLY tries the World Renowned Kobe Beef!
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