Matsuyama Part I: Castles and Cherry Blossoms

While other students were going to Korea, Taiwan, Tokyo and Okinawa for spring break I decided to go to good old Matsuyama. Was it because I heard the raving reviews about Matsuyama's fabulous tourist attractions? Not particularly Was there white sandy beaches and tropical weather that might rival Hawaii? Nope Was it because the flight to Matsuyama was the cheapest place to go to? Yes. 100% yes. In fact many of my Japanese friends here in Osaka didn't really even know where Matsuyama was! Matsuyama is in fact located on Shikoku Island in Ehime prefecture. Its a small little city (in Japanese standards) with it's major attractions being the famous Dogo Onsen and Matsuyama Castle. I was a little worried upon my arrival in Matsuyama, staying there for three days I wondered if there would be enough to do in this small little bedroom town. However I was surprised by not only the beauty of the town but the down-to-earth nature of the people. 

When we arrived in Matsuyama, checked into our hostel (which was gorgeous by the way, if you ever need a place to stay in the area check out Sen Guesthouse) we were greeted by the first hints of spring. The weather was sunny and cool and the cherry blossoms were almost at peak bloom.  Right off the bat we decided to check out Matsuyama Castle built in 1603. There are a couple ways to get to the castle, walking, by cable car or ropeway.  Walking up the side of the mountain at that moment didn't seem like a great idea to me, neither did sitting in a cable car with a bunch of other tourist.   Nope I opted for the ropeway. 

Matsuyama Castle via the questionable ropeway.

A single plastic chair all but hung on a wire rope. It was probably totally safe, I mean I am still alive and well after the fact. But at the time the gentle swaying of my chair every time the wind so much as subtly breezed by me was less than comforting. 

The view from the castle

After making it to the top (and thanking sweet Jesus for land and reliable steal wires) we were greeted by a whole spread of blossoming sakura trees and a miraculous view of the whole city. Looking out over the blue tinged mountains, the clustered building roof tops, and the far distant sea was breathtaking and a refreshing change of pace from the skyscraper dotted horizon of Osaka.

Me and the view. After this everyone took picture in the same spot.
Look at me being a trend setter and all that.

Before entering the castle we took a short break and bought some ice cream to eat under the trees while looking out at the view.  I bought a flavor that I thought slightly strange but absolutely fitting for the occasion, Sakura. What could cherry blossom flavored ice cream possibly taste like? Cherries? I thought when I was handed a large swirling mass of pink, that kinda looked like frozen Pepto-Bismal. (I'm doing such a great job of making that sound appetizing aren't I?) When I tasted it however I was pleasantly surprised it tasted well, very Japanese. And thankfully not at all like indigestion medicine but more of a mixture of mochi with a faint floral taste. 

After the ice cream break we hit up the castle. It was like straight out of those old samurai films, small closed off chambers, large wooden beams, arrow slits in the walls, and one rather image breaking element, stairs from hell. Seriously how did anyone get around when your stairs were placed at a 90 degree angle? It was like I needed climbing gear just to get to the second floor! Had to tell the old lady behind me to hold her horses while I hooked up my carabiner.

On the subject of old women however, (smooth transition huh?) Japanese Obaasans (Grandmas) are not to be taken lightly. They will mow you down, and many a time have I been on the receiving end of their quarterback sacks. While I was mentally preparing myself and giving a pep talk to my leg muscles I was bypassed by a horde of Obaasans casually hiking up the stairs like they were walking on a sidewalk. 

They even beat me to the top.

Obaasans: 1  Danya: 0

I need to get on their level.

Cat Cafes: RonRon and the Special Hat

For all of you who didn't know a couple months ago I visited an Owl Cafe, so to keep with the theme of strange cafes in Japan going I thought I'd venture into a Cat cafe! While in Matsuyama for spring break, we were casually walking down Okaido, an outdoor mall similar to Shinsaibashi when all of a sudden I spied this wonderful little sign. And of course out of a sense of vicarious duty to those back home I simply had to go in.  It was for you guys really, I clearly put your interests before my own.

Look at those apple cheeks, they really know how to pull you in.

We entered up a steep set of stairs and after telling the shop owner how many people we had we were given a card with our time on it (you get one hour generally) and ordered our drinks. I was surprised that they had more drink options than the owl cafe. Caramel Macchiato, Cafe O' Le, Cafe Mocha, various teas along with cappuccinos and espressos. There was about five cats in the room when we entered, a couple of couches, book cases filled with manga, a kotasu, and blankets for people to use. An over all cozy atmosphere with a lighthearted Studio Ghibli piano soundtrack playing in the background.

 It was peaceful, just your average cafe with slightly more cat hair than normal.  However, this normality lasted for all of about fifteen minutes. The owner was a very unique fellow. Now there are times in our lives when we must fess up and admit that our side hobbies and leisure activities have spiraled down that strange, strange abyss called obsession.  And when you wear a cat suit, you've gone too far. That's right, a straight off the Broadway stage catsuit. Now unfortunately (or fortunately) the owner didn't dawn his feline alter ego in our presence. But pictures speak a thousand words. Plastered on the walls along with the names, genders, and ages of all the cats was select photos of the owner with his cats in his catsuit. But hey what you do in your spare time, is your own business right? Maybe it's just a sales pitch, something to stir up some more business? I can't condemn a man to the abysmal label of crazy cat lover without more viable proof now can I? Proof there shall be!  Slowly over the period of our hour the shop owner would pop in with more and more cats, small cats, big cats, smushed faced cats, genetically mutated dwarf cats, etc. He brought in so many, each time telling us their names and a fun fact about them, that the room became crowded with them.

But it didn't stop there, He brought out special toys, special food, special boxes for the cats to sit in, even special outfits. And lastly, the crown jewel, the special hat. We thought  it couldn't get much weirder than cat clothes and cat suits. But suddenly the owner came back in the room brandishing what he coined, "the special hat."

He's getting real tired of your crap Catsuit guy. Real tired.

It was special alright.

I think my case is made here.

Crazy Cat guy or not, the owner really did make our experience more enjoyable. His passion for his cats and business helped break down the language barrier and kept our hour filled with excitement. I really recommend anyone visiting Matsuyama to stop by RonRon Cafe, and see it for yourselves. It really was a purrfect experience. 

 Come on, did you really think I'd go through this whole post without at least one poorly made cat pun?