道後温泉本館・Dogo Onsen

松山市の観光スポット道後温泉本館も見学しました「左下の写真」。道後町には坊っちゃんカラクリ時計「右下の写真」があります。

During our stay in Matsuyama City, we enjoyed walking around the neighborhood where Dogo Onsen is located (top left).  Nearby is the “Botchan Clock” (top right), a tribute to famous Japanese novelist, Natsume Sōseki, whose titular character Botchan visited the onsen and increased its popularity.

道後温泉本館はジブリ映画「千と千尋の神隠し」のインスピレーションと言われているから私は見学できてとても嬉しいです!

Dogo Onsen is also said to be one of the oldest onsen in Japan and among the real buildings used as inspiration for the Studio Ghibli film, Spirited Away.

この日は天気がとても良かったです。道後温泉本館近くにある伊佐爾波神社も素敵で青い空と朱色との対比がとても美しいです!

We also walked up to see Isaniwa Shrine, which is one of only a few shrines built in the rare hachiman-zukuri architectural style.  Its beautiful vermilion colors looked stunning against the background of the clear blue sky! 

備中松山城と松山城・Bitchū Matsuyama&Matsuyama

私は知らなかったですけど日本に松山城は二つあります!!今回私の両親がアメリカから遊びに来たので両方を見に行きました!!

Did you know there are two castles in Japan with the name Matsuyama?  I learned this while my parents were visiting and we had the chance to see both castles!

はじめに倉敷市で会いました。松江市に帰る途中で間にある備中松山城を見に行きました「上の写真」。標高430メートル最も高い所にある!!本物の天守閣でとても素敵でした🏯

At the beginning of their stay, we met in Kurashiki City, and planned to come to Matsue City by train.  On the way, we stopped to see Bitchū Matsuyama Castle (pictured above).  Located 430 meters above sea level, it has the distinction of being Japan’s highest mountain castle with an original castle tower!

もう一つのお城松山城にはリフトで向かいました!!松山城からの眺めは360度見渡すことができとても素敵な街です。松山城は昔に建設されている天守もあります「下の写真」。お城の高い石垣とたくさんの門は姫路城と少し似ていると思いました。

Toward the end of their stay, we visited the island of Shikoku, where Matsuyama Castle (pictured below) is located in Ehime Prefecture.  We enjoyed riding the chairlift up to the castle grounds, which offer panoramic views of Matsuyama City.  Matsuyama Castle is also known for having original towers and is considered one of the most prestigious castles in Japan.  The castle’s high stone walls and long defensive corridors leading up to the keep reminded me of Himeji Castle!

I really recommend seeing both castles!! 
🏯どちらもおすすめです!!🏯

Hall🎃ween Photos

松江のポートベローさんでハロウィンパーティーでした👻!!
今年のテーマは、ディズニーのキャラクターです。
私は1989年の「リトル・マーメイド」のアリエルです。🧜‍♀️

Here are some photos from the Halloween event at Port Below!! This year my costume was inspired by the Disney animated movie, The Little Mermaid.  I was, of course, the main character, Ariel, complete with a snarfblatt!🧜‍♀️

右の写真は私の手作りかぼちゃ🎃です! 今年はテーマも同じく:ディズニーヴィランズのアースラです😉

This year, as in previous years, I carved the pumpkin for the event!!  I chose the iconic Disney villain, Ursula from The Little Mermaid to fit in with the Disney theme.😉

来年のハロウィン待ってま〜す🧟‍♀️
Happy Hall🎃 ween!!