Discovering the magic of Matsuyama - Six Wheels Through Japan and South Korea Part 3 - CycleBlaze

October 28, 2024

Discovering the magic of Matsuyama

 We are loving visiting this city of Matsuyama.  There is a mellow vibe here and it is not overrun with tourists. People are friendly and there is much to see and do. We enjoy creating a walking route on google maps for where we are located and we use to ride our trikes to explore. It often takes us through what feel like hidden gems…neighbourhoods with narrow winding streets and charm aplenty. It works great…with  no expectations we are always rewarded. 

It’s somebody’s birthday today…many happy returns.
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Bicycle parking is a common sight and well used. We use them in the cities and they are reasonably priced and sometimes free. Liked the creative touch of the clock positioned inside the front wheel of the Penny Farthing.
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This shopping district had several kimono shops…lovely.
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Panels like this of Manga characters decorated the walls of this shopping area.
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Jon AylingMy neighbour Totoro!
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3 weeks ago
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Our plan for today is to visit Matsuyama Castle. But first we got sidetracked by an incredible event for children. It was wild and crazy, the kids were having a blast, and so were we watching them.

Imagine how fun it would be to curl up inside this huge inflated ball and then roll and knock down the inflated bowling pins. Kids of all ages up to about 8 years of age took part.
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Kids that were a bit older were enthusiastic participants on teams shooting water guns to fight Godzilla. It was nice to see one of the kids comfort the fallen Godzilla. Everybody was drenched through, the energy was electric and everybody had a great time.
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This one was crazy fun…shooting foamy soap.
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Oh to be that young again…pure chaos and fun.
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But alas, the Castle is waiting for us. 

The castle is perched high above the city with an incredible view.
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We met Miwi in the bicycle parking area near the Castle. We enjoyed visiting with her. We understood each other as she owns 4 bikes and loves to travel.
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Mira does cooking classes and worked in Germany for a number of years as well. She does many things as well as guiding tours.
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It is hungry work travelling..grilled yam with honey and ice cream.
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Amongst the tourist shops near the castle was this shop that sold items that were only cat related.
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This cat resides in the Cat themed gift shop and is pretty mellow and lets visitors pet her. She seems to be in charge.
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Z

The castle is situated several hundred metres above the city. You have the choice of walking up, riding a cable car or taking the chair lift. This fellow and his dog are enjoying the ride.
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Barry taking a selfie on the chair lift. It is so much fun.
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Mandarin soft serve…delicious.
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Many Japanese people lovingly care for the stray cats with food and visits. These two cats looked very healthy and well fed. His daily visits to these cats at the castle has created a strong bond with these cats.
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Most of the stone walls were built by Kate Yoshiaki, the first Lord of Matsuyama Castle. It is a marvel to see these magnificent walls up close..the sheer size of the boulders and their careful placement boggles the mind at the challenges this must have posed. They are quite beautiful.
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Looking down at the children’s fun day from the castle
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Matsuyama Castle was built in 1602, burned down and was rebuilt in 1642. In 1784 it was struck by lightning and rebuilt again.

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…a man carrying his teddy bear touring the castle.
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The entry to the castle is made up of 3 sections, each of which can be barricaded to slow down or deter attacks.
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We were surprised how light a samurai sword is
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Love the decorative detail on the roofline of the castle…Matsuyama stretches out for a distance.
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You have to remove your shoes before going into the castle
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These sculptures are added to the rooftops to prevent fires breaking out. However, the castle was partially destroyed by lightning strikes
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Barry taking aim with a rifle
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There was a lot of climbing of very steep staircases. Mary Ellen’ knees were really sore by the end of the day
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It was fun getting dressed up as samurai warriors.
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You don’t mess with this samurai!
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Team Samurai
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Now back to reality
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Mandarin oranges are a huge industry on Shikoku.
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You can write a haiku and “post it” in the hollow stone. Matsuyama is known as the centre for haiku in Japan.
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It is time to head down on the chair lift. “No hopping off the car” - good advice.
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Visiting the castle has been a lot of fun
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The mascot for the castle
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Not sure what these are all about.
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Matsuyama castle is one of Japan’s 12 castles to still have its original towers.
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An interesting painting of the castle and the city of Matsuyama
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spirits who will protect the castle from fires breaking out
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Very dramatic art in the window on the way up to where you get the chair lift to the castle
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The two main characters from the famous Japanese novel, “ Botchan”.
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Towels made in Imabari are sold here
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Delicious mandarin orange juice grown and processed in this area
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You can pour your own orange juice
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We bought some amazing sushi from the food floor at a local department store
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We rode our trikes through this shopping street several times
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The cakes looked amazing at the Dumbo Cake Factory.
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These cartoon characters are immensely popular in Japan.
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P

Today's ride: 15 km (9 miles)
Total: 132 km (82 miles)

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