[Himeji - beautiful white castle]
Moving from Hiroshima to Himeji. The plan was to spend half a day in Himeji for the castle, then move to Takeda to spend the night. Our luggage had been sent ahead to day 4's destination - Kinosaki Onsen As we will be driving to Takeda, we can only carry day bags as the car could not accommodate 5 luggage in the boot.
We started the day early to make full use of our time as our schedule was tight. We had already bought the 803am Nozomi train tickets on day 1. Everyone woke by 615am and we were checked out of the hotel by 7am.
We would have lots of time to pack breakfast to eat on the train.
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| Trees on the opposite side of the hotel are starting to change color |
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| Our train will be at platform 14 |
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| Our breakfast from 7-11 - Onigiri, egg sandwich, fruits & Kopi |
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| while buying bkf at 7-11, Jean & me could not resist to do some shopping |
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| The extremely speedy Nozumi train brought us to Himeji in an hour |
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| Tiny white castle can be spotted from the train station.. it would take about 15mins to walk there |
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| The girl was promoting kimono rental, however, we were not prepared to rent one.. but can't resist a shot with her.. so sweet! |
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| Cross the road to get to castle, finally |
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| Himeji zoo can be found within the Himeji park |
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| Bonsai exhibition |
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| & Chrysanthemum exhibition |
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| Jump - color change |
Almost entering the castle grounds.. we tried to see if we can take photos from outside, but the fences are too high. Guess we gotta pay to get in for a good view of the castle.
Upon entering, we managed to get a English speaking Japanese guide who showed us around in the shortest time possible (It was 10plus and we are due for lunch and then pick up the car at 230pm). There are 7 levels in the castle. The castle was not built for living in but meant for protecting the town. The king did not live in the castle but in another building near within the grounds.
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| Entrance fee to Himeji castle: 1,000 yen per pax |
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| It was really great to have a guide to explain the history to us |
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| Late blooming sakura in the background |
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| Narrowing path to slow things down for enemies |
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Gun holes in the wall
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| Venturing deep into the castle has brought out the evil side of Jean |
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| Small door.. again to slow down enemies |
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| One of the two very thick pillars which are the main support of the castle |
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| The steps up the castle are very steep |
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| Look out from the top most level |
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| The castle displayed 5 levels on the outside, however there are actually 6 floors and 1 basement |
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| The guide explained that this is actually the family crest of the family who used to live here |
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| The guide told us that this is where we will get the best front view of the castle |
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| And here is where we get the best back view |
We bid goodbye to our kind and lovely guide and headed as fast as possible back to the train area for lunch as we had about an hour left before we pick up our car. Not forgetting that we gotto pick up our backpacks from the lockers.
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| We were in the building next to Himeji station, and found this corner shop with least people |
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| Cute version of Himeji castle.. kawaii |
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| Here's our car, check to see if there are any scratches. |
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| Ikimasho! Let's go! |
We avoided the toll all the way and travelled by the small roads.. By the time we reached Takeda, the sun was already setting. Actually, the sun sets early at 5pm..it was not that late after all. Tenku guesthouse is a fairly new & and clean place, and looks so traditional. We are allowed to park free in the premises.
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| The tiny lights at the top of the mountain is Takeda castle ruins |
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| Yummy dinner.. okonomiyaki again.. but its yummy |
Have a hot bath in the onsen, drink and go to bed.. Oyasuminasai.
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