Tea Party (新宮村)

This past weekend I had the pleasure of staying at a friend's home in Shingu Mura (Shingu Village). If you've never heard of the place, don't feel bad - most Japanese don't even know where it is!

Shingu, as well as three other small towns, make up the larger Shikoku Chuo-shi (literally Shikoku Central City in Japanese). This strangely named city is located at the very eastern border of Ehime, next to Kagawa Prefecture.

Shingu is a tiny mountain village. Our thirty minute car ride through the narrow, winding mountain road, was straight out of the intro to Spirited Away.

What Shingu lacks in modern civilization, it more than makes up for with beautiful natural scenery and friendly locals.

We had a barbecue, visited the annual tea festival, took a trip to the local hot spring, and went hiking as well. I must thank my friend for such a wonderful weekend.

Enjoy the pictures!

B.E.W.