Takamatsu to Oiso via Nagoya

 We had 2 nights in Takamatsu so we took a 2 hour train ride west to the capitol Matsuyama as a day trip. The major attraction was a castle that was built in early 1600. It is quite magnificent towering over the city with views to all corners of the compass and amazingly fortified. It has been through some hard times with lightning strike and fire, followed by arsonists and then the Americans used it for target practice during the 2nd world war. We spent quite a while walking through gates on different levels and climbing inside the well restored wooden building to the highest turrets.

We left Takamatsu northward at a reasonably high speed…..on the train. I can’t get over how good the train service is, clean, fast, right on time and very comfortable. I guess a population of 126 million helps with the economics of running these things. Our JR (nothing to do with the Ewings) pass has been of great value over the past week.

We stopped in Nagoya so that we could take an excursion into the countryside, away from the street lights and cement, and do some walking in the hills. On alighting from the bus we are walking the 100mtrs to the trail start in the small town. Sitting outside a shop was Peter Keach a friend we had cycled the Otago Rail trail with. We knew he and wife Linda were in Japan and had been arranging to meet them in Tokyo but had no idea where they were. What were the chances of that!! Unbelievable. We headed off on a short walk from Magome to Tsumago which is part of the Nakosendo Trail that ran through the country hundreds of years ago. Not unsimilar to the Awaroa trail that was brought to life a few years ago! We walked 8 km without too many others and enjoyed the bush, cedar trees and the lack of people but a bit disappointed in the deafening sound of birdsong which did not materialise.

Before we left Nagoya earlier today we had time to have a look through the Toyota Commemorative Museum and see where all our Corollas and Camrys came from. Old Mr. Toyoda was on to it and had a few yen behind his name with a very successful weaving and spinning factory. He got a bit interested in motor vehicle back in the 30’s and when his son completed a degree in mechanical engineering he started going places. I thought it interesting that when he needed components he seemed to angle towards buying the company that could supply him. At the moment Toyota own over a dozen companies most of which are internationally recognised. We took a photo of their first production saloon “Crown” – a motor car for the people.

Another fast train has brought us from Nagoya to Oiso where we will stay one night so that we can catch up with a young lady called Yumi. She came to our hostel about 25 odd years ago and of all the 45,000 people that came through our hostel over 26 years she stands out as being one of the most humble, patient and understanding people who visited. She is now married and has 3 children so it will be interesting to see how her life has evolved.