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

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@ Ritsurin Garden, Shikoku
"It says here that Shikoku is the smallest of the main islands, Heidi. The population is about four million."
"There's still plenty to see and enjoy, Mystery!"

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@ Autumnal Ginkgo Leaves
"Let's learn a bit of Japanese from our brochure, Heidi!" said Eric. "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' ".
Autumnal Ginkgo Leaves
Soft focus golden/orange ginkgo leaves in autumnal sunshine make a soothing picture.

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@ Stone Lantern in Japan
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.
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
"As well as the castle, there are hot springs at Matsuyama, Heidi!" announced Geoffrey.
"Sounds good to me!"
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 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.
Pink Lotus Flower
Lotus flower; lnelumbo nucifera.

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@ Tiny Green Frogs
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.

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

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@ Origami Sphere
"A bit of trivia here, Mittens!" remarked Heidi. "Can you name the Japanese film that was remade in the USA as The Magnificent Seven?"
"I don't think I can, Heidi!"
"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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@ Rice Wine with Guinomi
"It says here that Shikoku is the smallest of the main islands, Heidi. The population is about four million."
"There's still plenty to see and enjoy, Choose a name!"

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

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@ Shimanami Highway, Ehime
"As well as the castle, there are hot springs at Matsuyama, Heidi!" announced Shadow.
"Sounds good to me!"

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@ Mt Tsurugi, Tokushima
"Hey, you should have joined Foxy and me for lunch at that café, Heidi!" said Choco.
"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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@ Mountain Road, Shikoku
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.

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@ Japan Sign
“I’m going to buy that origami kit from the gift shop, Heidi,” announced Dumbledore. “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 Heidi.
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
"How are we getting across to Shikoku, Heidi?" queried Berry. "Do we have to go by boat?"
"No, it's fine, there's a bridge from Honshu," responded Heidi. "Or rather, a system of three bridges, which crosses several small islands on the way."
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, Heidi!" said Foxie. "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
"As well as the castle, there are hot springs at Matsuyama, Heidi!" announced FiFi.
"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.

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

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@ Rice Fields, Japan
Heidi 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.
Heidi has enjoyed her journey through Shikoku, but it is time to go home now! "xxxxxx" is over now, but there will be more events in PnF soon!