SUMMARY

Travel vlogger BSP shares his first visit to Takamatsu in Kagawa Prefecture on Shikoku Island, his 34th of 47, marveling at the Seto Inland Sea's beauty and urging visits before Shinkansen development increases tourism.

STATEMENTS

BSP arrives in Takamatsu Station for the first time, marking his 34th prefecture visited out of Japan's 47.
He previously stopped in Okayama Prefecture, dropping off luggage at his hotel before heading to Takamatsu.
The journey involved crossing a long bridge over the Seto Inland Sea, revealing stunning views of islands and coastal areas.
Takamatsu is a city of over 500,000 residents, busier like neighboring Okayama with around 700,000 people.
BSP plans to explore the station area, castle park, and a notable garden, adjusting for potential rain with an umbrella.
Shikoku's lack of Shinkansen service results in far less tourist traffic compared to other regions.
A Shinkansen extension to Shikoku will take years due to planning, approvals, and construction.
The area offers beautiful scenery, including views from the Takamatsu symbol tower, making it appealing for visits and living.

IDEAS

Crossing long bridges by train provides unexpected panoramic views of natural wonders like island-dotted seas, transforming routine travel into awe-inspiring moments.
Appreciating local beauty during short stops can deepen one's connection to an entire nation's diverse landscapes.
Cities like Takamatsu balance urban energy with serene surroundings, offering a refreshing alternative to overcrowded metropolises.
The absence of high-speed rail in regions like Shikoku preserves their peaceful character, shielding them from mass tourism's downsides.
Strategic itinerary planning, such as visiting distant sites first, maximizes efficiency in time-constrained trips.
Preparing for variable weather with simple tools like umbrellas ensures uninterrupted exploration in unpredictable climates.
Encouraging timely visits to emerging destinations captures their authentic charm before infrastructure changes them forever.
Personal vlogging from stations and landmarks fosters real-time sharing that inspires global audiences to discover hidden gems.
Japan's varied prefectures reward persistent travelers with progressive discoveries, building a richer understanding of the homeland.
Scenic sea crossings highlight how geography shapes regional identities, from isolated islands to bustling ports.
Local complaints about lacking modern transport ironically enhance a place's appeal as an underrated retreat.
Daytime returns for views emphasize the value of experiencing natural beauty under optimal lighting conditions.

INSIGHTS

Embracing slower regional travel in Japan uncovers layers of natural and cultural beauty often eclipsed by high-speed urban rushes.
Infrastructure delays in remote areas like Shikoku safeguard their tranquility, reminding us that progress isn't always an unmitigated gain.
Personal milestones in exploration, such as visiting multiple prefectures, cultivate a profound sense of national pride and wanderlust.
Efficient short-term itineraries blending history, nature, and urban vibes amplify the joy of transient adventures.
Sharing live impressions from underrepresented spots democratizes travel knowledge, urging others to prioritize authentic over hyped destinations.

QUOTES

"the inland inland sea is so beautiful, man. It's so beautiful. So many beautiful islands and you see some some um places on them and whatnot."
"I live in the beautiful country. I live in a beautiful country. We're going to say, man, Japan, this is a truly a beautiful country."
"you got to get to Japan, man. You got to get here. We live in a beautiful country."
"Shikoku, the people in Shikoku complain because they don't have a Shinkansen. Come to Shikoku, so they don't get nowhere near the traffic um that the other prefectures get."
"this is going to be a really nice place to to visit and it looks like a nice place to live too."

HABITS

Drop luggage at a hotel upon arrival to travel light during explorations.
Carry an umbrella to handle sudden rain without derailing plans.
Prioritize distant attractions early in the day to optimize return logistics.
Conduct quick orientation walks around stations to map out routes efficiently.
Schedule departures to coincide with favorable viewing times, like daytime sea crossings.

FACTS

Takamatsu in Kagawa Prefecture has a population exceeding 500,000 residents.
Neighboring Okayama Prefecture's main city boasts around 700,000 inhabitants.
BSP has now visited 34 out of Japan's total 47 prefectures.
Shikoku Island currently lacks Shinkansen high-speed rail service.
The bridge connecting Okayama to Takamatsu spans the Seto Inland Sea, showcasing numerous islands.

REFERENCES

Video from the Takamatsu symbol tower highlighting beautiful scenery.
Castle park near Takamatsu Station.
Notable garden in Takamatsu, described as nice and worth visiting.
Shinkansen extension project to Shikoku, involving planning and approvals.

HOW TO APPLY

Arrive by train from a nearby prefecture like Okayama, using the journey to appreciate scenic bridges and seas.
Secure your hotel in the previous stop before venturing out, ensuring mobility without baggage.
Assess weather conditions immediately and equip yourself with rain gear to proceed undeterred.
Map your route starting with the farthest site, such as the garden, to loop back toward the station efficiently.
Incorporate cultural landmarks like castle parks into your walk, staying proximate to transit for timely departures.
Capture live footage from key spots to document and share the experience in real time.

ONE-SENTENCE TAKEAWAY

Explore Shikoku's tranquil beauty now, before Shinkansen crowds transform its serene islands and seas.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Venture to Shikoku promptly to savor its uncrowded charm and natural vistas.
Opt for train travel over bridges for immersive views of Japan's inland seas.
Integrate gardens and historical parks into urban itineraries for balanced sightseeing.
Pack weather essentials to maintain flexibility in variable climates.
Document and share regional discoveries to promote lesser-known destinations.

MEMO

In the bustling yet understated heart of Takamatsu Station on Shikoku Island, travel enthusiast BSP marks a personal milestone: his 34th prefecture out of Japan's 47. Fresh off the train from Okayama, where he stashed his luggage, BSP steps into Kagawa's vibrant scene for the first time. The crossing over the Seto Inland Sea via a sprawling bridge left him awestruck—crystal waters dotted with lush islands, a testament to Japan's understated coastal splendor. With over 500,000 residents, Takamatsu hums with energy akin to its neighbor's 700,000-strong hub, yet feels worlds away from Tokyo's frenzy.

BSP's itinerary is a masterclass in efficient wandering: a loop from the station to the iconic castle park, then onward to a renowned garden, all under the threat of drizzle—he's armed with an umbrella. Shikoku's Shinkansen drought, often a local gripe, emerges as a silver lining, keeping tourist hordes at bay and preserving the region's quiet allure. As BSP notes, this isolation makes it an ideal escape, especially before the long-awaited rail extension disrupts the peace with years of construction ahead.

The vlogger's enthusiasm is infectious, a call to arms for fellow adventurers: Japan, he insists, is a "truly beautiful country" brimming with hidden gems. From the symbol tower's panoramic vistas to the inland sea's poetic expanse, Takamatsu embodies why proactive travel matters—seize these spots before development redraws their map. BSP signs off live from the station, promising more dispatches, underscoring how personal quests can illuminate a nation's soul.