Yusu Monument, Uwajima Bay

Overlooking Uwajima bay is a monument built to give thanks to the bounty given to the residents of the area who farm the bay for pearls. The monument is symbolic of a pair of hands holding a black pearl as an offering to the sky and bay in gratitude. Uwajima bay is an impressive body of water and is well cared for by those who make their living from it.

Matsuyama, Past and Present

Inside Matsuyama Castle's garden is a display which illustrates Matsuyama's past and present in photographs. It is fascinating to see how the past measures against the present.

Manhole Cover, Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture

"Let's create the clean Matsuyama City!" Littering is publicly frowned upon by the Japanese. The Japanese have a place for everything and everything has its place, even trash. The raised yellow strips of concrete are guides for the blind. The straight sections guide the disabled on the pavement while the dotted section indicates an intersection.

Okaido, Shopping Arcade, Matsuyama

This shopping arcade features a ceiling that is open or closed, depending on the weather.


Scroll to the bottom of the page for a look at the shopping arcade (Japanese)

Wikipedia Page on Okaido Arcade (Japanese)

Hyota, Best Ramen Shop in Matsuyama

It can be said that this is a Ramen shop, but they call their Ramen "Chuka-soba," which means "Chinese Noodles" in translation. Their noodles are the best in Matsuyama.


Hyota Link (Japanese)

Butsudan (Home Shrine)

In Japanese homes they have Buddhist Shrines that are prayed at daily. It is usually situated in a place of significance in the home. The shrines range in sizes. The name Butsudan means "Buddha's house." It is not uncommon to have both Shinto shrines along side the Butsudan as they both exist along side each other in the many Temples and Shrines in Japan.

Money-Raker, Fan of 7 Gods

Traditional Japanese fans for good fortune. The 7 Gods are a blend of Buddhism and Shinto. They originated separately but were combined into a group of 7 virtues to be honored. They can be found throughout Japan.


Seven lucky Gods of Japan