May 22

Matsuyama - Rest Day


Another rest day that kept us on our feet most of the day.  The weather was certainly much improved today.  Two things that were on the agenda, and the rest was running some errands and exploring some of the backstreets.

This area is apparently known for all things mandarin orange.  We encountered a few tourist shops on the way to the castle.



The city is also known for producing more than its fair share of haiku poets.



Matsuyama Castle is one of Japan's twelve "original castles" (i.e. castles which have survived the post-feudal era since 1868 intact.)  It is also one of the most complex and interesting castles in the country.  It is located on Mount Katsuyama, a steep hill in the city centre that provides visitors with a bird's eye view of Matsuyama and the Seto Inland Sea.  The castle was constructed between 1602 and 1628.  The current three storied castle tower was constructed in 1820 after the original five storied one had been destroyed by lightening.  A ropeway (tram car) and chairlift make it easily accessible.  

We opted for the chairlift up.  Very cool single chairs.........


The castle (and grounds) itself was huge, immaculate, and very interesting.















So many exhibits inside.  Here are just a few.





















And of course we had to sample some orange-flavoured ice cream before we left the grounds.




From there it was a long and winding stroll to the Dogo Onsen - one of Japan's oldest and most famous hot springs. Some sights along the way........  We walked through a nice little park - Dogo Park.





These cute little Japanese cars are everywhere.


We had a beautiful, warm day with lots of sun, but maybe we're not done with the rain quite yet (it's in the forecast for tomorrow).


The main attraction in Dogo Onsen is the Dogo Onsen Honkan - a wooden public bathhouse dating from 1894.  The interior of the Honkan is a maze of stairways, passages, and rooms, all of which bustle with bathers and staff.  It is said to have served as inspiration for Miyazaki's popular animated film "Spirited Away" - which I now have on hold at the library.  



Of course, no pictures in the onsen, but here's one of one of the fans provided in the relaxation room.  


We upgraded our experience to a more private bath area which included tea and cookies in the relaxation room after our bath.  I didn't stay in the bath for long (too warm for me), but it was pretty relaxing for as long as I stayed in.  

Of course, before heading to the onsen we had to experience lunch at a 7-Eleven.


After the onsen we found another little touristy shopping street; lots of orange stuff again.




We sat at a Starbucks waiting for our Uber.  Seems this clock does a little performance on the hour.



Off to an Oakley shop to get new nosepads for Annegrette's sunglasses, and this kind man thoroughly cleaned everyone's glasses.


Bike parking everywhere!



A short regroup at the hotel and then out for a fabulous dinner at a tiny little restaurant around the corner.



Where our bikes are stored parked while we're here.


Went for a little stroll after dinner.  Lots and lots of karaoke places.





Another really good "rest" day.  Early day tomorrow and big climbing!











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