Man, what a day! I woke up in Iyo, Japan, and thought, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Spoiler alert: it was NOT chill.
First off, I hit up the local konbini on Kōen-dōri. You know, the one with the best onigiri? Yeah, that one. Grabbed a couple for breakfast. I’m munching away, feeling like a king, when BAM! My phone buzzes. It’s my buddy Kenji. He’s like, “Yo, meet me at Iyo Castle!” I’m like, “Sure, why not?”
So I’m walking down Kōen-dōri, and it’s a beautiful day. The cherry blossoms are in full bloom. I mean, it’s like a freaking postcard. But then, outta nowhere, this pigeon swoops down and almost takes my onigiri! Like, chill dude, it’s not for you! I’m swatting at it, looking like a total weirdo.
Finally, I get to Iyo Castle. It’s this massive structure, all ancient and stuff. I’m standing there, taking it all in, when Kenji shows up late. Classic Kenji. He’s like, “Sorry, bro! Got caught up in a game of shogi.” I roll my eyes. “Dude, priorities!”
We decide to explore the castle grounds. There’s this cool little garden nearby, and I’m feeling all zen. But then, I see this group of tourists. They’re loud, taking selfies, and blocking the path. I’m like, “C’mon, people! It’s not all about you!”
After that, we hit up a local izakaya on Kōen-dōri. I’m ready for some sake and yakitori. But guess what? They’re out of sake! I’m like, “What kind of izakaya runs out of sake?” I mean, c’mon! So we settle for beer. Not the same, but whatever.
Then, outta nowhere, this old dude starts chatting us up. He’s super friendly, telling us about Iyo’s history. Apparently, this place was a big deal during the Edo period. I’m nodding along, but inside I’m thinking, “Dude, I just want my beer.”
After a few rounds, we’re feeling good. Kenji suggests we check out the Iyo Railway. I’m like, “Sure, let’s ride the rails!” So we hop on this cute little train. It’s all scenic and stuff, but then it stops for like 20 minutes. I’m losing my mind. “What’s happening?!”
Turns out, there’s a cow on the tracks. A freakin’ cow! I’m laughing so hard, I can’t breathe. Only in Iyo, right?
Finally, we get back to town, and I’m ready to crash. But Kenji’s like, “Let’s hit up the night market!” I’m like, “Dude, I’m tired!” But he drags me along.
The night market is lit! Food stalls everywhere. I’m stuffing my face with takoyaki, and it’s amazing. But then, I see this guy juggling fire. I’m like, “What the heck?!” He drops one, and it almost hits me! I’m dodging flames like I’m in an action movie.
By the end of the night, I’m exhausted but happy. I mean, what a rollercoaster! Iyo really knows how to keep things interesting. I’m walking home, thinking about all the craziness.
So yeah, that was my day in Iyo. Full of surprises, laughter, and a bit of chaos. Can’t wait to do it all again!