Just like that … Dogo Onsen in Matsuyama is fabulous. They claim to be the oldest onsen in Japan and the inspiration for the onsen in Spirited Away. I stayed in a hotel just across the street and went to the onsen 4 times in my 3 days stay. The onsen is being renovated so there is only one working bath. I loved it. It is quaint and magical.
I cannot take pictures from inside the onsen, but the tiles have a picture of a stork that legend says his leg was healed from the waters. In this onsen you must bring your own soap, shampoo and conditioner. My hotel supplied all the needed stuff so there was no problem. I just didn’t feel comfortable wearing the yukata across the street. I managed to get a tour of the emperor’s bathhouse at dogo onsen.
Of course he had a private onsen as he is not allowed to show his skin in public.
I walked to Murayama castle and it was awesome. I got there right before closing time so towards the end there weren’t many people there. What a magnificent castle. It was very intact and quite beautiful to see. It brought me back in time. I could almost imagine the samurai there.
After closing I lingered at the top and the sun awarded to go down. Some others stayed there too and we all watched the sun set. It was beautiful.
On my way down I saw high school cross country or track kids sprint up the hill. It was nice to see the kids… and what a beautiful castle that was.
The next day I decided to walk to Temple #51 since it was close by. Indeed it was close by and it had much to be seen. There were various sites to be seen there.
I checked out as much as I could then headed back to the onsen. I went to this small cave to see the buddahs. It became very small and dark. Spooky to me as I almost became stuck… but it finally opened up to the street with all these buddahs. Yikes!
Well, another onsen time and I leave tomorrow for Kyoto. I really liked it here. I want to come back when the renovations are done. The feel of this place is good. In Matsuyama, I saw young children, teenagers, young adults as well as elders. Everyone seemed nice. Many riding bicycles as the land was fairly flat. A man even came up to help me when I took the wrong bus in trying to get to the station. I could stay here awhile.
Next on my agenda is going to Kyoto to spend time with my cousin Akio and his wife, Catherine.
It’s my birthday today!! Went on Mario Kart in Tokyo for my birthday and in Kyoto for a kinstugi workshop. Leaving Shikoku is a bit sad. I truly enjoyed this island.
… and just like that my birthday is over. I am a year older, wiser and still learning! Stay tuned for more!
Dream, Create, Inspire 