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

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@ Cherry Blossoms in Bud

Purple Flower Power 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.

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

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

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@ Autumnal Ginkgo Leaves
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.
Autumnal Ginkgo Leaves
Soft focus golden/orange ginkgo leaves in autumnal sunshine make a soothing picture.

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@ Stone Lantern in Japan
"How are we getting across to Shikoku, Clover?" queried Oliver. "Do we have to go by boat?"
"No, it's fine, there's a bridge from Honshu," responded Clover. "Or rather, a system of three bridges, which crosses several small islands on the way."
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
"It says here that Shikoku is the smallest of the main islands, Clover. The population is about four million."
"There's still plenty to see and enjoy, Bluey~*!"
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 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 Jaylee from the brochure.
"I know how I'd do it, Jaylee!" replied Clover.
Pink Lotus Flower
Lotus flower; lnelumbo nucifera.

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

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@ Traditional Japanese Dwelling
"As well as the castle, there are hot springs at Matsuyama, Clover!" announced Starlite.
"Sounds good to me!"
Traditional Japanese Dwelling
Traditional wooden Japanese-style house.

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@ Japanese Hair Ornaments
"As well as the castle, there are hot springs at Matsuyama, Clover!" announced Coco.
"Sounds good to me!"
Japanese Hair Ornaments
"kanzashi" - hair ornaments

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@ Origami Sphere
"Let's learn a bit of Japanese from our brochure, Clover!" said Susie. "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 Wine with Guinomi
“I’m going to buy that origami kit from the gift shop, Clover,” announced dragolia. “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 Clover.

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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
"Japan—the perfect choice for our travels this January, Clover!" enthused Nanuk.
"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 Nanuk.
Clover selected a glazed mochi donut for herself, popped it in her mouth and offered the box to Nanuk. "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
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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@ Mt Tsurugi, Tokushima
"Remind me how to say 'good morning' to a Japanese pet, Moonabelle?" queried Clover. "I know one of the US states comes into it!"
Moonabelle grinned. "You mean ohayō gozaimasu! Yes, pronounced 'Ohio goz-eye-mass'!"

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@ Mountain Road, Shikoku
"That was the most delicious orange juice I've ever tasted at breakfast this morning, Clover!"
"Well, Sydney, 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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@ Japan Sign
"Hey, you should have joined Foxy and me for lunch at that café, Clover!" said Zoey.
"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!"
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
"Let's learn a bit of Japanese from our brochure, Clover!" said Tundra. "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.

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@ Onaruto Bridge, Naruto Strait
"As well as the castle, there are hot springs at Matsuyama, Clover!" announced Jazzabell.
"Sounds good to me!"

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@ Shrine Purification Ritual
"Let's learn a bit of Japanese from our brochure, Clover!" said Honey. "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' ".
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
"As well as the castle, there are hot springs at Matsuyama, Clover!" announced Shamika.
"Sounds good to me!"

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@ Rice Fields, Japan
Clover 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.
Clover 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!