T&J Travels #10: Japan 2018 (Part 4)

We are off to a good start. Himeji Castle can be seen from afar from the station, probably a good 20 mins stretch. We chose to walk. From there we found a cafe to eat our first meal of the day- Cafe Jr.

+ Cafe Jr +

Reagan had a pretty breakfast with so much on his plate (no photo) and I had simple pancake. I've been craving for it that even if maple syrup is not available, I still chose the meal. Anyway, their hot matcha is really good.

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Price:

+ Himeji Castle +

Himeji is a popular destination especially at Spring when the cherry trees that pepper the vicinity of the castle is in bloom. Since we came on their winter season, we could only see the trees on their bare form. I could imagine how pretty it might have been. However, I still liked that we didn't have to line up for hours just to get inside the castle. Other than the snob photographer who is irritated that we are ruining his shots, we enjoyed a good stroll. Although if you're going there, try to wear the most comfortable shoes you can find. The incline is a pain for high heeled boots!

The castle's flooring is made from wood that is probably older than I am. That's why you could not blame them if they are very particular on your footwear as you step inside. To  lessen the wear and tear of said wood before you go in, you need to replace your shoes with the provided free size slipper near the entrance. If you're worried your shoes will be taken by someone, no fret! They provide you with plastic bags so you can bring them along with you.

Once you go in, be prepared in climbing tons of stairs. What's worse is a lot of them are really steep (good thing there are tons of handrails) and sometimes slippery. I am wearing socks and the slippers are too large for me that's why it takes me longer to climb down. There are some exhibits here and there explaining the design of the temple and the unbelievable renovation done to make the castle last longer.

The view is also awesome from the inside. You could see the entire park and the surrounding city. If you were a resident back in the day you could see a lot at the height the castle has achieved. I don't think my own country had anything close.

We've roamed the grounds, did some shopping at the souvenir shop, went unexpectedly inside the mile long building Hyakken Roka (Long Connecting Road) up to the Kesho Yagura (Cosmetic Tower) and then we realized we haven't seen the garden we supposed to have paid.

Price: 1040 JPY if with Kokoen Garden  (see below)

After sitting on the garden filled with trees of cherry trees that are not yet in bloom, we decided to finally use maps to find this garden with an entrance fee of 40JPY. We finally found it, it's at the right side of the castle, and you have to get out of Himeji's grounds to get in. But first we decided to eat lunch.

+ Kassui-ken +

Their main selling point is that they have a breathtaking unobstructed view of the garden especially if you get to sit by the window. It would be amazing going there in all 4 seasons.

This is our first bento here in Japan and even though they've filled my box with food, I am surprised that I am perfectly satiated but not too full. It was an amazing meal even though it's a bit on the expensive side. It's so pretty to look at too. The service is also good, they show you even with just gestures on which dips go on which or if there are any special instructions.

I doubt we'll have the same seat we had now if it's cherry blossom season!

Price Our meal was 4320JPY for 2 (gasps!)

+ Koko-En Garden +

 

The garden is really charming. I don't know if you are allowed to just sit anywhere to appreciate what's in front of you but since we are not going to stay here for too long, we decided to see what else the garden has to offer. They have a tea ceremony (different charge, has schedules) and a small nursery for different japanese plants and different variations of the photo above. The garden is divided in many sections but sadly there is not much lush as expected since we are still at the edge of winter season. We've left after an hour.

++

We walked back to the station and found the covered shopping area that was mentioned in some blogs. I bought a pair of shoes here because my feet are treacherously betrayed by my boots. I am not sure if it's due to the stress I've put on it at the incline at the Himeji castle or I need a softer sole. Either way, I am more than happy to use them as soon as we got us seats at the train.

It's already past 4PM when we've reached the platform to our next stop. I was hoping to have reached this on our first day at Japan, but have moved it conveniently today: The Umeda Sky Tower