Matsuyama

After our cycling trip, we headed off to our next stop, Matsuyama; the largest city on Shikoku. Shikoku is the smallest and least populated of Japan's four main islands.

We needed to take a highway bus from Ikuchijima Island to Imabari; this involved a local bus to a highway rest stop. I'd booked the highway bus online but was relying on google Maps to find the bus stop. There was a cafe at the rest stop so we had some pancakes for breakfast. I asked the friendly lady at the cafe for directions, and she pulled out a detailed description of how to get the other side of the road to catch our bus.

Finding our bus stop, our bus arrived right on time (Japanese efficiency), and the bus ride provided great views as we traversed the remaining islans connected by two more impressive bridges.

Arriving at Imabari station, we picked up some sandwiches and bakery items for our train trip to Matsuyama. Japan is quite a good place for independent travellers; with well-connected public transport and helpful locals.

Upon arrival, Matsuyama station was madness and mayhem for some reason. We found the correct street car to take us to our hotel. As we couldn't check in until after 3 p.m., we located a laundromat. The sexy, very non-instagram reality of travel, 😄 🤣, you need clean clothes.

In the arvo, we grabbed some beer and snacks and played cards in our room, waiting for it to cool down before we went out for dinner and drinks. We located a Thai/Vietnamese restaurant for dinner as we felt like something with a bit of spice. Whilst we live Japanese food, it's not hot or spicy, and you need a bit of chilli from time to time.

A long day started before 6 a.m., so we returned to our hotel and our twins beds for an early night.
Tip for travellers: double-bed are often small in Asia, and if you're accustomed to king-size beds, then book twin beds for a good night's sleep. 😀Read more