JET Programme Series: Walking on the Fantasy Side in Japan - Christian Jalim

Whenever someone thinks about visiting Japan, most of the times the destination will be Tokyo, Osaka or Kyoto. These places are great and by far the most popular tourist hubs of Japan. However, please allow me to convince you to visit Shikoku, a.k.a. my new home in Japan. Of the four major islands that comprise mainland Japan, Shikoku is the smallest of them all. The name Shi(四)koku(国) translated means four provinces which is fitting as it has four prefectures; Kagawa, Tokushima, Kochi and my new home, Ehime. You may be reading this and thinking to yourself, “the smallest ISLAND of the four? That sounds very isolated,” but I promise you, it is not. In fact, you can get the full “Japan experience” right here in Shikoku. Additionally, there is still easy access to other parts of Japan from Shikoku. Apart from each prefecture on Shikoku having airports with both regional and domestic flights, there are also ferries to the southernmost mainland island of Kyushu available and also bridges connecting Shikoku to Honshu at various places.
 

The Great Seto Bridge connects Shikoku’s Kagawa Prefecture to Honshu’s Okayama Prefecture. On this bridge, you can ride the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) from Kagawa to Osaka. The Naruto Bridge connects Shikoku’s Tokushima Prefecture to Honshu’s Hyogo Prefecture through Awaji Island. It passes directly over the Naruto Whirlpools and for the anime fans reading this and are wondering, yes, the Naruto area is the inspiration for the name of the ever popular Hokage of Konoha village, Naruto Uzumaki. Finally, the Shimanami Kaido Bridge connects Shikoku’s Ehime Prefecture to Honshu’s Hiroshima Prefecture through the various Onomichi islands. This particular bridge is very famous for bikers and those seeking a challenge biking from Ehime to Hiroshima with an approximate 7 hours biking from one prefecture to the other.
 

Shikoku is a very mountainous island which provides the perfect condition for beautiful landscapes and picturesque views. Whether it is on a bus, train or even driving throughout the island, highway or not, any route you take is guaranteed to be a scenic one and you are bound to be mesmerised by the beauty of Shikoku. Of course, being an island means that Shikoku offers beaches for people seeking a tropical getaway (just make sure to visit during the summer to optimise your beach experience). However, Shikoku isn’t just beautiful mountains, rivers and coastline vistas. Though they may not be as grand as the metropoles mentioned in the beginning, every prefecture has bright, bustling cities for those looking for an urban experience as well.
 

Throughout Shikoku, you can find an assortment of adventures waiting to be experienced from food and nightlife, to environmental adventures for the nature seekers, and of course, touring the historical charms of Japan. Many historical sites in Shikoku are very well preserved and still maintain that ancient mystical charm to them.
 

As aforementioned, I am placed in the Ehime prefecture, however more specifically, I currently reside in the Dogo area of Matsuyama City which is the largest city in Shikoku. The Japanese name Matsu(松)yama(山) translates to pine (tree) mountains and the place lives up to the name with the mountains clustered around and the pine trees dancing in the wind.
 

My life in Matsuyama has been everything I was expecting from a life in Japan and more. Actually, I cannot ask for a more perfect situation, here in Japan. I live somewhat in the central part of the city, very near to ample, reliable transportation, thus making it easy to access many amenities and tourist attractions in Matsuyama. However, I do often teach at a school in the more rural area in the mountains of Hiura about 20-25 minutes away from my immediate area by bus. Being from the rural area of Manzanilla in Trinidad myself, I am able to appreciate such a place nestled quietly in the beautiful mountains where I also enjoy the sound of the rushing waters of the river next to my school. My life thus far has been the perfect balance of an urban and rural life.
 

A few minutes’ walk away from my apartment leads to a true artifact of Japan’s history, the Dogo Onsen (Dogo Hot Spring). Dogo Onsen is the oldest hot spring in Japan and the building is heralded as the inspiration for the hot springs from the well-loved anime film “Spirited Away”. The area of Dogo in Matsuyama is rich in history and attracts people from many places, even outside of Japan, for a charming vacation.
 

When it comes to events, Shikoku can offer various festivals and events for visitors to witness, each with their very own unique charm. From parades and captivating dance festivals (Obon) it’s never a dull moment here in Japan. Dance festivals such as the Awa Odori of Tokushima and the Yosakoi of Kochi are mesmerising and having participated in both of them, are very fun to experience as well. They also attract people from far and wide to our island to partake and witness the parades with their enchanting allure. Similarly, the shrine clashing or “mikoshi” festivals are intense, primal and raw. The areas are filled with excitement and bacchanalia as men use teamwork to hoist and carry shrines and eventually proceed to clashing shrines with opposing teams.
 

My recommended period for visiting Shikoku thus far will definitely have to be in mid-October to mid-November. The beauty of fall can be seen everywhere and is beyond a fascinating sight to behold. The various shades of green, yellow, orange and red of the turning leaves can give the mountains the appearance of a bouquet of flowers.
 

Some may say that Shikoku is a gem, however I like to describe it as a geode; from outside, it seems like a normal rock but on the inside, the contents are mesmerising and seem like something from a world of fantasy. So please, take a step into the fantasy side of Japan in Shikoku to experience what it has to offer. For those truly seeking an adventure beyond the skyscrapers and crowded trains, the island of Shikoku is sure to fulfill that desire.

Christian Jalim
JET (Japanese Exchange & Teaching) Program Assistant Langauge Teacher
Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture, JAPAN


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