The Island of Shikoku


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Asia » Japan » Ehime » Matsuyama
July 31st 2018
Published: July 31st 2018
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Dear All Greetings from a small city called Matsuyama (half-a-million people, about the same size as Sheffield!), on the island of Shikoku, the smallest of Japan’s four main islands. I am so happy to be here for a number of reasons. Firstly, and mainly, as I indeed made it safely here on Sunday evening, following a night of Typhoon Jongdari passing directly overhead back in Kyoto. Secondly, as ... Read Full Entry



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Me and a samurai!
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Matsuyama
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A beautifully colourful umbrella
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Holding a real samurai sword - it felt comparatively light for a sword
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Steep staircases inside
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I found this sign and picture very funny...!
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The very top of the central tower, on the second floor (British system, third floor in the Japanese system)
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Looking towards Matsuyama centre
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Drinks vending machines are everywhere in Japan, a real blessing considering the summer heat. There's always a reasonably-priced, ice-cold drink at hand whenever you need one!
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Pepsi J-Cola

There was indeed a different taste to this, but I'm still not sure what makes J-Cola different from regular cola...
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Matsuyama Ferris Wheel

I am not usually afraid of heights, but I had to calm myself from having a panic attack I believe on this - not sure it was a good idea.
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View towards Matsuyama-jo
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Matsuyama Ferris Wheel

At the top, I found this the worst bit...



31st July 2018

Wonderful few days in Shikoku!
I've only been very briefly in Shikoku myself, in Naruto to see the torrents there. I've been thinking about doing the Shikoku 88 Ohenro some day, but the time investment needed has so far made me decide otherwise but I hope to do it someday. You will absolutely love Hiroshima, and it was luckily not as touristy as I feared it would be. The Atomic Bomb Museum is really powerful, I expect that you will be very moved, I know I was. I recommend that if you have the time you also take the ferry out to Miyajima outside of Hiroshima, it's a very iconic place. :)
1st August 2018

Hiroshima
Indeed my friend, I thought of you when I was reading about the Shikoku pilgrimage - you're right, it'd be a big time investment. Maybe for your next trip after your own pilgrimage this month...?! Just arrived in Hiroshima, glad to hear that it's not quite so touristy as you'd expect. Indeed, I'm planning to visit the peace areas tomorrow, and then Miyajima on Friday. Looking forward very much :) I look forward to reading the blogs you are publishing at the moment when I'm home at the end of August. Take care my friend.
31st July 2018

Heat Wave and Typhoon!
Glad to hear you weren't too affected by the typhoon, and I hope the heat wave has dissipated somewhat. I love the Japanese public transit rules - I wish we had them here!
1st August 2018

Heatwave and Typhoon
Lol! Indeed, I like the public transport rules too, if only we had them also back in the UK! Thank you for your wishes - the typhoon didn't affect my travels too much, though the heatwave is now returning again...! Ah well, I think I've got used to it now :)
1st August 2018

Stomping Ground in Singapore...?
Did you live there? I enjoyed reading this blog. Thanks for bringing us on this journey to a less-visited part of Japan. I’m glad the humidity broke for you!
1st August 2018

Singapore and Shikoku
Indeed, I lived in Singapore for a year from 2006-07, not far from Holland Village, working as a teacher. I notice you're also from Singapore - whereabouts? I'm hoping to go back again someday, see how much it's changed. Thank you for your kind comments on my blog, thank you for following along with me. I was of course partially inspired from your own great writings from here over the last year or so. Thank you to you too :D
1st August 2018

Singapore
My childhood home was off Sixth Avenue, which is near Holland Village. Holland Village was my teenage hangout as my school (Raffles JC) was a short bus ride away. I left Singapore in 1994.
2nd August 2018

Singapore
Oh wow, I lived on Dover Rise near Buona Vista MRT station. I worked at Tanglin Trust School. Small world indeed :D
2nd August 2018

Storms a brewing
Glad to hear you survived the typhoon. I'm glad you've found an island to give you a bit of a relief from the tourist. I would like to go to the Kabuki theatre. MJ
2nd August 2018

Touristy
Yes. Although of course a tourist myself, it's nice to go to more unvisited places. This feels more like "the real Japan"
2nd August 2018
APA Matsuyamajo Nishi Hotel

Rainbow
Very nice
2nd August 2018
APA Matsuyamajo Nishi Hotel

Rainbow
No wonder it's the symbol of peace - the calm after the storm :)

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