One of the famous places in Matsuyama is Dogo Onsen. It is located just outside the local shopping street in the Dogo area, surrounded by hotels. I didn’t go in Dogo Onsen to try it out because there was a long line to go in, with it being a long weekend. It was a pity as I’d have loved to see the interior and see what inspired Hayao Miyazaki for the hot spring baths in Spirited Away.

The writer, Natsume Soseki, also used the Dogo area as a base in one of her books. As such, there are a number of sights related to that.

On my way to my next pit stop, Onomichi, I stopped at Imabari. Imabari is famous for their towels, and if you’ve ever received an Imabari towel, you know it's good stuff. Off to the Imabari store I went, and I’ve never seen so many people browsing and buying towels!

There’s also Imabari Castle nearby, and unlike Kumamoto and Ozu Castle, this one has a couple of shrines on the castle grounds and a moat around it.

Come back tomorrow when I write about Onomichi and the place I’m staying. (Hint: It’s gorgeous!)

What is unique about the JR Ominato Line which serves the Shimokita Peninsula?

The correct answer is: It is not connected to the rest of the JR network

The Ominato Line is the only JR line that is not connected to any other JR line. The isolation became reality when operation along the former JR Tohoku Main Line between Aomori and Hachinohe was taken over by the Aoimori Railway in December 2010.

Current Standings: (after 30 days)