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@ Cliff Path, Shikoku
blue princess dress 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

Navy Flower Power 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
"Hey, you should have joined Foxy and me for lunch at that café, blue princess dress!" said Toast.
"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!"

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@ Ritsurin Garden, Shikoku
“Let's practise some Japanese phrases, blue princess dress!" said whisper. "Tell you what, hand me that postcard, will you? Arigato!”
Clutching the postcard, she looked at her friend expectantly. “That's your cue to say Dozo—which means ‛you're welcome!'”
blue princess dress looked puzzled. "Why do I have to say anything at all, whisper? 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?"
whisper 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 ...!"

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@ Autumnal Ginkgo Leaves
“I’m going to buy that origami kit from the gift shop, blue princess dress,” announced Asparagus. “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 blue princess dress.
Autumnal Ginkgo Leaves
Soft focus golden/orange ginkgo leaves in autumnal sunshine make a soothing picture.

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@ Stone Lantern in Japan
"Hey, we're going to see a castle today, blue princess dress! It's one of Shikoku's four original castles."
"Wow! What are they called, Balthazar?"
"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, blue princess dress!"
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
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.
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
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.
Pink Lotus Flower
Lotus flower; lnelumbo nucifera.

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@ Tiny Green Frogs
"How are we getting across to Shikoku, blue princess dress?" queried Fiddlesticks. "Do we have to go by boat?"
"No, it's fine, there's a bridge from Honshu," responded blue princess dress. "Or rather, a system of three bridges, which crosses several small islands on the way."

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@ Traditional Japanese Dwelling
"Let's learn a bit of Japanese from our brochure, blue princess dress!" said Unigy. "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' ".
Traditional Japanese Dwelling
Traditional wooden Japanese-style house.

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@ Japanese Hair Ornaments
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.
Japanese Hair Ornaments
"kanzashi" - hair ornaments

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@ Origami Sphere
"How are we getting across to Shikoku, blue princess dress?" queried Midnight Majesty. "Do we have to go by boat?"
"No, it's fine, there's a bridge from Honshu," responded blue princess dress. "Or rather, a system of three bridges, which crosses several small islands on the way."

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@ Rice Wine with Guinomi
“You know, I'd like to spend a whole week in this region here, blue princess dress!” said Finn.
"It's very pleasant indeed—but you never know, the next part of the tour might be even better!" replied blue princess dress.

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@ Sea of Clouds, Japan
"Hey, you should have joined Foxy and me for lunch at that café, blue princess dress!" said Humphrey.
"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!"

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

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@ Shikoku Mountain Range
"Wasn’t it worth coming all this way, blue princess dress," said Lady Aelfgifu, "for this experience alone?"
blue princess dress, admiring the scene they were now in, heartily agreed!

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@ Shimanami Highway, Ehime
"A bit of trivia here, Cherrie!" remarked blue princess dress. "Can you name the Japanese film that was remade in the USA as The Magnificent Seven?"
"I don't think I can, blue princess dress!"
"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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@ Mt Tsurugi, Tokushima
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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@ Mountain Road, Shikoku
"Wasn’t it worth coming all this way, blue princess dress," said Sunshine, "for this experience alone?"
blue princess dress, admiring the scene they were now in, heartily agreed!

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@ Japan Sign
"Japan—the perfect choice for our travels this January, blue princess dress!" enthused Finley.
"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 Finley.
blue princess dress selected a glazed mochi donut for herself, popped it in her mouth and offered the box to Finley. "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."
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
"A bit of trivia here, Foxy Rex!" remarked blue princess dress. "Can you name the Japanese film that was remade in the USA as The Magnificent Seven?"
"I don't think I can, blue princess dress!"
"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."
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
"According to our itinerary, we'll be visiting Mt Ishizuchi today," remarked Getaway.
"Gosh, will we be climbing it, blue princess dress?"
blue princess dress 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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@ Shrine Purification Ritual
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.
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
"That was the most delicious orange juice I've ever tasted at breakfast this morning, blue princess dress!"
"Well, Hershel, 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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@ Rice Fields, Japan
blue princess dress 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.
blue princess dress 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!