This is a piece I wrote about for Japan Tourist about a guesthouse that Nori and I stayed at during our Shimanami Kaido bike trip last week (we’re going to write up a blog about that lil ‘adventure shortly!)

Earlier this week, Nori and I closed up shop for a couple of days and went for a lil’ trip.  First stop was Kurashiki for a “meeting” of guesthouses located around the seto-inland sea.  It was a pretty amazing experience and a great forum to share ideas and meet each other.  The day after we stopped by Onomichi to start the Shimanami Kaido bike trip (more to come on that later!)

For the next 2 weeks we are blessed to have the works of Maiko Iwata on our walls (and in front of our windows).

As you all (should) know, Ehime is one of Japan’s premere spots for sake or Nihon Shu (not biased). Kuramotoya is a Nihon-shu shop that was started 4 years ago near downtown Matsuyama.  It is owned and operated by a collective that represents some of the biggest Nihon-shu breweries in Ehime.

For the last 3 days we had a pretty interesting American/French guest that is a chiropractor who specializes in treatments for musicians.  So, when we told him there was going to be a folk/rock festival on Kashima - he was excited to go check it out.

Long a favorite summertime event, Japanese beer gardens are held (usually) on the roofs of big hotels or department stores offering nice night views of the city.  They are nomi tabe hodae (all you can eat and drink) and usually run about 2500¥-3500¥, well worth the price.  Of course the quality and variety of food and drinks vary, as well as location and general mood of the place.

Volunteer guide group in Matsuyama!

Team Camellia (which is Matsuyama’s city flower) has been guiding foreigners around Matsuyama’s important points for more than 5 years.  With great English, in-depth cultural/historical information and local food and craft knowledge; team Camellia makes a visit to Matsuyama a memorable one.  Best of all, it’s free-all that they ask of you is to pay your admission to the places you visit.  No need to book, just show up at the meeting point 5 mins before the tour begins.

Special Edition = Guestblogger Chris Chistolm

So – after many procrastinations, I’m finally putting together my blog spot for this most visit to Japan and my trek on the Shimanimakaido trail.