I was only here for an overnight trip, so I didn’t get to see much of the prefecture. However, I enjoyed my trip, and I was accompanied by my sister’s former colleague who was living in Ehime.
Here’s the itinerary:
Highlights
- It was my first time reading trams. In fact, we just used the tram throughout our commute within Matsuyama, Ehime.
- The moving clock at the Dogo Station was cool. It was also my first time seeing that kind of technology.
- The charms at Enmanji Temple were a nice backdrop for pictures. You can also buy charms and make wishes regarding your love life.
- We hiked the steep mountain slope all the way to Matsuyama Castle. We were quite exhausted, and we sweated a bit despite the cool autumn weather. Google Maps led us to the hiking trail instead of the cable chairs station. Oh, well. We did have fun hiking, so there’s that. Tired? No worries because there were vending machines at the top of the mountain, so you could quench your thirst after hiking or even after exploring the castle.
- We were able to ride the cable chairs going down the mountain. I was first concerned because there were no safety belts on the chairs, but I relaxed somehow after seeing that there’s a safety net below (just in case someone falls from the chair lol). Since it was the autumn, some of the leaves of the trees were starting to change colors. I took lots of videos and photos of those while riding the cable chair.
- Matsuyama Castle was one of the remaining original castles in Japan, and I highly recommend this place.
Not-so-highlights
- Dogo Glass Museum was a disappointment. The ticket was quite pricey given the size and displays of the place.
- We didn’t enter Dogo Onsen not just because we didn’t have enough time for an onsen stay and that we were both uncomfortable to remove our clothes in public.
- People said that dango is supposed to be good, but honestly, it tasted bland. Sorry, I’m not a fan of dangos even though they look cute.
Hyphenized Changjo 