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

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@ Ritsurin Garden, Shikoku
"Hey, we're going to see a castle today, Agate! It's one of Shikoku's four original castles."
"Wow! What are they called, Corgalicious?"
"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, Agate!"

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@ Autumnal Ginkgo Leaves
"It says here that Shikoku is the smallest of the main islands, Agate. The population is about four million."
"There's still plenty to see and enjoy, Firefly!"
Autumnal Ginkgo Leaves
Soft focus golden/orange ginkgo leaves in autumnal sunshine make a soothing picture.

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@ Stone Lantern in Japan
“Let's practise some Japanese phrases, Agate!" said Jinx. "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!'”
Agate looked puzzled. "Why do I have to say anything at all, Jinx? 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?"
Jinx 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 ...!"
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 Awa Dance Festival, Awa Odori, is held from 12 to 15 August as part of the Obon festival in Tokushima Prefecture on Shikoku in Japan. Awa Odori is the largest dance festival in Japan, attracting over 1.3 million tourists every year. Groups of choreographed dancers and musicians known as ren dance through the streets, typically accompanied by the shamisen lute, taiko drums and the shinobue flute. Performers wear traditional obon dance costumes, and chant and sing as they parade through the streets.
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
"It says in our itinerary that Shikoku means 'four provinces' in Japanese, Agate."
"What's Japanese for 'four', then, Jack?"
"It's 'shi', and 'provinces' is 'chihō'. So put together it becomes Shikoku!"
Pink Lotus Flower
Lotus flower; lnelumbo nucifera.

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

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@ Traditional Japanese Dwelling
"According to our itinerary, we'll be visiting Mt Ishizuchi today," remarked Anhedonia ♡.
"Gosh, will we be climbing it, Agate?"
Agate 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."
Traditional Japanese Dwelling
Traditional wooden Japanese-style house.

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@ Japanese Hair Ornaments
“You know, I'd like to spend a whole week in this region here, Agate!” said Inukshuk.
"It's very pleasant indeed—but you never know, the next part of the tour might be even better!" replied Agate.
Japanese Hair Ornaments
"kanzashi" - hair ornaments

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@ Origami Sphere
"Japan—the perfect choice for our travels this January, Agate!" enthused George.
"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 George.
Agate selected a glazed mochi donut for herself, popped it in her mouth and offered the box to George. "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
"According to our itinerary, we'll be visiting Mt Ishizuchi today," remarked Andrew.
"Gosh, will we be climbing it, Agate?"
Agate 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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@ Sea of Clouds, Japan
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.

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

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@ Shikoku Mountain Range
“I’m going to buy that origami kit from the gift shop, Agate,” announced Midnight. “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 Agate.

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

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@ Mt Tsurugi, Tokushima
"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 Mack from the brochure.
"I know how I'd do it, Mack!" replied Agate.

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@ Mountain Road, Shikoku
"It says in our itinerary that Shikoku means 'four provinces' in Japanese, Agate."
"What's Japanese for 'four', then, Hugo?"
"It's 'shi', and 'provinces' is 'chihō'. So put together it becomes Shikoku!"

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@ Japan Sign
"As well as the castle, there are hot springs at Matsuyama, Agate!" announced Bananas.
"Sounds good to me!"
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
The Awa Dance Festival, Awa Odori, is held from 12 to 15 August as part of the Obon festival in Tokushima Prefecture on Shikoku in Japan. Awa Odori is the largest dance festival in Japan, attracting over 1.3 million tourists every year. Groups of choreographed dancers and musicians known as ren dance through the streets, typically accompanied by the shamisen lute, taiko drums and the shinobue flute. Performers wear traditional obon dance costumes, and chant and sing as they parade through the streets.
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 in our itinerary that Shikoku means 'four provinces' in Japanese, Agate."
"What's Japanese for 'four', then, princess ♥ sparkles?"
"It's 'shi', and 'provinces' is 'chihō'. So put together it becomes Shikoku!"

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@ Shrine Purification Ritual
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.
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
"Let's learn a bit of Japanese from our brochure, Agate!" said BoobooBaloo. "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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@ Rice Fields, Japan
Agate 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.
Agate 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!