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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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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.
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