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@ Cliff Path, Shikoku
Joy begins her journey through Shikoku!

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@ Cherry Blossoms in Bud

Navy Flower Power Egg
The first painted eggs came from Mesopotamia, and because eggs were forbidden food during Lent, people painted eggs while Lent was being observed—after Lent, they would eat the eggs on Easter Day.

Beautifully decorated eggs “pysanka” are associated with Ukraine, and the oldest painted egg that was unearthed in northern Ukraine is dated to the end of the 17th century.

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@ Naruto Bridge, Shikoku
Entranceways of Japanese houses called genkan signal where you should take off your shoes by means of its raised floors. The lower area indicates where you should remove your shoes and the raised upper area, often in a different type of flooring, is considered indoor living space.

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@ Ritsurin Garden, Shikoku
“Let's practise some Japanese phrases, Joy!" said Felix. "Tell you what, hand me that postcard, will you? Arigato!”
Clutching the postcard, he looked at his friend expectantly. “That's your cue to say Dozo—which means ‛you're welcome!'”
Joy looked puzzled. "Why do I have to say anything at all, Felix? If I've performed a very minor service and you've said 'Thank you', do I need to say anything back? It's not like I made you a cake or mowed your lawn. I just handed you a postcard. You said 'thank you'. Couldn't I just smile slightly or something?"
Felix mused for some minutes. "The English language lacks the exact equivalent of dozo or similar phrases in use in Continental Europe. Still, when in Rome ...!"

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@ Autumnal Ginkgo Leaves
"Wasn’t it worth coming all this way, Joy," said Icy, "for this experience alone?"
Joy, admiring the scene they were now in, heartily agreed!
Autumnal Ginkgo Leaves
Soft focus golden/orange ginkgo leaves in autumnal sunshine make a soothing picture.

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@ Stone Lantern in Japan
"It says in our itinerary that Shikoku means 'four provinces' in Japanese, Joy."
"What's Japanese for 'four', then, Kitty?"
"It's 'shi', and 'provinces' is 'chihō'. So put together it becomes Shikoku!"
Stone Lantern in Japan
This type of Japanese stone lantern is typically found by a pond or lake. The "fire box" beneath the crowning stone umbrella is usually hexagonal. This traditional stonemasonry dates back to the Edo period.

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@ Samurai Warrior at Sunset
Sudoku was introduced in Japan in the paper Monthly Nikolist in 1984 as Sūji wa dokushin ni kagiru which can be translated as "the digits must be single", or as "the digits are limited to one occurrence" (In Japanese, dokushin means an "unmarried person"). The name was later abbreviated to Sudoku, taking only the first kanji of compound words to form a shorter version. "Sudoku" is a registered trademark in Japan and the puzzle is generally referred to as Number Place.
Samurai Warrior at Sunset
Stylish artwork featuring silhouette of lone samurai warrior with sword against a setting sun.

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@ Pink Lotus Flower
The Dutch were allowed to trade with Japan during its isolation between the 1630s and 1853. Foreign trade continued with the Netherlands for the 220 years of isolation. They were only allowed one tiny little port to live in, called Dejima, in modern-day Nagasaki.
Pink Lotus Flower
Lotus flower; lnelumbo nucifera.

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@ Tiny Green Frogs
"Japan—the perfect choice for our travels this January, Joy!" enthused Jeff Jeffrey Jefferson.
"Yup. That Japanese Food & Cultural bazaar was incredible! I bought so many souvenirs I can't close my suitcase!"
"Oh! I was thinking more of its rich history, the Shoguns, Samurai, architecture and so on," said Jeff Jeffrey Jefferson.
Joy selected a glazed mochi donut for herself, popped it in her mouth and offered the box to Jeff Jeffrey Jefferson. "Sure!" she said, a little indistinctly. "You know me, I love a bit of culture. As long as there's a nice gift shop at the end, I'm happy."

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@ Traditional Japanese Dwelling
Sudoku was introduced in Japan in the paper Monthly Nikolist in 1984 as Sūji wa dokushin ni kagiru which can be translated as "the digits must be single", or as "the digits are limited to one occurrence" (In Japanese, dokushin means an "unmarried person"). The name was later abbreviated to Sudoku, taking only the first kanji of compound words to form a shorter version. "Sudoku" is a registered trademark in Japan and the puzzle is generally referred to as Number Place.
Traditional Japanese Dwelling
Traditional wooden Japanese-style house.

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@ Japanese Hair Ornaments
"That was the most delicious orange juice I've ever tasted at breakfast this morning, Joy!"
"Well, lily monet, did you know that mandarin oranges are a major product in Shikoku, and they're extra-delicious because of the amount of sunlight they get whilst growing!" responded her friend.
Japanese Hair Ornaments
"kanzashi" - hair ornaments

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@ Origami Sphere
"Remind me how to say 'good morning' to a Japanese pet, Honey?" queried Joy. "I know one of the US states comes into it!"
Honey grinned. "You mean ohayō gozaimasu! Yes, pronounced 'Ohio goz-eye-mass'!"

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@ Rice Wine with Guinomi
"Hey, we're going to see a castle today, Joy! It's one of Shikoku's four original castles."
"Wow! What are they called, Hearts?"
"Marugame, Kōchi, Matsuyama and Uwajima."
"You know, I was hoping we'd see Takeshi's Castle while we were here."
"I do hope that was a joke, Joy!"

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@ Sea of Clouds, Japan
"Hey, you should have joined Foxy and me for lunch at that café, Joy!" said BoobooBaloo.
"Oh, I couldn't resist touring the shops! Anyway, what did you eat?"
"We had butternut squash miso soup, sprinkled with fresh coriander and with a slice of sourdough bread on the side. It was yummy!"

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@ Japanese Calligraphy
Oh look ... you won a pet!

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@ Shikoku Mountain Range
"It says in our itinerary that Shikoku means 'four provinces' in Japanese, Joy."
"What's Japanese for 'four', then, glowy?"
"It's 'shi', and 'provinces' is 'chihō'. So put together it becomes Shikoku!"

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@ Shimanami Highway, Ehime
"Hey, you should have joined Foxy and me for lunch at that café, Joy!" said Archie.
"Oh, I couldn't resist touring the shops! Anyway, what did you eat?"
"We had butternut squash miso soup, sprinkled with fresh coriander and with a slice of sourdough bread on the side. It was yummy!"

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@ Mt Tsurugi, Tokushima
“I’m going to buy that origami kit from the gift shop, Joy,” announced Jinx. “It will provide a lot of entertainment for the winter evenings ahead!”
“I think I’ll go for the inflatable red-crowned crane! It’s just the job for when you’re splashing about in the garden pool in the summer!” responded Joy.

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@ Mountain Road, Shikoku
Entranceways of Japanese houses called genkan signal where you should take off your shoes by means of its raised floors. The lower area indicates where you should remove your shoes and the raised upper area, often in a different type of flooring, is considered indoor living space.

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@ Japan Sign
"Remind me how to say 'good morning' to a Japanese pet, Flicka?" queried Joy. "I know one of the US states comes into it!"
Flicka grinned. "You mean ohayō gozaimasu! Yes, pronounced 'Ohio goz-eye-mass'!"
Japan Sign
In our January 2023 Travel Game we celebrate the amazing country of Japan, its culture, traditions and food. This symbolic sign, in the colours of the Japanese flag, evokes the vibrant nightlife of Tokyo, the Japanese capital.

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@ Japanese Sake Ochoko
“You know, I'd like to spend a whole week in this region here, Joy!” said Fox.
"It's very pleasant indeed—but you never know, the next part of the tour might be even better!" replied Joy.
Japanese Sake Ochoko
In Japan there are very precise traditions around eating and drinking. The ochoko pictured here is for the ceremonial drinking of cold saké, as compared to the guinomi.

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@ Onaruto Bridge, Naruto Strait
The Dutch were allowed to trade with Japan during its isolation between the 1630s and 1853. Foreign trade continued with the Netherlands for the 220 years of isolation. They were only allowed one tiny little port to live in, called Dejima, in modern-day Nagasaki.

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@ Shrine Purification Ritual
"How are we getting across to Shikoku, Joy?" queried Libbey. "Do we have to go by boat?"
"No, it's fine, there's a bridge from Honshu," responded Joy. "Or rather, a system of three bridges, which crosses several small islands on the way."
Shrine Purification Ritual
Chozuya have historically been vital parts of Shinto shrines across Japan, acting as a purification gateway between worshippers and the sacred area of a shrine. Purifying yourself is a very important step to take before making any prayers or offerings at a temple or shrine in Japan. Chozu (cleansing yourself) is the customary way to clean or purify yourself before making any prayers at shrines or temples in Japan. The Chozuya is the large basin with special wooden dippers that is usually located at the entrance of shrines and temples. It is customary for visitors to purify themselves here by washing their hands before stepping on sacred grounds.

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@ Windmill, Kagawa
"How are we getting across to Shikoku, Joy?" queried Chewbie. "Do we have to go by boat?"
"No, it's fine, there's a bridge from Honshu," responded Joy. "Or rather, a system of three bridges, which crosses several small islands on the way."

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@ Rice Fields, Japan
Joy has now completed her journey through Shikoku! As she prepares to go home, she receives a wonderful gift!
Fox, Skating On The Pond
Hello, all my dear friends. Glad you could join me on this crisp winter day. I brought my skates, and I see you have yours too. Skating is a popular wintertime sport. Nowadays, with indoor rinks– can you imagine such a thing–you can skate all year round. But I prefer to be outside, and this pond is large enough and smooth enough to provide a lot of fun for all to skate.

I am going to warm up a bit— always a good idea—stretch those muscles and then do some pirouettes. I have been practicing some double axels I have a problem with the second one. After we have skated for a while, how about we play some hockey? Then we can enjoy some hot chocolate and cookies at my house.

Rice Fields, Japan
Nakayama rice fields, Shodoshima. Rice is a staple part of the Japanese diet, for example, in sushi, and it is felt more important in Japan to have a rice cooker than an oven.
Joy has enjoyed her journey through Shikoku, but it is time to go home now! Please select another pet as visitor, so it can also enjoy a journey through Japan!