Pat's Blog

Quite a few years ago and old acquaintance and keen yachtsman took me cruising a few times around the Inland Sea in the Takamatsu area. This is the world’s busiest waterway and relatively shallow (average depth 37.3 meters).



But the sheer volume of sea traffic in unseen to the human eyes, runs through designated lanes. These traffic routes or shipping lanes, are supervised around the clock by radar, powerful binoculars and positioned cameras all over the highest points in the Inland Sea. Japan Coast Guard’s traffic control center staff high up on Aoyama in the town of Utazu are the overseers. So for yachtsmen it means there’s not much time to forget about vigilance.



Well over 800 very big, large and largish vessels pass under the Great Seto Bridge in a single day. Fishermen have rights to fish in any areas they see fit, so the coast guard must prioritize the position of fishing boats over large vessels. No easy task.



I have often snorkeled with friends in these waters and recall many happy memories of eating fresh abalone and drinking a few cold beers.




My good pal and fellow blogger Cathy Hirano wrote an excellent piece in her blog about the company Foucault. The site is in Japanese only, but they’re working on and English version to be posted soon.

http://cathy.ashita-sanuki.jp

http://www.foucault.co.jp/

https://www.facebook.com/foucault.setouchi

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I was also asked to experience a cruise with Foucault on one of their catamarans to write this piece. Life can be difficult .. Foucault is open to any ideas for cruising and will make a plan for you with what I think are reasonable fees. The Sunset Cruises are popular, the onboard staff very friendly and the experience unforgettable. Foucault will take you to any of over 100 deserted islands where you can swim, snorkel and have a BBQ. They can of course suggest a plan if you don’t have one. This company has my personal recommendation.

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Upcoming events in Kagawa!!

Kagawa Waterfront Festival;

July 19-August 8. Will include 15-minute hologram shows on a giant water screen in the sea. Come and enjoy art, dynamic historical storytelling, and entertainment. Shows are at 19:40, 20:30 and 21:20 at Sunport. For more details (in Japanese) see: http://www.pref.kagawa.jp/seto80/event/waterfront.html

Sensory Dining in Tamamo Park;

Gourmet cuisine together with works by top artists here in Kagawa and local craftspeople. This will be a special dining experience. Details are not up yet but last year this special event ran from August 10 through 18. Information will be posted on their website soon: http://www.takumikumo.com/shiro-cafe/

For more info on Takamatsu:

http://wikitravel.org/en/Takamatsu

http://www.city.takamatsu.kagawa.jp/english/

http://tia-takamatsu.jp/

http://www.my-kagawa.jp/eg/

http://www.my-kagawa.jp/special/visitor/kanko/index.htm

http://www.i-pal.or.jp/profile/topics/kagawas-welcome-card.html

Other bloggers in Takamatsu of interest:

http://cathy.ashita-sanuki.jp

http://ogijima.com

http://ww8.tiki.ne.jp/~tmath/home/