Day 8 - Takamatsu - 16 Dec 2016

We had breakfast at 830am at the hotel. When we reached the entrance of the breakfast place, we were told by the staff that the place would close at 9am. In the quickest speed possible, all of us grabbed our food (buffet-styled) and did our best to finish up the food - and ensured that the kids did too - within the time frame. The staff was nice enough not to rush us though we exceeded the time slightly.

We checked out of the hotel at about 945am and then roamed around the hotel's vicinity. We took pictures of the famous Dogo Onsen Honkan because its architecture was simply lovely. It kinda felt like a very ancient building sticking out amidst the era of modernity. Somehow, I just love the juxtaposition.

While on the way back to the hotel to pick up our cars, some of us went to soak our feet again at a nearby public hot spring. We spent about half an hour there and then walked back to the hotel.

We drove out of the hotel at about 11am and headed for our first destination - Matsuyama castle. It was about half an hour drive. The castle sat atop the mountain and was actually accessible via ropeway or chairlift but because of where we parked our cars which was nowhere near the ropeway or chairlift, we climbed up the mountain on foot. Our Yu Yu managed to complete the feat too with the encouragement - or rather enticement - that Ah Ma would give sweets when he reached the mountain top. And our Le Le simply climbed up the mountain enthusiastically, perhaps with the motivation from his cousins.

On our way to the castle's entrance, it started to rain very tiny ice pellets and the kids got excited. It felt like it was snowing but it was only for a short while before the rain stopped.

We explored the different parts of the castle. Inside the castle, all I remembered was that there were many steep stairs to climb and most of the time, trying to make sure that our kids wouldn't fall off the stairs. When I reached the top of the castle, the view was amazing; the castle was surrounded by modern buildings and I spent some time taking in its view before heading out for the exit. Thankfully, there were signs that helped to guide us as the structure within the castle was rather complex. Ok, at least to me, it felt this way. If I were one of the enemy back in those ancient days, I reckon that I might be the first to be killed, not because of bravery but because of getting lost.

We took the ropeway down to the foot of the mountain with the exception of my wife and my bro-in-law who walked down because they needed to get to the carpark. When we got together again, we settled for our lunch at 诚志堂, a Yakiniku restaurant. The food was great and the price was very reasonable. For four sets, we paid about $45++.

We finished lunch at 3pm. Next, we drove 2.5 hours to our next hotel - JR Hotel Clement Takamatsu. We had wanted to go to Ritsurin Park before that but we reckoned that by the time we got there, it would have been dusk. It would be hard to appreciate the park's beauty and hence, we decided to give it a miss.

When we arrived at the hotel, we checked in. Dinner was at 7pm at one of the nearby restaurant. We had udon. When we were done with dinner, we went supermarketing to get some fruits and desserts. After that, we went back to the hotel at about 8pm.

Back in the room, the kids showered and did their favourite activity - 泡澡. It was just great fun for them to be able to soak in bathtub. The kids then got ready for bed and we followed suit thereafter.