Next time you are down Embassy Theatre way on Courtney Place, Wellington- pop into Deluxe cafe, grab a Havana espresso and have a geeze (visit my shop to purchase) the Moena Moxham art up for display until the 11th of October.

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Takamatsu in relation to Shodoshima- an hour on the ferry from Tonosho port

TAKAMATSU (Ⓘ.Ⓘ)

I had heard about the Ritsurin Gardens in Takamatsu and was in need of some music and city life so decided to make a three day weekend adventure and exploration of the first stop on Shikoku- Japan's less densely populated fourth island. Having past through here in April on the way to Naoshima and back though again on the way to Himeji, I was intrigued to explore this area in greater depth as it felt like it had much more to give.

Takamatsu is very cool- it has a great relaxed but funky attitude- it's creative and quirky but with just enough city and island life mix. As the main port town to Shikoku there is a little something of everything. But what I have been seeking this trip is very different from the last- environment, the land, people and energy has taken top priority- and of that the more tranquil, deep and esoteric kind. Nature does it best.

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No photo is going to do this place justice unfortunately! SO. Stunnnnning.

Among the gardens in Japan designated as National Special Scenic Beauty, Ritsurin Garden is the largest. Construction started around 1625 by Takatoshi Ikoma, the feudal lord of Takamatsu, and took about 100 years with successive feudal lords to complete in 1745. The garden has six ponds and thirteen mounds strategically placed to use Mt Shiun as a background. Different flowers bloom all year round, changing the scenery as you walk. "One step, one scenery."
The garden also has an excellent reputation overseas. It was given three stars as the highest-rated, worth-visiting place for sightseeing in the Michelin Green Guide Japan in 2009. It did not fail to please- so much so I went back twice. It is truly stunning and very varied- each area has a unique feeling and spirit.

My friend had told me about a great live music venue down on the waterfront called AO which is part of a funky cafe called Umie and they had a live music event with a female Japanese musician called Minakumari and her friends. Made up of a sitar. guitar and harmonica combo it sounded interesting... they were SUPERB. Like mind-blowing! I have never heard a sitar or harmonica played like it- it was soul, mind and heart nourishment- see the wee video above :)

Best place to stay in Takamatsu- conveniently located (30 mins stroll from the port or two train clips), super clean, comfy and the rooms are extra dark so you get super long ..^.^..zZzzZZ!- Traditional Apartment

Japan: making under-passes funky since aaaaages ago

There is world class shopping, oisshiiii udon noodles, art, craft, gardens, nightlife and great spots to check out and have a gander. The pace is relaxed and I would definitely come back to Shikoku to see and explore more.

I traveled up to Busshozan to explore the onsen- alas this one was strict on tattoos. But I had a wonderful afternoon regardless; thankfully being an adventure rather than the destination gal anyhow, but a little FYI for anyone with ink as it's not … — I traveled up to Busshozan to explore the onsen- alas this one was strict on tattoos. But I had a wonderful afternoon regardless; thankfully being an adventure rather than the destination gal anyhow, but a little FYI for anyone with ink as it's not on their website :)

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I could have waited for that train all day I was so comfy ^=^

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I couldn't help myself. Well actually, I did, because I am a curious wee creature and was keen to play with the Scrambler after seeing it at the 42nd Tokyo Motorcycle Show in March.

Billed from Ducati as 'much more than a bike, it's a universe of freedom and self expression' it's tooting it's horn for a sensory experience that touches (and holds the hands) of all the bases. A contemporary interpretation of the iconic Ducati model, it's a neat and tidy wee pop coloured package with the essence of what it's all about. Bwwrwwaarrp! Classic Duke sound, wide handlebars and a more refined and slick transmission definitely makes you feel like you're riding like a Boss.

Much more than a tricked out cafe racer there are four different versions with a plethora of different components, clip on's and customisations that can be added gives you a wardrobe to play with. Styled with mixes of the 1970's, street and enduro influences, makes this a funky and sassy automobile. I love the spoke wheels (a little fiddly to clean but soo rad) and padded seat of the Classic, but am rather keen on the Urban Enduro which comes in a cool Wild Green.

Great for riding around town it's a get to, cruise and be comfy and have some serious fun playing around kind of bike. I rode her up and over my favourite Paekakariki Hill (the mini Rimutaka's as it's known).. and then was having so much fun I kept on to Paraparaumu. Which was a long excuse in the sunshine to go back over the Paekak Hill again on the way back!

She's your sassy hot chick friend who is as funky in her Lululemon as Lanvin and is all about what is happening right. now. in. your. grill. Hipster?- a little, but that ain't taking the shine of this ride.