Image 1/25

@ Cliff Path, Shikoku
Clarence begins his 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!

Image 2/25

@ Cherry Blossoms in Bud

White Daisy Egg
My pets are in awe of these beautiful eggs—they would love to try to paint their own one year. Easter and spring are times of joy as the earth awakens, plants are pushing forth from the soil, and the days are becoming warmer. Many baby animals are born in the spring, and life is burgeoning. May these eggs bring you joy and be a reminder of the earth renewing itself.

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.

Image 3/25

@ Naruto Bridge, Shikoku
"It says here that Shikoku is the smallest of the main islands, Clarence. The population is about four million."
"There's still plenty to see and enjoy, Henry!"

Image 4/25

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

Image 5/25

@ Autumnal Ginkgo Leaves
"Hey, we're going to see a castle today, Clarence! It's one of Shikoku's four original castles."
"Wow! What are they called, Tommy?"
"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, Clarence!"
Autumnal Ginkgo Leaves
Soft focus golden/orange ginkgo leaves in autumnal sunshine make a soothing picture.

Image 6/25

@ Stone Lantern in Japan
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.
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.

Image 7/25

@ Samurai Warrior at Sunset
"How are we getting across to Shikoku, Clarence?" queried Flitter. "Do we have to go by boat?"
"No, it's fine, there's a bridge from Honshu," responded Clarence. "Or rather, a system of three bridges, which crosses several small islands on the way."
Samurai Warrior at Sunset
Stylish artwork featuring silhouette of lone samurai warrior with sword against a setting sun.

Image 8/25

@ Pink Lotus Flower
"A bit of trivia here, Nicole!" remarked Clarence. "Can you name the Japanese film that was remade in the USA as The Magnificent Seven?"
"I don't think I can, Clarence!"
"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."
Pink Lotus Flower
Lotus flower; lnelumbo nucifera.

Image 9/25

@ Tiny Green Frogs
"Hey, we're going to see a castle today, Clarence! It's one of Shikoku's four original castles."
"Wow! What are they called, Draco?"
"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, Clarence!"

Image 10/25

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

Image 11/25

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

Image 12/25

@ Origami Sphere
"Remind me how to say 'good morning' to a Japanese pet, Sugar?" queried Clarence. "I know one of the US states comes into it!"
Sugar grinned. "You mean ohayō gozaimasu! Yes, pronounced 'Ohio goz-eye-mass'!"

Image 13/25

@ Rice Wine with Guinomi
"It says in our itinerary that Shikoku means 'four provinces' in Japanese, Clarence."
"What's Japanese for 'four', then, Tiger?"
"It's 'shi', and 'provinces' is 'chihō'. So put together it becomes Shikoku!"

Image 14/25

@ 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.

Image 15/25

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

Image 16/25

@ Shikoku Mountain Range
"As well as the castle, there are hot springs at Matsuyama, Clarence!" announced Avalanche.
"Sounds good to me!"

Image 17/25

@ Shimanami Highway, Ehime
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.

Image 18/25

@ Mt Tsurugi, Tokushima
"Hey, you should have joined Foxy and me for lunch at that café, Clarence!" said Jubb Jubb.
"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!"

Image 19/25

@ Mountain Road, Shikoku
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.

Image 20/25

@ Japan Sign
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.
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.

Image 21/25

@ Japanese Sake Ochoko
"Let's learn a bit of Japanese from our brochure, Clarence!" said Panda. "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' ".
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.

Image 22/25

@ 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 Unitee from the brochure.
"I know how I'd do it, Unitee!" replied Clarence.

Image 23/25

@ Shrine Purification Ritual
"As well as the castle, there are hot springs at Matsuyama, Clarence!" announced Zoey.
"Sounds good to me!"
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.

Image 24/25

@ Windmill, Kagawa
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.

Image 25/25

@ Rice Fields, Japan
Clarence has now completed his journey through Shikoku! As he prepares to go home, he 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.
Clarence has enjoyed his journey through Shikoku, but it is time to go home now! "xxxxxx" is over now, but there will be more events in PnF soon!