Matsoyama & Beppu June 20/21

I left the ship at precisely 10 am, eager to embark on an exciting tour in Matsuyama, a city known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant street life. The main highlight of the day was to witness a traditional Geisha performance, followed by a leisurely stroll through a bustling street market. As I arrived at the venue for the Geisha show, the atmosphere was filled with anticipation, and I could feel the historical significance of the art form surrounding me. The performance, while certainly intriguing, turned out not to be entirely to my liking. Four older ladies, elegantly dressed in exquisite traditional kimonos, took to the stage, showcasing their skills through a series of graceful dances accompanied by music that, rather oddly, reminded me of something Yoko Ono might have sung—experimental and avant-garde. Unfortunately, my phone was out of commission, leaving me unable to capture the moment through photographs, which was quite disappointing.

After the performance, we spent a couple of hours meandering through the street market, a vibrant tapestry of colors and sounds. The market was alive with the chatter of vendors and the enticing aromas of various street foods. However, I couldn’t shake the feeling that much of what was available was quite similar to what I had encountered in other markets across Japan. It became increasingly challenging to find authentic Japanese-made products; instead, I noticed that many items were imported from China, which somewhat diluted the experience of shopping for unique souvenirs that truly represented the local culture.

Feeling a bit weary from the heat, we decided to stop for lunch at a nearby eatery, where I indulged in a bowl of Udon noodles. The dish was quite satisfying, with thick, chewy noodles swimming in a savory broth that warmed me from the inside out. To complement my meal, I ordered a Sapporo Beer, which turned out to be the highlight of my dining experience that day. The crispness of the beer was refreshing, especially in the sweltering heat. Speaking of the weather, it had been dry, which was a relief compared to the torrential rain that often plagues the region, but the temperature had soared into the 90s with a level of humidity that made everything feel sticky and uncomfortable.

After returning to the ship, I took a long, refreshing shower to wash away the heat of the day and then indulged in a brief nap to recharge before dinner. Dinner was served in the main dining room, and I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the meal. I savored a perfectly braised Lamb Shank, served alongside an array of roasted root vegetables that complemented the dish beautifully. For dessert, I couldn’t resist the allure of Chocolate Eclairs, which were decadently rich and provided a sweet ending to my day.

Today, we found ourselves back in Beppu, a place I had grown fond of during my travels. I decided to take advantage of my time here to visit a Japanese electronics store, akin to a Best Buy, in hopes of purchasing a budget-friendly digital camera. After some searching, I successfully found a decent camera along with an SD card, all for under $60. This was a remarkable deal, especially considering that the same items would have cost me over $100 on Amazon back home. I felt a sense of accomplishment for managing to snag such a good bargain.

Once I return home, it will be imperative for me to acquire a new phone as quickly as possible. It’s astonishing how much I rely on my pocket-sized device, which serves as my computer, camera, phone, calculator, calendar, and so much more. The thought of being without it has made me realize just how intertwined it is with daily life.

Looking forward to tomorrow, we will be heading to Sasebo and Nagasaki, and I am excited about the prospect of capturing many photos to document my adventures. Expect pictures that will hopefully convey the beauty and uniqueness of these locations!