Next stop, Matsuyama
Matsuyma is in Ehime Prefecture and is one of four Prefectures on the island of Shikoku. Shikoku is the smallest of the four major islands the comprises Japan proper and a part that I have not visited yet. It is easily accessible by every possible means including the Shinkansen and is operated by Japan Rail Shikoku. Since I was flying in from Miyakojima this time around and leaving next to go see Kyoto by an overnight ferry, I would not get to ride the Shinkansen from there. Next time, I think it might be interesting to get a regional JR pass to explore more of Shikoku.
My flight to Matsuyama was not a direct flight. I don’t know if it was the season but I had to switch planes in Naha, Okinawa first. The flight from Miyakojima to Naha was about an hour and by the time the drinks were served, the plane was starting to descend again. The layover at Naha was not long and the next gate was not that far away.
From colourful to colourless
The tagline is a bit of an exaggeration but it was my first impression when looking out the window when we were supposed to land. Even though it was late December, I don’t think Matsuyama really gets snow yet, like many places in Japan. I think a sudden snowstorm must have passed by the day before so that is why it is so white.
The other two photos is the exterior of Miyakojima Airport with its palm tree and very Hawaii like atmosphere and the other is a Japan Airlines flight about to take off. There is a small viewing deck upstairs in the airport for fans. They even made a small opening in the fence for those with telephoto lenses to take photos.
Four, comes after Three and before Five
So why DID I decide to visit Matsuyama. Now that I got the preamble out of the way, I tell you why. I wanted to visit Dogo Onsen and Matsuyama Castle.
Dogo Onsen is a famous original onsen where many people throughout history has stopped by to enjoy. Plus, I have not had a chance to enjoy a soak yet in an onsen and thought it would be a good idea to go. I love visiting castles in Japan and have seen many. I wanted to see how this compares to Himeji Castle where many people visit as it not far from Osaka or Kyoto by Shinkansen. Although it is not an attraction of Matsuyama, I found out before the trip that there is an overnight passenger ferry service that goes to Osaka. I was intrigued at the idea of traveling at night and thought it would be fun experience.
So over the next few blog posts, I will change my approach and talk more about specific interests rather than covering a geographic area.
