Two chunks of beef... The new Matsuyama Station and nostalgic curry (2025/08/17)

I have finally made it to the new JR Matsuyama Station. When I stepped onto the platform, it was crowded with people returning from their hometowns, but the concourse was relaxed. Since it is the final day of the Obon holiday, I suppose there are more people leaving than arriving.

Walking through the temporary walkway toward the station plaza, I noticed that the old tracks were already gone, as it has been nearly a year since the switch to the new station. And I heard this temporary walkway will be changed soon due to the demolition of the station building. Is that so... I was lucky to be able to pass through the old station building today.

The purpose of my visit to Matsuyama this time is the "Ghost Story Strip" at New Dogo Music, but since the show starts in the evening, I had some time. So, I went to take a bath at the suburban natural hot spring, "Saya Onsen."

After my bath, I was feeling tipsy from a draft beer and shochu on the rocks. I intended to take a bus back to JR Matsuyama Station, but the bus I boarded was a route that didn't stop at JR Matsuyama Station, and I ended up at Iyotetsu Matsuyama City Station.

I didn't have the energy to walk in the scorching heat, so I tried to take the "Takahama Line" to Otemachi Station, but the train I boarded was the "Gunchu Line," and I had to scramble off in a hurry. I wasn't drunk, I swear.

After walking from Otemachi to Matsuyama Station in the sweltering heat, it was past 3:00 PM. With the 4:27 PM (shi-ni-na) theater curtain time approaching, I hurried a bit to "Ehimeshiya" in the station's Dandan Street. I had my sights set on this place because I heard you can taste the curry from "Delhi," the curry shop at the old station.

When I set the ticket machine monitor in front of the shop to the curry section, there were two types: katsu curry and beef curry. Thinking, "Can't I choose the spice level?" I tapped the large beef curry. Since it's an automatic ordering system with ticket issuance, I sat at a window table and waited for a while. When my number appeared on the monitor, I went to pick up my curry.

"Whoa!"

The volume is just incredible. There's no point in being flustered, so I'll just eat it.

One bite and it all came back to me. I'm not a food critic, but it seems the taste of Delhi was ingrained in my body. It was nostalgic, but when I finished, my stomach was stuffed. I couldn't move for a while.

Looking around, I saw families relaxing and an older guy like me eating beer and udon. Since "Ehimeshiya" is in a corner of the souvenir street, it might be aimed at travelers, but I liked the atmosphere where you can spend time without feeling self-conscious. I'll come again. I need to head to Dogo Music soon.

With a full stomach and a heavy body, I boarded the city tram.