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@ Cliff Path, Shikoku
Avalon begins her journey through Shikoku!
Cliff Path, Shikoku
One of the advantages of living on an island is the unparalleled opportunity for incredible clifftop walks, to benefit from the fresh air and exercise, to view the flora and fauna of the area and to enjoy the benefits of nature. After your trek around Shikoku's coastline, relax in an onsen (hot spring) to soothe away that ache in your muscles!

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@ Cherry Blossoms in Bud

Blue And Gold Egg
The first painted eggs came from Mesopotamia, and because eggs were forbidden food during Lent, people painted eggs while Lent was being observed—after Lent, they would eat the eggs on Easter Day.

Beautifully decorated eggs “pysanka” are associated with Ukraine, and the oldest painted egg that was unearthed in northern Ukraine is dated to the end of the 17th century.

Cherry Blossoms in Bud
The beautiful blooms of the cherry blossom are one of the surest and most celebrated signs of spring. Cherry blossoms emerge before the leaves on the trees do, and the first sign of their impending arrival are green buds on the branches of the tree.

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@ Naruto Bridge, Shikoku
"A bit of trivia here, Snowball!" remarked Avalon. "Can you name the Japanese film that was remade in the USA as The Magnificent Seven?"
"I don't think I can, Avalon!"
"The 1954 film, Seven Samurai, tells the tale of seven samurai who band together to protect a village from the bandits who threaten it. Each of the samurai comes from a different background, but they all find meaning in protecting those that cannot protect themselves."

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@ Ritsurin Garden, Shikoku
“I’m going to buy that origami kit from the gift shop, Avalon,” announced Kikianna. “It will provide a lot of entertainment for the winter evenings ahead!”
“I think I’ll go for the inflatable red-crowned crane! It’s just the job for when you’re splashing about in the garden pool in the summer!” responded Avalon.

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@ Autumnal Ginkgo Leaves
The Dutch were allowed to trade with Japan during its isolation between the 1630s and 1853. Foreign trade continued with the Netherlands for the 220 years of isolation. They were only allowed one tiny little port to live in, called Dejima, in modern-day Nagasaki.
Autumnal Ginkgo Leaves
Soft focus golden/orange ginkgo leaves in autumnal sunshine make a soothing picture.

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@ Stone Lantern in Japan
"Wasn’t it worth coming all this way, Avalon," said Lucky, "for this experience alone?"
Avalon, admiring the scene they were now in, heartily agreed!
Stone Lantern in Japan
This type of Japanese stone lantern is typically found by a pond or lake. The "fire box" beneath the crowning stone umbrella is usually hexagonal. This traditional stonemasonry dates back to the Edo period.

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@ Samurai Warrior at Sunset
"Hey, you should have joined Foxy and me for lunch at that café, Avalon!" said Blinky.
"Oh, I couldn't resist touring the shops! Anyway, what did you eat?"
"We had butternut squash miso soup, sprinkled with fresh coriander and with a slice of sourdough bread on the side. It was yummy!"
Samurai Warrior at Sunset
Stylish artwork featuring silhouette of lone samurai warrior with sword against a setting sun.

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@ Pink Lotus Flower
“You know, I'd like to spend a whole week in this region here, Avalon!” said Shadow.
"It's very pleasant indeed—but you never know, the next part of the tour might be even better!" replied Avalon.
Pink Lotus Flower
Lotus flower; lnelumbo nucifera.

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@ Tiny Green Frogs
Why are melons in Japan VERY expensive? These fruit play a large part in the country’s gift-giving culture. Samurai would give tangerines or melons to their shogun as a mark of appreciation. Nowadays, fruit farmers tend to these fruits extremely carefully by hand, which adds to their attraction. Cantaloupe melons are one of the most famous varieties and can cost over $200 each.

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@ Traditional Japanese Dwelling
"It says here that Shikoku is the smallest of the main islands, Avalon. The population is about four million."
"There's still plenty to see and enjoy, Venus!"
Traditional Japanese Dwelling
Traditional wooden Japanese-style house.

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@ Japanese Hair Ornaments
"Remind me how to say 'good morning' to a Japanese pet, Lucky?" queried Avalon. "I know one of the US states comes into it!"
Lucky grinned. "You mean ohayō gozaimasu! Yes, pronounced 'Ohio goz-eye-mass'!"
Japanese Hair Ornaments
"kanzashi" - hair ornaments

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@ Origami Sphere
"Wasn’t it worth coming all this way, Avalon," said pinkguick, "for this experience alone?"
Avalon, admiring the scene they were now in, heartily agreed!

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@ Rice Wine with Guinomi
"As well as the castle, there are hot springs at Matsuyama, Avalon!" announced Wuzzy.
"Sounds good to me!"

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@ Sea of Clouds, Japan
"Let's learn a bit of Japanese from our brochure, Avalon!" said Chocolicious. "So to say 'yes' is 'hai'—pronounced 'hi'."
"That seems simple enough! How do you say 'no'?"
"That's iie—two syllables, pronounced 'ee-eh' ".

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@ Japanese Calligraphy
Oh look ... you won a pet!

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@ Shikoku Mountain Range
"It says here that the 88 Temple Pilgrimage is a famous but difficult 1000 mile (1647 km) circle around the entire island of Shikoku. Some pets choose to do the trip entirely by paw! Other pets go on the bus," read out Choose a name from the brochure.
"I know how I'd do it, Choose a name!" replied Avalon.

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@ Shimanami Highway, Ehime
"Hey, we're going to see a castle today, Avalon! It's one of Shikoku's four original castles."
"Wow! What are they called, Orchid?"
"Marugame, Kōchi, Matsuyama and Uwajima."
"You know, I was hoping we'd see Takeshi's Castle while we were here."
"I do hope that was a joke, Avalon!"

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@ Mt Tsurugi, Tokushima
“You know, I'd like to spend a whole week in this region here, Avalon!” said whisper.
"It's very pleasant indeed—but you never know, the next part of the tour might be even better!" replied Avalon.

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@ Mountain Road, Shikoku
“You know, I'd like to spend a whole week in this region here, Avalon!” said Roskaizan.
"It's very pleasant indeed—but you never know, the next part of the tour might be even better!" replied Avalon.

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@ Japan Sign
"Let's learn a bit of Japanese from our brochure, Avalon!" said swinger. "So to say 'yes' is 'hai'—pronounced 'hi'."
"That seems simple enough! How do you say 'no'?"
"That's iie—two syllables, pronounced 'ee-eh' ".
Japan Sign
In our January 2023 Travel Game we celebrate the amazing country of Japan, its culture, traditions and food. This symbolic sign, in the colours of the Japanese flag, evokes the vibrant nightlife of Tokyo, the Japanese capital.

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@ Japanese Sake Ochoko
“Let's practise some Japanese phrases, Avalon!" said Dean Winchester. "Tell you what, hand me that postcard, will you? Arigato!”
Clutching the postcard, he looked at his friend expectantly. “That's your cue to say Dozo—which means ‛you're welcome!'”
Avalon looked puzzled. "Why do I have to say anything at all, Dean Winchester? If I've performed a very minor service and you've said 'Thank you', do I need to say anything back? It's not like I made you a cake or mowed your lawn. I just handed you a postcard. You said 'thank you'. Couldn't I just smile slightly or something?"
Dean Winchester mused for some minutes. "The English language lacks the exact equivalent of dozo or similar phrases in use in Continental Europe. Still, when in Rome ...!"
Japanese Sake Ochoko
In Japan there are very precise traditions around eating and drinking. The ochoko pictured here is for the ceremonial drinking of cold saké, as compared to the guinomi.

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@ Onaruto Bridge, Naruto Strait
"It says here that the 88 Temple Pilgrimage is a famous but difficult 1000 mile (1647 km) circle around the entire island of Shikoku. Some pets choose to do the trip entirely by paw! Other pets go on the bus," read out Ariilina from the brochure.
"I know how I'd do it, Ariilina!" replied Avalon.

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@ Shrine Purification Ritual
Sudoku was introduced in Japan in the paper Monthly Nikolist in 1984 as Sūji wa dokushin ni kagiru which can be translated as "the digits must be single", or as "the digits are limited to one occurrence" (In Japanese, dokushin means an "unmarried person"). The name was later abbreviated to Sudoku, taking only the first kanji of compound words to form a shorter version. "Sudoku" is a registered trademark in Japan and the puzzle is generally referred to as Number Place.
Shrine Purification Ritual
Chozuya have historically been vital parts of Shinto shrines across Japan, acting as a purification gateway between worshippers and the sacred area of a shrine. Purifying yourself is a very important step to take before making any prayers or offerings at a temple or shrine in Japan. Chozu (cleansing yourself) is the customary way to clean or purify yourself before making any prayers at shrines or temples in Japan. The Chozuya is the large basin with special wooden dippers that is usually located at the entrance of shrines and temples. It is customary for visitors to purify themselves here by washing their hands before stepping on sacred grounds.

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@ Windmill, Kagawa
"How are we getting across to Shikoku, Avalon?" queried Tammie. "Do we have to go by boat?"
"No, it's fine, there's a bridge from Honshu," responded Avalon. "Or rather, a system of three bridges, which crosses several small islands on the way."

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@ Rice Fields, Japan
Avalon has now completed her journey through Shikoku! As she prepares to go home, she receives a wonderful gift!
Fox, Skating On The Pond
Hello, all my dear friends. Glad you could join me on this crisp winter day. I brought my skates, and I see you have yours too. Skating is a popular wintertime sport. Nowadays, with indoor rinks– can you imagine such a thing–you can skate all year round. But I prefer to be outside, and this pond is large enough and smooth enough to provide a lot of fun for all to skate.

I am going to warm up a bit— always a good idea—stretch those muscles and then do some pirouettes. I have been practicing some double axels I have a problem with the second one. After we have skated for a while, how about we play some hockey? Then we can enjoy some hot chocolate and cookies at my house.

Rice Fields, Japan
Nakayama rice fields, Shodoshima. Rice is a staple part of the Japanese diet, for example, in sushi, and it is felt more important in Japan to have a rice cooker than an oven.
Avalon has enjoyed her journey through Shikoku, but it is time to go home now! Please select another pet as visitor, so it can also enjoy a journey through Japan!