Took the marine liner from okayama station to takamatsu. The bridge across the seto inland sea is impressive but there was also a large fog bank so did not see much scenery.
with limited time I took a taxi from the station to ritsurin garden (y1300)
Risurin garden is beautiful enhanced by the hills immediately behind it. It is split into a south garden (60mins recommended time).and north garden (40mins time). South garden is probably more attractive and a volunteer guide suggested I go up this hill shaped like mt fuji and he was right as the view was excellent
Ritsurin garden south pond
Took a taxi back to the station, collected my carryon from the coin locker and got the limited express to matsuyama 2 hr 30 approx.
our train was in anpaman livery (only 5people in my carriage)
Anpanman livery train
Anpanman livery train
Nice to relax for 2.5hrs. Scenery looked beautiful but we had low visibility and rain almost as soon as we left takamatsu ( at least I got ritsurin garden dry)
Did see this railway exhibit (museum maybe) when we had a brief stop at iyo-saijo station
At iyo saijo station
Heavy rain at matsuyama but not sure I will have time tomorrow to go to the castle so put on my overtrousers and rain jacket and walked to the ropeway station( chairlift closed due to rain)
matsuyana castke is very impressive inside with lots of connected keeps ( steep stairs ) and the views would be magnificent on a clear day ( this was not to be today
)
as with the rain and low clouds ,you could see nothing
View from matsuyama castle in the rain and fog
However it is an experience to see the castle in the fog
The upper floor of the keep with the fog drifting in
after a tour group left had the floor to myself for a few minutes before the 30min closure warning was broadcast
There should be a castle somewhere. Ground getting sodden
walked down the hill( surprisingly long and steep with quite a lot of steps but nice in the woods((getting drenched slowly not so much) back to the hotel to change
very worthwhile castle to visit
Regards
Tbs