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

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@ Cherry Blossoms in Bud

Blue And Copper 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
"According to our itinerary, we'll be visiting Mt Ishizuchi today," remarked PI PI.
"Gosh, will we be climbing it, Snow?"
Snow 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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@ Ritsurin Garden, Shikoku
"Hey, we're going to see a castle today, Snow! It's one of Shikoku's four original castles."
"Wow! What are they called, Laveme?"
"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, Snow!"

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@ Autumnal Ginkgo Leaves
"Hey, we're going to see a castle today, Snow! It's one of Shikoku's four original castles."
"Wow! What are they called, Jewels?"
"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, Snow!"
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, you should have joined Foxy and me for lunch at that café, Snow!" said Daisy.
"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!"
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
“You know, I'd like to spend a whole week in this region here, Snow!” said Nemo.
"It's very pleasant indeed—but you never know, the next part of the tour might be even better!" replied Snow.
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
"A bit of trivia here, Mr. Panda!" remarked Snow. "Can you name the Japanese film that was remade in the USA as The Magnificent Seven?"
"I don't think I can, Snow!"
"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.

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@ Tiny Green Frogs
"As well as the castle, there are hot springs at Matsuyama, Snow!" announced Sephira.
"Sounds good to me!"

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@ Traditional Japanese Dwelling
"That was the most delicious orange juice I've ever tasted at breakfast this morning, Snow!"
"Well, Rowan, 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.
Traditional Japanese Dwelling
Traditional wooden Japanese-style house.

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

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@ Origami Sphere
"It says here that Shikoku is the smallest of the main islands, Snow. The population is about four million."
"There's still plenty to see and enjoy, Aria!"

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@ Rice Wine with Guinomi
“Let's practise some Japanese phrases, Snow!" said Baby. "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!'”
Snow looked puzzled. "Why do I have to say anything at all, Baby? 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?"
Baby 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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@ Sea of Clouds, Japan
"Let's learn a bit of Japanese from our brochure, Snow!" said BRUNO. "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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@ Japanese Calligraphy
Oh look ... you won a pet!

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@ Shikoku Mountain Range
"That was the most delicious orange juice I've ever tasted at breakfast this morning, Snow!"
"Well, Patches, 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 her friend.

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@ Shimanami Highway, Ehime
"According to our itinerary, we'll be visiting Mt Ishizuchi today," remarked Shadow.
"Gosh, will we be climbing it, Snow?"
Snow 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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@ Mt Tsurugi, Tokushima
"According to our itinerary, we'll be visiting Mt Ishizuchi today," remarked Roy.
"Gosh, will we be climbing it, Snow?"
Snow 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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@ Mountain Road, Shikoku
"As well as the castle, there are hot springs at Matsuyama, Snow!" announced Wuzzy.
"Sounds good to me!"

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@ Japan Sign
“You know, I'd like to spend a whole week in this region here, Snow!” said seema.
"It's very pleasant indeed—but you never know, the next part of the tour might be even better!" replied Snow.
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
"Remind me how to say 'good morning' to a Japanese pet, Scaredy Cat?" queried Snow. "I know one of the US states comes into it!"
Scaredy Cat grinned. "You mean ohayō gozaimasu! Yes, pronounced 'Ohio goz-eye-mass'!"
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
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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@ Shrine Purification Ritual
"According to our itinerary, we'll be visiting Mt Ishizuchi today," remarked Blinky.
"Gosh, will we be climbing it, Snow?"
Snow 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."
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
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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@ Rice Fields, Japan
Snow 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.
Snow 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!