7 November 2025
Another lap ends in curry
Tokushima on a Friday night
Last night in Tokushima, probably ever, so I better go do another lap. I have enjoyed my time here, but it seems unlikely I would ever visit again, it is too small and remote to be on the way to somewhere I have not been before, plus I am old and need to focus future trips on similar places I have not been to previously, of which there are many.
It is very quiet here, even on a Friday, although a lot of people with suitcases appeared to be arriving at the train station just as I was returning to my hotel for yet another early night (in bed by 9pm). Perhaps I am tucked up in bed before anything interesting actually opens, I am fine with that.
In non Tokushima or even Shikoku related news, it is time for an update on bears.
Up in the north, where the air force is bombing bears now, the residents are being urged to carry an empty plastic bottle with them wherever they go, and crinkle them continuously. A recent study identified this as the noise bears (and humans, and every other living creature) hates most. So if you are visiting Akita soon, expect to hear this 24/7. I am thinking of inventing a machine that constantly crinkles an empty bottle, in fact I just thought of it, since there are vending machines everywhere, and bins to put empty plastic bottles in next to them, just install a crinkler in those. I am a genius.
There is a river running through Tokushima. They put some lights and things on the various bridges, but the water front seems very under developed.
This is Awaodori Kaikan. A tourist information building (with cable car station) that specialises in paid Buddhist dance performances. I was too late to see the dance.
The bottom of the dance exhibition cable car station also features a tourist souvenir shopping extravaganza. The dark blue (indigo?) theme seems to be a local speciality, I noticed dark blue dyed flowers in many of the local florists.
This is the night club area. I really do think I am too early to see anyone at all here. Oh well, I will have to go clubbing another time.
Back near the station, and there are people, look at them all!
And finally, time for my dinner, at ubiquitous Coco curry. So ubiquitous they have an outlet in Tokushima. It is not as good as it was many years ago, and much of the menu on the touch screen was unavailable at this branch, but you do get to customise, which for me means less rice more spice.
Tomorrow I go to Takamatsu. I could just about walk there.