Throughout this guidebook are sightseeing opportunities to fill many a day, but night life and urban pastimes also require some introduction. This is likely to center on the prefectural capital of Takamatsu, where at present most of the hotels and attractions for foreigners are located. Few signs are in English and few residents can speak foreign languages. But fortunately, downtown Takamatsu is very compact, with most attractions in or near shopping arcades within easy walking distance. Moreover, the residents are friendly and more easygoing than big city people.
Service is more personalized, and it is rare to enter a packed restaurant or train.
Outside of Takamatsu customers are all the more eagerly awaited. The most rewarding experiences are liable to come about through interaction with the residents, so we might consider what they do for entertainment, and try to join them. The rule of thumb might be to go beyond looking to interacting and participating whenever possible. Even beyond the verbal there is a whole world of subtle interaction in terms of facial expressions, palpable emotions, gestures and favors. The unexpected extras in service, for example, can be a highlight as one appreciates the underlying desire to please.