Eating out in a small Japanese town 🐷

#JulyTravelSupport

# Falling in Love with the Charm of Matsuyama on My First Day 🍊
*3-Night, 4-Day Matsuyama Trip, Part 1*

Hello! Today, we begin our 3-night, 4-day Matsuyama trip. I'll share with you the story of our first day in Matsuyama, a hidden gem in Japan's Shikoku region.

## 🚄 The Journey Begins - Gongdeok Station to Matsuyama

Our journey began at 10:00 AM from Gongdeok Station. We boarded the train to Gimpo Airport, feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness. After checking in and completing immigration and a light lunch, we boarded our flight at 12:35 PM.

After a short flight of about 1 hour and 30 minutes, we arrived at Matsuyama Airport! Immigration and baggage claim went by faster than expected, and we were able to leave the airport by 3:10 PM.

**💡 Tip**: It takes about 20 minutes to get from Matsuyama Airport to the city center by limousine bus. It's easy to get to Matsuyama City Station!

## 🏨 First Check-in at Vessel Hotel

I arrived at Vessel Hotel, my accommodation for the night, at 4 PM. After checking in and unpacking my luggage, the view of downtown Matsuyama outside the window was truly peaceful. The hotel's location, close to Matsuyama City Station, made getting around incredibly convenient.

## 🍗 First Restaurant Challenge: Koichi Karaage Nanban

At 4:40 PM, our Matsuyama food tour truly began! Our first stop was a karaage restaurant called **Koichi**.

I ordered the Karaage Nanban (980 yen), and the combination of the crispy batter and juicy chicken was fantastic. The sweet and salty nanban sauce perfectly complemented the karaage, making me think, "This is why Japanese karaage is so famous."

## 🧁 Sweet Dessert: Crepe Cafe Coco

After dinner, we headed straight to the nearby **Crepe Cafe Coco**. For a reasonable price of 500-600 yen, we had a delicious crepe.

The combination of fresh fruit and smooth cream melted in your mouth! The sweetness and refreshing taste were especially evident because the fruit was locally grown.

## 🛍️ Shopping at Okaido Shopping Street

Starting at 5:40 PM, it was time for some serious shopping! **Okaido Shopping Street** is one of Matsuyama's busiest shopping districts.

### Mitsukoshi Department Store
This place evoked the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese department store. Each floor was neatly displayed with a variety of brands and products, and the staff were superb.

### BEAMS Select Shop
A must-visit for fashion enthusiasts! It was filled with uniquely designed clothing and accessories you'd only find in Japan. The price range was a bit on the high side, but the quality was unmistakable.

## 🍊 Matsuyama's Pride: Mikanya Experience

At 6:45 PM, we arrived at **Mikanya**. When you think of Matsuyama, you think of mikan! We bought Madonna mikan and mikan ice cream together, for a total of about 1,100 yen.

The **Madonna mikan** was incredibly sweet and juicy. The typical tartness of mikan was barely noticeable, and the sweetness filled my mouth. And the **mikan ice cream**! It had a rich flavor, as if it were made with real, grated mikan.

## 🍻 Ending the Day: Dinner at Yumenoya Honten

At 7:15 PM, dinner at **Yumenoya Honten**, the highlight of the day!

This is a traditional Japanese restaurant popular with locals. The atmospheric interior and meticulously prepared food were truly impressive. It came to about 6,074 yen, but it was a truly satisfying meal for the price.

Fresh seafood, seasonal vegetables, and even a glass of local sake... It made my first night in Matsuyama truly special.

## 🌙 Ending the Day and Preparing for Tomorrow

After dinner, I picked up some quick breakfast items at a convenience store on the way back to my hotel. The quality of Japanese convenience store food is truly... different from Korea.

As I sat back in my hotel room, I reflected on my first day in Matsuyama. It was a much more charming city than I had imagined, and the food was truly delicious. The warm hospitality of the locals especially washed away the fatigue of my trip.

## 💰 First Day's Total Budget
- Karaage Nanban: 980 yen
- Crepes: 500-600 yen
- Madonna Tangerine + Tangerine Ice Cream: 1,100 yen
- Yumenoya Honten Dinner: 6,074 yen
- **Total: Approximately 8,654 yen** (per person)

## 📸 Today's Best Photo Spots
1. Matsuyama Airport Arrival Proof Shot
2. Koichi Karaage Nanban Close-Up
3. Okaido Shopping Street Night View
4. Mikanya Tangerine Ice Cream and Madonna Tangerine
5. Yumenoya Honten's Atmospheric Interior

#ShikokuTravel #JapanSmallCityTravel #Karaage #MadonnaTangerine #OkaidoShoppingStreet #3Nights4DaysTravel*