Matsuyama 松山

On our way to Matsuyama, the group detoured so we could visit Korakuen (後楽園) garden. This garden is considered to be one of the three great gardens of Japan. It has also been given a top rank in the Michelin Green Guide Book of Japan. After visiting it for myself I can see why, it was absolutely beautiful and peaceful. Angie and myself were very keen to explore and see every part of the garden for ourselves. However some of the group were not so keen to be at the garden, so they spent the time at the ice cream store eating peach ice-cream. Yes you read it correctly peach ice cream, something I believe everyone should try while in Japan. Those who spent the time at the ice creamery missed seeing was the cranes at the garden. According to the garden's website cranes have been kept in the garden since the Edo period and today eight cranes are currently being raised in a cage in Korakuen. On New Year's Day every year they are released into the garden to wander about freely. To be honest at first I thought the cranes were monkeys because the noise they were making sounded exactly like a monkeys call.

When we finally arrived in Matsuyama it was getting late so we headed our for dinner followed by a trip to Dōgo Onsen (道後温泉), which is one of Japans oldest and most famous onsens. It is also known as a model of the bathhouse of gods in Hayao Miyazaki’s animated film “Spirited Away”. So I was keen to get some photos outside, as Spirited Away is one of my favourite movies. Afterwards whilst waiting for the tram we enjoyed watching the puppet clock tower acting with its music.

The next day brought on more exploring and first up was Mastsuyama Castle. In order to get up to the top, we took a chairlift. I didn't feel very safe on this as there was no restraints to keep you from falling. However I did have a giggle as some Japanese businessmen passed us on the chairlift. It was funny to see them on it in their suits. Once at the top of the mountain the first thing I saw was the magnificent view of Matsuyama and the Seto Inland Sea (瀬戸内海). We explored the castle in smaller groups. There was an abundance of displays of weapons, armour, and other interesting objects inside. There was even an escape rope in a box in case of emergencies. After we had seen everything we could here, we all headed down in various groups to grab some lunch, and for myself, Beth and Jordan that called for a trip to Amanda's Coffee. A three story cafe in the centre of town.

After lunch, we took a short train to visit Uchiko (内子) a small town outside of Matsuyama. The first stop here was Uchiko-za (内子座) a fully operational kabuki (歌舞伎) theatre in the centre of the town. This kabuki theater was originally built in 1916. Kabuki is best described as a type of theatre show in which the actors portray a story through highly stylized movements. However only males are allowed to participate in kabuki productions. Males who play female roles are called onnagata (女形).

We also visited the Kamihaga Residence (上芳我家) while in the town. The Kamihaga family were a part of Uchiko's most influential family, the Honhaga family. At this residence we learnt about how wax was created and how the wax industry led to these families enormous wealth. We also learnt about the culture and life of Uchiko and its people.

Then before I knew it the day was over and I was off to bed. We were heading to our final destination tomorrow.

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1. http://www.okayama-korakuen.jp/english/index.html

2. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0245429/

3. http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/spot/histtown/uchiko-za-theater.html

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