Journey Goes to Japan With Haruka, Ehime: Scenery By The Sea

Summary

Gadis and Haruka embark on a memorable journey through Ehime Prefecture, Japan, cycling across the scenic Shimanami Kaido bridge, enjoying fresh seafood, and exploring picturesque islands. Their adventure includes visits to key landmarks, local markets, and interactions with Indonesian expats. As they immerse themselves in the culture, they reflect on the beauty of Ehime's landscapes and the challenges of living in Japan. The journey concludes with the creation of a Haiku and a pantun, symbolizing the connection between Japan and Indonesia.

Takeaways

• 😀 Gadis and Haruka cycle across the Shimanami Kaido bridge, a 70 km cycling route connecting multiple islands in Seto Inland Sea.
• 😀 The Shimanami Kaido offers stunning views of the sea and islands, with bridges spanning six main islands, showcasing the region's natural beauty.
• 😀 The travelers emphasize the importance of wearing comfortable and weather-resistant clothing during their cycling journey, including an ultralight down jacket from Uniqlo.
• 😀 They visit scenic spots like Kirosan Observatory Park, which offers panoramic views of Ehime and the surrounding regions, despite overcast weather.
• 😀 Local cuisine plays a central role in their experience, including fresh seafood barbecued by the sea and local delicacies like mikan (mandarin oranges).
• 😀 Mikan, a famous product of Ehime, is highlighted as a sweet and refreshing fruit, with the travelers enjoying it directly from the farm.
• 😀 The travelers meet Indonesian expatriates living in Ehime, discussing their challenges and experiences living in Japan, including language barriers and cultural differences.
• 😀 The expatriates share the difficulty of finding halal food in Japan, which is a challenge for Muslim travelers, though they express hope for more halal-friendly options in the future.
• 😀 The concept of sustainability is featured through Imabari towels, made from leftover fabrics, and other eco-friendly products produced in the region.
• 😀 Haruka reflects on her grandmother’s hometown in Mikame, learning more about her roots and how her family’s legacy is remembered by local friends.
• 😀 The journey concludes with the travelers writing a pantun (Indonesian poetic form) to summarize their experience, celebrating the cultural connection between Indonesia and Japan.

Q & A

What is the Shimanami Kaido, and why is it famous in Ehime?

The Shimanami Kaido is a 70 km long bridge network that connects Imabari in Ehime Prefecture to Onomichi in Hiroshima Prefecture. It's famous for being a popular cycling route that offers stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea, passing through several islands and showcasing the beauty of the local landscape.

Why did Haruka choose to wear an ultralight down jacket from Uniqlo for the cycling trip?

Haruka chose to wear the ultralight down jacket because it's comfortable, easy to carry, and provides warmth even in strong winds. The jacket's compact design also makes it convenient for traveling, and it features water-resistant properties, which are ideal for unpredictable weather conditions.

What makes the Kurushima Kaikyō Bridge unique in the Shimanami Kaido?

The Kurushima Kaikyō Bridge is a major highlight of the Shimanami Kaido, as it spans the Seto Inland Sea and connects several islands. It's renowned for its breathtaking views and the strong tidal currents in the area, which create whirlpools and add to the scenic experience.

What is the significance of the mikan orange in Ehime?

Mikan oranges are one of the most famous agricultural products in Ehime, known for their sweetness, especially in the winter months. The region is well-regarded for its mikan farms, and during the trip, the hosts visit a farm and enjoy fresh mikan directly from the trees.

What cultural experiences did Haruka and Gadis have during their trip to Ehime?

During their trip, Haruka and Gadis explored various cultural aspects, including cycling through scenic landscapes, tasting fresh local seafood, visiting mikan orchards, and learning about Ehime's history. They also met Indonesian expatriates in Matsuyama, gaining insights into living and working in Japan.

What was the experience like for the Indonesian expats living in Ehime?

The Indonesian expats, Erik and Dodi, shared their experiences of adapting to life in Japan, discussing challenges such as language barriers and homesickness. They also mentioned the difficulty of finding halal food and the hopes for more halal options in the future, reflecting on their cultural adjustments and work life in Ehime.

What unique feature did the Imabari towels showcased in the script have?

The Imabari towels featured in the script are unique for their eco-friendly production process. Some towels are made from leftover materials, ensuring sustainability and reducing waste. The towels are also known for their high quality and softness, making them a popular souvenir from Ehime.

How did the hosts describe their experience at the Kirosan Observatory Park?

At the Kirosan Observatory Park, Haruka and Gadis were impressed by the panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea and the surrounding islands. Despite the cloudy weather, they noted that the park provided the best vantage point for viewing the Shimanami Kaido and several surrounding prefectures, including Hiroshima and Kagawa.

What is the significance of the Kurushima Strait’s tidal currents, and why do tourists visit it?

The Kurushima Strait is famous for its strong tidal currents that create whirlpools, which are a natural phenomenon. The area attracts tourists who are fascinated by the powerful water movement, which can be observed from boats and bridges. It’s one of Japan’s strongest tidal currents, making it a popular destination for those interested in natural wonders.

How did Haruka and Gadis end their trip, and what creative activity did they participate in?

Haruka and Gadis ended their trip by reflecting on their journey and sharing their experiences. They engaged in a creative activity by writing a Haiku, a traditional Japanese poetic form. Haruka wrote a Haiku in Japanese about the autumn sky and travel, while Gadis composed a Pantun, a traditional Indonesian poetic form, reflecting their travels in Ehime.