I visited Matsuyama Castle in July, 2015.
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On top of Katsuyama Hill, overlooking the city of Matsuyama, stands Matsuyama Castle. It is easily spotted from almost anywhere in the city, and gives a good vantage point above Matsuyama. In feudal times it must have been easy to defend from such high ground.
I visited Matsuyama and drank Dogo Beer in July, 2015
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“One gulp of beer taken just after a bath is the time you feel most refreshed. ”
The sign stood outside Dogo Biiru Kan Brewery Restaurant, only meters from Dogo Onsen. I had just finished my bath in the onsen, and a beer and maybe some food certainly sounded refreshing. I went inside.
I visited Dogo Onsen in July, 2015
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According to legend, the hot spring (onsen) at Dogo was discovered back in ancient times when an injured white heron healed itself in the hot spring. Suffering from an injured shin, the heron soaked its wing in the water every day until one day the bird was healed and flew away. Word quickly spread through Japan about the water’s ability to heal.
I visited Jimbocho in Tokyo in July, 2015
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I have always loved books, always been an avid reader. My love goes back to when I was a child, when my mum would use to read to me before I went to bed. As I have grown older my love for books have stayed with me, and now I always try to combine my love for books and my love for travel.
Jimbocho
The following episode happened in July, 2015
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Watching him trying to eat sushi was horrible. He literally looked like he would throw up for every bite he took. He still kept trying though, he worked his way through every piece on the plate, if only a little taste. The tuna and the snapper he actually liked, he said so, but did not finish them without some encouragement.
Sushi, not for the picky eater
I visited Koraku Park (Koraku-en) in Okayama in July, 2015
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‘You see this stone,’ my guide says, pointing at a huge stone impossible to miss.
‘This stone comes from one of many islands in Inland Sea. A long way from here. You know Inland Sea? Between island of Honshu and island of Shikoku?’
I visited Osaka and watched a rally in favour of Article Nine in July, 2015
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You could hear the protestors from far away. A rhythmic chant in Japanese, probably a peace slogan. No more war or give peace a chance or something. I walked closer to the rally, wanting to see what was happening.
I had seen them walk by as I checked into my hotel, a large group of people with posters, some of them in English. No more war. PEACE. Yes to Article Nine. They were chanting then as well. Funny how a provision in a constitution forced upon them by the US could evoke such passion, such feeling.