From Ehime

Ehime Prefecture (愛媛県) – enlightenment (菩提)

Day 40: High Times

Today was a 40km straight shot from Saijō City to Shikoku-chuo City along the concave top of the island via local roads most of the way. The forecast rain never materialised so all-in-all a pretty successful day. Read more

Day 38: Kyōmyōji

Unlike Kochi Prefecture, the temples in Ehime are far closer together and today we visited four in quick succession. Luckily the weather remained dry and there was even a smattering of sun! Read more

Day 37: Windswept Imabari

We woke this morning to the smell of freshly baked bread which Shin-San, at Hōjōsuigun Youth Hostel, had made. Along with homemade blueberry jam and yoghurt it was a welcome change from the usual savoury Japanese breakfast you get at most places. Read more

Day 36: An Unexpected Surprise

I woke extra early this morning at 5am since I wanted to get as much walking done as possible before the forecasted rain due late morning. On the way out I met Tom who’d had a similar idea but was going to take some shortcuts by train since he’s running out of time on his tourist visa. Read more

Day 35: Matsuyama

After an uneventful night camping in Jōnofuchi Park I woke early, packed and headed to a nearby combini for a simple breakfast (bread, milk, and a banana). Read more

Day 34: Downhill Stretch

After all the ups and downs of yesterday, I slept like a stone statue last night. Luckily today was a mostly downhill affair with some of the finest weather to date (21°C with a slight breeze). Read more

Day 33: Iwaya-ji

I had a bit of a scary moment last night. Having fallen asleep in my tent around 10pm I was suddenly awoken by a bright light. I checked my phone and momentarily thought I’d overslept before realising it was still night. Read more

Day 32: Uchiko

After a better night’s sleep than I’ve had in a few days I woke shortly after 6am and was heading out of Ōzu by 7. I passed scores of kids on their way to school and saw a group of them sweeping their playground. Only in Japan. Read more

Day 31: Garyu Sanso

Upon leaving Matsu-ya Business Hotel this morning the sky looked as if it had violent intentions so I donned my wet weather gear and began to trudge along the road. Read more