Image 1/25

@ Cliff Path, Shikoku
Toto begins his journey through Shikoku!
Cliff Path, Shikoku
One of the advantages of living on an island is the unparalleled opportunity for incredible clifftop walks, to benefit from the fresh air and exercise, to view the flora and fauna of the area and to enjoy the benefits of nature. After your trek around Shikoku's coastline, relax in an onsen (hot spring) to soothe away that ache in your muscles!

Image 2/25

@ Cherry Blossoms in Bud

White Daisy Egg
My pets are in awe of these beautiful eggs—they would love to try to paint their own one year. Easter and spring are times of joy as the earth awakens, plants are pushing forth from the soil, and the days are becoming warmer. Many baby animals are born in the spring, and life is burgeoning. May these eggs bring you joy and be a reminder of the earth renewing itself.

Cherry Blossoms in Bud
The beautiful blooms of the cherry blossom are one of the surest and most celebrated signs of spring. Cherry blossoms emerge before the leaves on the trees do, and the first sign of their impending arrival are green buds on the branches of the tree.

Image 3/25

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

Image 4/25

@ Ritsurin Garden, Shikoku
“You know, I'd like to spend a whole week in this region here, Toto!” said Zoot.
"It's very pleasant indeed—but you never know, the next part of the tour might be even better!" replied Toto.

Image 5/25

@ Autumnal Ginkgo Leaves
The Awa Dance Festival, Awa Odori, is held from 12 to 15 August as part of the Obon festival in Tokushima Prefecture on Shikoku in Japan. Awa Odori is the largest dance festival in Japan, attracting over 1.3 million tourists every year. Groups of choreographed dancers and musicians known as ren dance through the streets, typically accompanied by the shamisen lute, taiko drums and the shinobue flute. Performers wear traditional obon dance costumes, and chant and sing as they parade through the streets.
Autumnal Ginkgo Leaves
Soft focus golden/orange ginkgo leaves in autumnal sunshine make a soothing picture.

Image 6/25

@ Stone Lantern in Japan
“You know, I'd like to spend a whole week in this region here, Toto!” said Choose a name.
"It's very pleasant indeed—but you never know, the next part of the tour might be even better!" replied Toto.
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.

Image 7/25

@ Samurai Warrior at Sunset
"Wasn’t it worth coming all this way, Toto," said Abel, "for this experience alone?"
Toto, admiring the scene they were now in, heartily agreed!
Samurai Warrior at Sunset
Stylish artwork featuring silhouette of lone samurai warrior with sword against a setting sun.

Image 8/25

@ Pink Lotus Flower
Why are melons in Japan VERY expensive? These fruit play a large part in the country’s gift-giving culture. Samurai would give tangerines or melons to their shogun as a mark of appreciation. Nowadays, fruit farmers tend to these fruits extremely carefully by hand, which adds to their attraction. Cantaloupe melons are one of the most famous varieties and can cost over $200 each.
Pink Lotus Flower
Lotus flower; lnelumbo nucifera.

Image 9/25

@ Tiny Green Frogs
From the 1630s to 1853, Japan exercised a strict isolationist policy known as Sakoku – or “closed country,” which is one of the most interesting facts about Japan.

Image 10/25

@ Traditional Japanese Dwelling
"As well as the castle, there are hot springs at Matsuyama, Toto!" announced Charmaine.
"Sounds good to me!"
Traditional Japanese Dwelling
Traditional wooden Japanese-style house.

Image 11/25

@ Japanese Hair Ornaments
"As well as the castle, there are hot springs at Matsuyama, Toto!" announced Tallulah.
"Sounds good to me!"
Japanese Hair Ornaments
"kanzashi" - hair ornaments

Image 12/25

@ Origami Sphere
"As well as the castle, there are hot springs at Matsuyama, Toto!" announced Flitter.
"Sounds good to me!"

Image 13/25

@ Rice Wine with Guinomi
"It says here that the 88 Temple Pilgrimage is a famous but difficult 1000 mile (1647 km) circle around the entire island of Shikoku. Some pets choose to do the trip entirely by paw! Other pets go on the bus," read out Svaha from the brochure.
"I know how I'd do it, Svaha!" replied Toto.

Image 14/25

@ Sea of Clouds, Japan
From the 1630s to 1853, Japan exercised a strict isolationist policy known as Sakoku – or “closed country,” which is one of the most interesting facts about Japan.

Image 15/25

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

Image 16/25

@ Shikoku Mountain Range
“Let's practise some Japanese phrases, Toto!" said frosty. "Tell you what, hand me that postcard, will you? Arigato!”
Clutching the postcard, she looked at her friend expectantly. “That's your cue to say Dozo—which means ‛you're welcome!'”
Toto looked puzzled. "Why do I have to say anything at all, frosty? 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?"
frosty 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 ...!"

Image 17/25

@ Shimanami Highway, Ehime
"As well as the castle, there are hot springs at Matsuyama, Toto!" announced Swish.
"Sounds good to me!"

Image 18/25

@ Mt Tsurugi, Tokushima
“I’m going to buy that origami kit from the gift shop, Toto,” announced Nellie. “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 Toto.

Image 19/25

@ Mountain Road, Shikoku
"It says here that the 88 Temple Pilgrimage is a famous but difficult 1000 mile (1647 km) circle around the entire island of Shikoku. Some pets choose to do the trip entirely by paw! Other pets go on the bus," read out Pickles from the brochure.
"I know how I'd do it, Pickles!" replied Toto.

Image 20/25

@ Japan Sign
From the 1630s to 1853, Japan exercised a strict isolationist policy known as Sakoku – or “closed country,” which is one of the most interesting facts about Japan.
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.

Image 21/25

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

Image 22/25

@ Onaruto Bridge, Naruto Strait
The Awa Dance Festival, Awa Odori, is held from 12 to 15 August as part of the Obon festival in Tokushima Prefecture on Shikoku in Japan. Awa Odori is the largest dance festival in Japan, attracting over 1.3 million tourists every year. Groups of choreographed dancers and musicians known as ren dance through the streets, typically accompanied by the shamisen lute, taiko drums and the shinobue flute. Performers wear traditional obon dance costumes, and chant and sing as they parade through the streets.

Image 23/25

@ Shrine Purification Ritual
"According to our itinerary, we'll be visiting Mt Ishizuchi today," remarked piper.
"Gosh, will we be climbing it, Toto?"
Toto chuckled. "We'll leave you behind to do that if you wish. It's 6500 feet (1982 m) high! Now listen to the rest of it. It's one of Japan's seven sacred peaks. Named the 'Stone Hammer' because of its characteristic sharp and rocky summit, it is the highest peak in western Japan and is known not only for its beauty but also for the challenge it presents climbers."
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.

Image 24/25

@ Windmill, Kagawa
“Let's practise some Japanese phrases, Toto!" said Flicka. "Tell you what, hand me that postcard, will you? Arigato!”
Clutching the postcard, she looked at her friend expectantly. “That's your cue to say Dozo—which means ‛you're welcome!'”
Toto looked puzzled. "Why do I have to say anything at all, Flicka? 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?"
Flicka 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 ...!"

Image 25/25

@ Rice Fields, Japan
Toto has now completed his journey through Shikoku! As he prepares to go home, he 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.
Toto has enjoyed his 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!