Matsuyama is a pretty special place. It's name means "Pine Mountain". How cool is that?!
As we drove into town, we saw this old building that just looked so cool! We had to pull over and take photos of it. Turns out it's an old onsen, with a history stretching back over 1000 years! Dōgo Onsen. It ALSO turns out that the onsen from "Spirited Away" is modeled after this onsen!!!
Our hotel was right around the corner, with it's own Onsen as well, which I totally took advantage of, right after this ginormous and beautifully prepared meal.
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This hotel also has an outdoor Noh Theater!
More old streetcars in Matsuyama
More Ghibli graffiti!
Me, eating more cakes!!! >.< This roll cake is special to the area, with Adzuki filling and a slight yuzu taste.
I have to say, my favorite thing about Matsuyama are the skies. This photo doesn't give you an amazing view of it... but constantly I kept looking at the skies. They were always so vast, and expansive. Even at night, in the darkness, they were dramatic and velvety. I'm so thankful I got a chance to visit this city!
love,
p. a.
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ReplyDeletei had almost forgotten that i visited matsuyama years ago! i also have a photo of the front of dogo onsen… wish i could post it here. my cheap digital camera captured the patrons in the low light going in and out of the front door as blurry figures, almost like spirits. little did i know at the time that it was the inspiration for spirited away's onsen. i believe the fancy meal with all the small dishes is called "kaiseki", truly a delicious art form that is often served at the traditional ryokan inns at onsens.
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