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@ Cliff Path, Shikoku
Matilda begins her journey through Shikoku!

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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.

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@ Naruto Bridge, Shikoku
"That was the most delicious orange juice I've ever tasted at breakfast this morning, Matilda!"
"Well, Mungo, did you know that mandarin oranges are a major product in Shikoku, and they're extra-delicious because of the amount of sunlight they get whilst growing!" responded his friend.

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@ Ritsurin Garden, Shikoku
"According to our itinerary, we'll be visiting Mt Ishizuchi today," remarked Waylon.
"Gosh, will we be climbing it, Matilda?"
Matilda chuckled. "We'll leave you behind to do that if you wish. It's 6500 feet (1982 m) high! Now listen to the rest of it. It's one of Japan's seven sacred peaks. Named the 'Stone Hammer' because of its characteristic sharp and rocky summit, it is the highest peak in western Japan and is known not only for its beauty but also for the challenge it presents climbers."

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@ Autumnal Ginkgo Leaves
"That was the most delicious orange juice I've ever tasted at breakfast this morning, Matilda!"
"Well, Sam, did you know that mandarin oranges are a major product in Shikoku, and they're extra-delicious because of the amount of sunlight they get whilst growing!" responded his friend.
Autumnal Ginkgo Leaves
Soft focus golden/orange ginkgo leaves in autumnal sunshine make a soothing picture.

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@ Stone Lantern in Japan
"A bit of trivia here, Piff!" remarked Matilda. "Can you name the Japanese film that was remade in the USA as The Magnificent Seven?"
"I don't think I can, Matilda!"
"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."
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
From the 1630s to 1853, Japan exercised a strict isolationist policy known as Sakoku – or “closed country,” which is one of the most interesting facts about Japan.
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
Entranceways of Japanese houses called genkan signal where you should take off your shoes by means of its raised floors. The lower area indicates where you should remove your shoes and the raised upper area, often in a different type of flooring, is considered indoor living space.
Pink Lotus Flower
Lotus flower; lnelumbo nucifera.

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@ Tiny Green Frogs
"That was the most delicious orange juice I've ever tasted at breakfast this morning, Matilda!"
"Well, nicki, did you know that mandarin oranges are a major product in Shikoku, and they're extra-delicious because of the amount of sunlight they get whilst growing!" responded her friend.

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@ Traditional Japanese Dwelling
"How are we getting across to Shikoku, Matilda?" queried Henrietta Humperdink. "Do we have to go by boat?"
"No, it's fine, there's a bridge from Honshu," responded Matilda. "Or rather, a system of three bridges, which crosses several small islands on the way."
Traditional Japanese Dwelling
Traditional wooden Japanese-style house.

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@ Japanese Hair Ornaments
"Wasn’t it worth coming all this way, Matilda," said Sweetie, "for this experience alone?"
Matilda, admiring the scene they were now in, heartily agreed!
Japanese Hair Ornaments
"kanzashi" - hair ornaments

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@ Origami Sphere
"Japan—the perfect choice for our travels this January, Matilda!" enthused Jeff.
"Yup. That Japanese Food & Cultural bazaar was incredible! I bought so many souvenirs I can't close my suitcase!"
"Oh! I was thinking more of its rich history, the Shoguns, Samurai, architecture and so on," said Jeff.
Matilda selected a glazed mochi donut for herself, popped it in her mouth and offered the box to Jeff. "Sure!" she said, a little indistinctly. "You know me, I love a bit of culture. As long as there's a nice gift shop at the end, I'm happy."

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@ Rice Wine with Guinomi
"Remind me how to say 'good morning' to a Japanese pet, Butterfly Lady?" queried Matilda. "I know one of the US states comes into it!"
Butterfly Lady grinned. "You mean ohayō gozaimasu! Yes, pronounced 'Ohio goz-eye-mass'!"

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@ Sea of Clouds, Japan
From the 1630s to 1853, Japan exercised a strict isolationist policy known as Sakoku – or “closed country,” which is one of the most interesting facts about Japan.

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

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@ Shikoku Mountain Range
"Japan—the perfect choice for our travels this January, Matilda!" enthused Silky.
"Yup. That Japanese Food & Cultural bazaar was incredible! I bought so many souvenirs I can't close my suitcase!"
"Oh! I was thinking more of its rich history, the Shoguns, Samurai, architecture and so on," said Silky.
Matilda selected a glazed mochi donut for herself, popped it in her mouth and offered the box to Silky. "Sure!" she said, a little indistinctly. "You know me, I love a bit of culture. As long as there's a nice gift shop at the end, I'm happy."

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@ Shimanami Highway, Ehime
"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 Lilly from the brochure.
"I know how I'd do it, Lilly!" replied Matilda.

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@ Mt Tsurugi, Tokushima
"A bit of trivia here, FLEECE!" remarked Matilda. "Can you name the Japanese film that was remade in the USA as The Magnificent Seven?"
"I don't think I can, Matilda!"
"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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@ Mountain Road, Shikoku
"As well as the castle, there are hot springs at Matsuyama, Matilda!" announced Astrid.
"Sounds good to me!"

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@ Japan Sign
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.
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
"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 Nellie from the brochure.
"I know how I'd do it, Nellie!" replied Matilda.
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
"Let's learn a bit of Japanese from our brochure, Matilda!" said Sugah. "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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@ Shrine Purification Ritual
"That was the most delicious orange juice I've ever tasted at breakfast this morning, Matilda!"
"Well, Kia, did you know that mandarin oranges are a major product in Shikoku, and they're extra-delicious because of the amount of sunlight they get whilst growing!" responded his friend.
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
"Hey, we're going to see a castle today, Matilda! It's one of Shikoku's four original castles."
"Wow! What are they called, Geoffrey?"
"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, Matilda!"

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@ Rice Fields, Japan
Matilda 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.
Matilda 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!