Moving to Japan Part 2: Navigating the first year
Summer Holiday is Coming! 😱
Today is the first day of summer holiday, so I think its a good time to look back and see what I have done so far. (I don’t know how to spend time during long holidays… ugh what a rough time).
In honor of having spent a year in Japan, I thought I’d share what I have doing from the past a year. Thinking through what to write in this post was a nice reminiscent journey for me, so I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it.
Matsuyama, the biggest city in Shikoku Island.
Matsuyama is the capital of Ehime Prefecture, and it’s a beautiful city with a lot to offer visitors. I visited Matsuyama for the first time in the fall, and I was immediately charmed by its old-fashioned streets and traditional architecture. I hiked to Matsuyama Castle, which is one of the most famous castles in Japan, and I visited the Ehime Museum of Art, which has a great collection of Japanese art. I also took a ride on the ropeway, which offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains.
Matsuyama Castle is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan. It is a beautiful castle that was built in the 16th century. The castle is located on a hill overlooking the city of Matsuyama. The views from the castle are amazing! You can see the city and the Seto Inland Sea.
I hiked to Matsuyama Castle from the city center. The hike is about 30 minutes long, and it’s a great way to see the city. The path to the castle is lined with Maple Trees, so it’s a beautiful hike in the fall.
When I reached the castle, I was amazed by its size and beauty. The castle is made of white stone, and it has a four-story keep. The keep is surrounded by a moat.
I spent a few hours exploring the castle. I visited the museum, which has exhibits on the history of the castle. I also climbed to the top of the keep, which offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains.
Ehime Museum of Art is a great place to see Japanese art. The museum has a collection of over 10,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and ceramics. The museum is located in the heart of Matsuyama City.
I saw some amazing paintings by Japanese artists, like Hokusai and Hiroshige. I also saw some beautiful sculptures and ceramics.
A Day Trip to Onomichi and Fukuyama
A few months ago I took a day trip with an old friend to Onomichi and Fukuyama, two beautiful cities in Hiroshima Prefecture. We started our day in Onomichi, a charming port town with a picturesque harbor. We wandered around the waterfront, admiring the views of the Seto Inland Sea. Then, we climbed up to the Itsukushima-jinja Shrine, a stunning temple that sits on a hill overlooking the harbor.
In the afternoon, we took a train to Fukuyama, a city with a more modern feel. We visited Fukuyama Castle, a well-preserved castle that offers stunning views of the city. We also had lunch at a restaurant in Fukuyama Station, where we enjoyed some fried oyster.
It was a perfect day trip with a great friend. We got to see some beautiful scenery, learn about Japanese culture, and enjoy some delicious food. I would definitely recommend this trip to anyone looking for a fun and relaxing day out in Hiroshima Prefecture.
Tokyo Sightings: A Business Trip
I recently had the opportunity to take a three-day business trip to Tokyo. I was excited to finally have the chance to explore the city that I had heard so much about.
During my trip, I spent my free time visiting some of the most popular tourist attractions, including Shinjuku, Tokyo Tower, and the Imperial Palace.
Shinjuku is one of the busiest districts in the world, and it was definitely an eye-opening experience to see it in person. The streets were packed with people, and the lights were so bright that it felt like daytime. I also visited Tokyo Tower, which is a 333-meter tall tower that offers stunning views of the city.
The Imperial Palace is the home of the Emperor of Japan, and it is a beautiful and peaceful place to visit. I was lucky enough to see the changing of the guard ceremony, which was a very impressive sight.
I also had the pleasure of attending a welcoming dinner hosted by my Tokyo branch office at an Indonesian restaurant. It was great to meet my colleagues in person and learn more about their culture.
Overall, my trip to Tokyo was an amazing experience. I was able to see some of the city’s most iconic landmarks and learn more about its rich history and culture. I can’t wait to go back someday!
A Springtime Journey to Tamagawa Lake
The first day of spring is always a special day in Japan, and this year I decided to celebrate it by taking a trip to Tamagawa Lake in Imabari. Tamagawa Lake is a beautiful lake located in the Shikoku region of Japan, and it is known for its stunning cherry blossoms in the spring.
I arrived at Tamagawa Lake early in the morning, and I was immediately greeted by the sight of thousands of cherry blossoms in full bloom. The petals were falling gently from the trees, creating a magical carpet of pink and white. I took a deep breath of the fresh spring air and smiled. This was going to be a perfect day.
I spent the morning walking around the lake, enjoying the scenery and taking photos of the cherry blossoms. In the afternoon, I visited the local traditional market, where I bought some dongo, a sweet rice cake that is a specialty of the area. The dongo was delicious, and it was the perfect way to end a perfect day.
I left Tamagawa Lake feeling refreshed and inspired. It was the perfect way to celebrate the start of spring. I can’t wait to go back next year!
In addition to the cherry blossoms, Tamagawa Lake is also home to a variety of other wildlife, including deer, ducks, and geese. There are also several hiking trails in the area, making it a great place to get some exercise and enjoy the fresh air.
A Hike with the President
I had never hiked a long mountain before, but when the president of my company invited me to join him on a hike in Shikoku, I couldn’t say no. I was excited for the challenge and the opportunity to spend some time with him outside of the office.
We started our hike early in the morning, and the sun was just starting to rise as we made our way up the mountain. The air was crisp and cool, and the scenery was breathtaking. We hiked for hours, stopping occasionally to rest and take in the views.
As we hiked, we talked about our lives and our work. The president shared stories about his early days in business, and I told him about my hopes and dreams for the future. We laughed and joked, and by the time we reached the top of the mountain, we felt like old friends. He was not just a boss, but a mentor and a friend.
After the hike, we went to Hime Hiko Onsen, a traditional Japanese hot spring. We soaked in the hot water and talked some more. It was a perfect way to relax and reflect on our day.
In the evening, we went to Imabari Yakitori, a restaurant that specializes in grilled chicken skewers. We ate and drank and laughed until late into the night. It was one of the best nights of my life.
I am so grateful for the opportunity to have hiked with the president of my company. It was an unforgettable experience that I will cherish forever. It taught me that it is important to step outside of your comfort zone and challenge yourself. It also taught me that it is possible to build strong relationships with people from different backgrounds.
I would encourage anyone to try something new, even if it’s outside of your comfort zone. You might be surprised at what you’re capable of, and you might just make some new friends along the way.
I am excited to see what the future holds for me.
Hirosaki Neputa
I had always wanted to know a bout Japanese Culture, but I had never imagined that I would see the Hirosaki Neputa Festival in Imabari City.
I was amazed by the size and detail of the neputa. They were each about 10 feet tall and 20 feet wide, and they were covered in intricate carvings and paintings. The floats depicted scenes from Japanese history and mythology, including the battle of Sekigahara, the story of Momotaro, and the legend of the Tengu.
The festival was a truly immersive experience. The streets were packed with people, and the air was filled with the sound of music and laughter. I felt like I had been transported back in time to a different era.
I saw people of all ages enjoying the festival. There were families with young children, groups of friends, and even some elderly people. Everyone seemed to be having a great time.
A Cyclist’s Paradise: The Shimanami Kaido
When I heard about the Shimanami Kaido, I knew I had to try it. This 70-kilometer cycling route is one of the most scenic in Japan, and it winds its way through the Seto Inland Sea, connecting six islands.
I started my journey in Imabari, on Shikoku Island. I rented a bicycle and set off with my friend, who is also a keen cyclist. We cycled along the coast, enjoying the views of the clear blue water and the green hills. We stopped at several islands along the way, including Mukaishima, Innoshima, and Ikuchijima. Each island has its own unique charm, and we enjoyed exploring the small villages and markets.
One of our favorite stops was an Indonesian shop on Omishima Island. We bought some tempe, my favorite food, and enjoyed a picnic lunch overlooking the sea. After lunch, we continued on our journey, cycling across the Hakatajima and Oshima bridges. These bridges are some of the most impressive structures on the Shimanami Kaido, and they offer stunning views of the islands below.
We finally reached Onomichi, our destination, in the late afternoon. We were both tired but exhilarated from our adventure. We had cycled for over 7 hours, but it had been worth it. The Shimanami Kaido is a truly magical place, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves cycling and beautiful scenery.
A Night Under the Milky Way at Otsuno Seaside Park Observatory
The observatory is located in a remote area of the prefecture, surrounded by mountains and forests. It’s a popular spot for stargazing, and on a clear night, you can see the Milky Way stretching across the sky like a river of stars.
I was lucky enough to be able to go camping at the observatory with a group of Indonesian friends. We spent the day hiking in the mountains, swimming in the ocean, and cooked some satay over the campfire. In the evening, we set up our tents and settled in for a night of stargazing.
The Milky Way was even more incredible than I had imagined. It stretched across the sky in a vast arc, its stars twinkling like diamonds. We lay on our backs and gazed up at the heavens, feeling small and insignificant in the vastness of space. I spent the next few hours gazing at the stars and thinking about all the amazing things in the universe.
It was a magical experience that I’ll never forget. Camping under the Milky Way in Ehime was a truly unforgettable way to connect with nature and with the universe.
The Murakami Kaizoku Festival: A Celebration of Japan’s Powerful Pirates
The Murakami Kaizoku Festival is a centuries-old tradition. It is held annually in July to commemorate the Murakami Kaizoku, a powerful pirate clan that ruled the Seto Inland Sea in the 14th century.
The festival is a celebration of the Murakami Kaizoku’s legacy, and it features a parade of floats, traditional music and dance, and even a reenactment of a pirate battle. I was particularly impressed by the floats, which were elaborately decorated with carvings of ships, dragons, and other mythical creatures.
After the parade, I visited the Murakami Kaizoku Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts from the clan’s time. I learned about the Murakami Kaizoku’s rise to power, their battles with rival clans, and their eventual downfall.
The highlight of my visit was trying the local sashimi. Murakami is known for its fresh seafood, and I was able to sample some of the best sashimi I’ve ever had. The salmon, tuna, and mackerel were all incredibly fresh and flavorful.
My trip to Murakami was a fascinating journey into the past. I learned a lot about the Murakami Kaizoku and their impact on Japanese history. I also got to experience some of the best food in Japan.
Onmaku: A Summer Festival
The Onmaku Festival is a two-day event held in Imabari, Japan, in early August to celebrate summer. The name “Onmaku” means “dramatic and messed up” in the Imabari dialect, and the festival certainly lives up to its name. There are traditional Japanese performances, such as lion dances and taiko drumming, as well as more modern events like a parade and a fireworks show.
One of the highlights of the festival is the Onmaku Fireworks Show, which is one of the largest in the Chugoku region. The fireworks are set off on the Kurushima-Kaikyō Bridge, which offers stunning views of the Imabari skyline. The show is always a spectacle, with a variety of colorful fireworks exploding in the night sky.
The festival features a parade of floats, traditional Japanese dances, and live music. But the highlight of the festival is the Imabari Towel Dance. This unique dance is performed by a team of dancers who use towels to create intricate patterns and shapes.
This year, I had the opportunity to join the towel dance team. It was an amazing experience to learn about Imabari’s culture and to share it with the world. We practiced for weeks, and on the day of the festival, we performed our hearts out. The crowd loved it!
Hanabi: A Night of Color and Fireworks
The summer night sky over Imabari Port is ablaze with color as the annual Hanabi festival begins. Thousands of fireworks light up the sky, creating a dazzling display that is sure to take your breath away.
The festival is a popular event for both locals and tourists alike. People come from all over to enjoy the fireworks and the festive atmosphere. There are food stalls, games, and music, making it a perfect night out for the whole family.
The highlight of the festival is, of course, the fireworks show. The fireworks are launched from barges in the harbor, and they fill the sky with a riot of color. There are traditional Japanese fireworks, as well as more modern displays. The show is choreographed to music, and it is truly a sight to behold.
If you are ever in Imabari during the summer, be sure to check out the Hanabi festival. It is a truly magical experience that you will never forget.
