Sometimes neglected by overseas vacationers throughout a visit to Japan, the western a part of the island of Honshu presents an apparent and sensible path for these doing the usual Osaka and Kyoto circuit.
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Day 1 – Himeji
himeji fortress
Located roughly half-hour by shinkansen from Osaka, the comparatively quiet metropolis of Himeji is squarely recognized for having the most important and best-preserved fortress in Japan – Himeji Castle. From the station, the fortress is clearly seen and is ceaselessly described by locals as being akin to a white heron chickening out resulting from its white colour.
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view of the fortress partitions of himeji fortress
Allow an hour or so to totally discover the fortress in addition to its surrounding gardens. At the doorway, you’ll have the choice to buy a standalone ticket of the fortress or one with an adjoining backyard known as Koko-en at a bundle worth. I might suggest going for the bundle tickets as Koko-en can also be value testing particularly throughout autumn season. I proceeded to Koko-en after my go to to Himeji to discover a snaking queue on the Koko-en ticket counter. I used to be so relieved that I already had a ticket and didn’t have to queue!
koko-en in himeji
Koko-en is a comparatively fashionable assemble, having been constructed solely in 1992. However, you do get worth for cash right here because the compound homes 9 completely different Japanese gardens. I particularly cherished the components with the waterfalls and bridges, and collectively the entire scene made for stunning picture spots. There can also be a teahouse close to the exit the place company can drink matcha with a view of the foliage. It’s particularly colourful in autumn, however is properly value a go to whatever the season.
Another place to take a look at when in Himeji is Engyo-ji. You can catch a bus from Himeji Station or from the bus cease close to Himeji Castle. It’s roughly half-hour to the ropeway station, from the place you’ll be able to take a cable automotive up the temple at Mount Shosha.
Day 2 – Okayama / Kurashiki
From Himeji, take one other shinkansen trip to Okayama – sometimes a 20 minute trip on the quicker trains. A mid-sized metropolis, Okayama is understood among the many Japanese because the setting for momotaro or peach boy. As such, it’s maybe of no shock that the majority memento retailers within the metropolis function peach-flavored sweets and pastries whereas juice stands provide peach slushies.
koraku-en, okayama
Okayama can also be well-known for Koraku-en which is revered as one of many 3 nice gardens in Japan. Literally, it’s translated in English because the “After Pleasure Garden.” The Edo-era park is a must-see, even for individuals who have been to different gardens in Japan. It’s crammed with stunning ponds, small hills, bridges and a mini model of a bamboo forest. From sure angles, it appears to be like imposing with the black Okayama Castle within the background. During sure durations, the backyard is crammed with dream-like illuminations at evening for guests to get pleasure from. I used to be lucky to be in Okayama on a day when the Koraku-en was open at evening and instantly grabbed my likelihood for a go to.
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okayama fortress
From Koraku-en, it’s a quick stroll to Okayama Castle through a bridge. Most castles in Japan are white however the one in Okayama is uncommon as a result of it’s black. The unique assemble dates again from the 1597 with the current construction a devoted reconstruction. It’s additionally nicknamed as “crow castle” resulting from its distinctive darkish colour.
If you might be into biking, you’ll be able to discover Okayama’s Kibiji district by bike. The Kibiji Cycling Trail is a scenic route that takes you to numerous shrines, temples and exquisite sunflower fields. This is a well-established route lasting about 1 to 2 hours appropriate for inexperienced persons. Bikes can simply be rented if you arrive on the station (Bizen Ichinomiya). The path itself begins in Okayama Station however the extra scenic components seem if you attain Bizen Ichinomiya.
kurashiki
After having your fill of Okayama, it’s time to move to the neighboring metropolis of Kurashiki for a slice of outdated Japan. Geographically, Kurashiki could be regarded as as a part of a metropolis that additionally contains Okayama because the divide between the 2 cities is more and more getting blurred resulting from city growth.
kurashiki bikan quarter
Kurashiki is famous for its historic retailers quarter, a extremely atmospheric outdated city with preserved buildings from the Meiji Restoration. While there are many outdated cities in Japan, what makes Kurashiki particular is the canal in the course of the middle which provides to the ambiance. Although it’s somewhat quick, guests can go for a ship trip alongside the canal. The Bikan Historic Area, which is how the outdated city of Kurashiki is named, can simply be explored in half a day.
mimura espresso in kurashiki
Get misplaced in a maze of streets and alleys crammed with retailers promoting the native specialties. While right here, be certain that to cease by Mimura Coffee (炭珈琲 三村) for a wonderful brew. The proprietor/barista could be very passionate concerning the beans used and through my go to I attempted the espresso beans from Timor.
momotaro museum in kurashiki
There are a number of sights across the outdated city such because the Ohara Museum of Art, Momotaro Museum and Ohashi House (an outdated service provider home) however one of the simplest ways to get pleasure from, like most elderly cities, it to stroll round and uncover the surprises that await. Alternatively, you may also go for a rickshaw trip with a “driver” displaying you the ins and outs of the outdated quarter. You can guide with Klook and revel in S$10 off with minimal spend of S$60 together with your Citi Credit Card. More info right here.
tempura bukkake udon in onishi, kurashiki
A preferred place to dine in Kurashiki is Onishi. They are recognized for his or her handmade udon and good worth lunch units. I attempted their combined tempura bukkake udon and located the soup delightfully candy – simply good for the chilly, wet climate throughout my go to.
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Day 3 – Hiroshima
A metropolis of comparatively giant dimension and significance in Japan, Hiroshima is a metropolis of unpolluted and large, tree-lined avenues, bustling nightlife in addition to its personal delicacies. To most outsiders, it is called one of many cities the place the atomic bomb was dropped throughout World War II. Few websites stay aside from a number of reminders concentrated within the metropolis heart.
Most of the World War II associated sights are located across the Peace Memorial Park by the banks of the Motoyasu River.
atomic bomb dome in hiroshima
The Atomic Bomb Dome stands as maybe probably the most identifiable buildings in Hiroshima. It initially dates again as an exhibition corridor. On that fateful day in August 1945, the nuclear bomb was dropped not too far off from the dome and instantly killed everybody that was inside (in addition to the encompassing areas). During town’s rebuilding, there was a lot dialogue relating to what to do with the dome, with authorities ultimately deciding to protect it. In 1996, the dome was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
To the south of the dome is the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum which options eye-opening displays concerning the bomb drop, its aftermath and the way town of Hiroshima was affected. Like different war-related museums, anticipate extremely graphic pictures.
hondori buying arcade in hiroshima
On a lighter notice, you’ll be able to store your coronary heart out on the close by Hondori Shopping Arcade. It’s a lined buying road that begins from close to the atomic bomb dome within the west and stretches till the PARCO Hiroshima Store to the east. Here, you’ll discover many well-known manufacturers, eateries in addition to locations promoting native specialties. To the south of Hondori Street, within the areas of Nakamachi and Fukuronakamachi, you’ll discover Hiroshima’s hipster space with quaint cafes, artwork galleries and specialty outfitters. If you might be in want of a cup, try Bagtown Coffee which appears to be perpetually busy. They additionally promote greater than a dozen completely different beans for dwelling use.
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hiroshima fashion okonomiyaki
Food-wise. Hiroshima is understood for 3 issues – anago (conger eel), oysters and Hiroshima-style okomomiyaki. For these used to the okonomiyaki in Osaka, the one in Hiroshima is completely different – much less dough-y however with an added layer of noodles within the center. For good Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, try Okonomimura (translated as: Okonomiyaki Village). You’ll get 3 flooring of okonomiyaki stands. All you have to do is select for a stall that you simply like, or has obtainable seats. Some people order oysters or fried hen on the aspect.
sushi assortment from nonta sushi
Another restaurant to strive close to the Hondori space is Nonta Sushi. Their fish comes direct and contemporary from the wholesale market from the seaside cities close to Hiroshima. One can strive the native specialty – anago (conger eel) as properly.
Day 4 – Day Trip to Miyajima
miyajima ferry
Depending on the place you might be staying in Hiroshima, take both the JR prepare or tram to Miyajimaguchi / Hiroden-Miyajimaguchi station to take a brief 10-minute ferry trip to Miyajima. If you take the tram to Miyajimaguchi, permit for at the least an hour’s journey time because the tram makes round 30+ stops from town heart.
Alternatively, you’ll be able to take today tour that brings you across the sights of Hiroshima plus a direct ferry from Hiroshima to Miyajima with out the lengthy tram trip to the pier. Book with Klook and revel in S$10 off with minimal spend of S$60. Find out extra right here.
Tip: If you’ve gotten any of the JR passes, take the JR ferry for a free trip to/from Miyajima. You might want to pay when you take the boat of the opposite ferry firm from the pier.
itsukushima shrine
Miyajima is regarded by the Japanese as one among their “3 great sights” (日本三景）. There is that this iconic picture of Japan that foreigners often see, that of a torii gate seemingly floating on the ocean. That picture – that of the Itsukushima Shrine – was truly taken right here. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the entire complicated truly contains extra than simply the torii gate, together with a number of hallways decked in purple. Near the floating torii gate, there’s a picket platform that guests can stroll by way of to go round it. Visitors may go on a ship trip to see the floating gate from one other angle.
momjidani park
Other than the shrine, there are a great deal of different issues to see on the island together with Momijidani Park which is particularly common throughout autumn season.
For a little bit of an outdated city environment, take a stroll by way of Miyajima’s Omotesando – the principle industrial stretch on the island housing loads of retailers promoting native snacks and specialties.
For a quieter strolling expertise, try the following road parallel to the Omotesando which is Machiya Street. This is a road crammed with tea homes, cafes and locals’ properties and also you’ll be away from the crowds right here regardless of being just one road away.
Allow a full day to discover the island, particularly when you additionally intend to climb to Mount Misen. There is a cable automotive station from Momijidani Park that takes you to the height.
Getting Around
I used the JR Sanyo San’in Area Pass through Klook to get across the locations listed right here. The benefit of this go is you may also use it to go to Osaka and Kyoto when you like and that the quicker Nozomi trains are additionally included with this go, not like the JR Whole Japan Pass which particularly excludes Nozomi trains. I used to be additionally ready to make use of this go to take the native JR prepare that hyperlinks Okayama and Kurashiki in addition to the JR ferry to Miyajima Island.
Where to Stay in Hiroshima, Okayama and Himeji
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Hiroshima – The Knot Hiroshima is a comparatively new resort (opened in 2020) located close to Peace Boulevard. Rooms are elegantly completed with the extra spacious rooms possessing comparatively large home windows with loads of pure mild.
Okayama – In Okayama, you’d be hard-pressed to discover a resort that’s much more handy than the ANA Crowne Plaza Okayama which is located proper subsequent to Okayama Station through a fully-covered walkway.
Himeji – Richmond Himeji is a dependable possibility on the town. It is a roughly 5 minute stroll south of Himeji Station. For a Japanese enterprise resort, the rooms are of respectable dimension partly as a result of sink house being built-in with the bed room.
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