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@ Cliff Path, Shikoku
Berry begins his journey through Shikoku!

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@ Cherry Blossoms in Bud

Purple Flower Power 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.

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@ Naruto Bridge, Shikoku
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.

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@ Ritsurin Garden, 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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@ Autumnal Ginkgo Leaves
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.
Autumnal Ginkgo Leaves
Soft focus golden/orange ginkgo leaves in autumnal sunshine make a soothing picture.

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@ Stone Lantern in Japan
"As well as the castle, there are hot springs at Matsuyama, Berry!" announced Josie.
"Sounds good to me!"
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
“Let's practise some Japanese phrases, Berry!" said Pingu. "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!'”
Berry looked puzzled. "Why do I have to say anything at all, Pingu? 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?"
Pingu 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 ...!"
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
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.
Pink Lotus Flower
Lotus flower; lnelumbo nucifera.

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@ Tiny Green Frogs
“I’m going to buy that origami kit from the gift shop, Berry,” announced Karki. “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 Berry.

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@ Traditional Japanese Dwelling
“I’m going to buy that origami kit from the gift shop, Berry,” announced Schnupfen. “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 Berry.
Traditional Japanese Dwelling
Traditional wooden Japanese-style house.

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@ Japanese Hair Ornaments
"According to our itinerary, we'll be visiting Mt Ishizuchi today," remarked Tressla.
"Gosh, will we be climbing it, Berry?"
Berry 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."
Japanese Hair Ornaments
"kanzashi" - hair ornaments

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@ Origami Sphere
"It says in our itinerary that Shikoku means 'four provinces' in Japanese, Berry."
"What's Japanese for 'four', then, Flare?"
"It's 'shi', and 'provinces' is 'chihō'. So put together it becomes Shikoku!"

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@ Rice Wine with Guinomi
"As well as the castle, there are hot springs at Matsuyama, Berry!" announced Ugie.
"Sounds good to me!"

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

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

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@ Shikoku Mountain Range
"That was the most delicious orange juice I've ever tasted at breakfast this morning, Berry!"
"Well, Pookey, 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.

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@ Shimanami Highway, Ehime
“You know, I'd like to spend a whole week in this region here, Berry!” said Doctor Hoo.
"It's very pleasant indeed—but you never know, the next part of the tour might be even better!" replied Berry.

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@ Mt Tsurugi, Tokushima
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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@ Mountain Road, Shikoku
"Remind me how to say 'good morning' to a Japanese pet, Little Fang?" queried Berry. "I know one of the US states comes into it!"
Little Fang grinned. "You mean ohayō gozaimasu! Yes, pronounced 'Ohio goz-eye-mass'!"

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@ Japan Sign
"Wasn’t it worth coming all this way, Berry," said Lilly, "for this experience alone?"
Berry, admiring the scene they were now in, heartily agreed!
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
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.
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
"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 frisky from the brochure.
"I know how I'd do it, frisky!" replied Berry.

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@ Shrine Purification Ritual
“Let's practise some Japanese phrases, Berry!" said Zoey. "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!'”
Berry looked puzzled. "Why do I have to say anything at all, Zoey? 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?"
Zoey 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 ...!"
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
"Wasn’t it worth coming all this way, Berry," said Hearts, "for this experience alone?"
Berry, admiring the scene they were now in, heartily agreed!

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@ Rice Fields, Japan
Berry 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.
Berry 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!