When I was in high school/ college, it wasn't a secret that one of my must-go-to destinations of all time was Japan. I grew up watching anime and because of its influence, I was fascinated by the culture that brought tentacles Gundam.
I thank my lucky star that my first project in HP was in Japan. Without going into details about my project (which was awesome, btw), I'll focus more on what I did during the weekends. It was my first time in Japan; therefore, wasting the weekends in my hotel room was not in my vocabulary.
I took the flight from Manila to Osaka. Our customer's office is in Kobe, so I took a bus from Kansai International Airport to Rokko Island. It was a smooth 60-minute ride using nothing but the expressway.
My first picture in Japan, onboard the shuttle to Sheraton Towers, Kobe.
Semi-trashed room :-)
Had time to ogle the toilet. It had a butt-warmer and different kinds of "sprays" for all your hygienic needs. Way to go, Japan.
Despite being so late in the evening, I still had the adrenaline to try the only way out of the island Rokko Liner.
Osaka at night is very "sparkly". Obviously I was underdressed, I only had a light jacket on. This was end-winter, entering spring but it was still friggin' 10 degrees out!
Kobe to Osaka is a quick ride if you take the Shin-Kaisoku (Special Rapid) trains. It has the fewest stops and usually stops at major stations. If you prefer the sighseeing episode, take the Futsu (Local) which stops at all stations. You can also take the Kaisoku (Rapid) which is between Futsu and Shin-Kaisoku in terms of number of stations.
The boards indicate which type of train is approaching a specific platform. Don't worry, it has an English translation so you don't get lost in translation.
Which train to board...?
That week, there was a Japanese holiday which means, I get to explore Kansai! I hopped on a train with Phoebe (center) and Anne (left) going to Himeji.
Me (right) in "newspaper boy" outfit.
Travel like a local
Take the Rokko Liner - Center Island Station going to Sumiyoshi, which connects to the JR Line - Sannomiya Station. The JR Line is the lifeline of Japan - you can access almost any prefecture using this rail system.
Himeji, located in Hyogo Prefecture, is along the Sanyo Shinkansen line. For those coming from Tokyo, hop on the Nozomi (bullet train) and gaze at Japan's landscape for an easy breezy 3-hour 200mph adrenaline rush. If you're lucky, you might see Mt. Fuji. The same Nozomi stops at Osaka and Kobe.
Hop on the Shin-Kaisoku train for a smooth 38-minute view of Kansai, unless you'd like the stop-go motions of the Futsu. From Himeji station, it's an easy 7-minute walk to the famous Himeji Jo.
Swooning over the castle moat and bridge leading to the castle.
Admission is about JPY600 (~Php 300)
Dating back to 1333, Himeji is the most beautiful castle in Japan. The structure today was the result of continuous fortification and expansion until 1609. Once called Shirasagi Jo (White Heron Castle), this cultural icon is a UNESCO Heritage Site. It was lucky enough to be spared by earthquakes, civil wars and World War II bombings.
Courtyard leading to Himeji Jo. It's still winter so the trees are still bare. Best season to go here is spring when the area is littered with sakura (and people).
Can't help doing the "V" sign
Leading to the admission booth.
Himeji, like most Japanese castles, was designed to withstand attacks from warring feudal lords. It was built atop Himeyama (Mt. Hime) and had holes for archers, drop windows for pouring burning oil and stones, as well as confusing pathways and solid wood for gates.
Leading to the first gate
Enter!
That's a really high and mighty stone wall you got there, Ikeda Terumasa.
Roof details containing family crests
Looking out
A view of modern Himeji
Ancient map of Himeji Castle and its town
Oooh, long-barreled guns
My dark hair and pale face blends nicely with this Japanese horror-esque scene.
Samurai sword belonging to one of the lords
Dojo
Hidden rooms, designed for quick escapes should the castle be overrun by invaders.
View from the highest room in the castle. No, that is not the Hollywood sign on the mountain!
A small shrine at the top room
Me, in all my "nene" glory
The castle courtyard. Best for zen meditation and the occasional discernment. Can also be used as a backdrop for period films.
It was a fine day indeed.
A more solemn part of the complex. Honor is an essential part of Japanese culture, as part of the Bushido (Way of the Warrior). Dishonored or defeated samurai commit Seppuku which is cutting of the belly and is then followed by decapitation. The stone slab in the middle is where the fallen samurai lay his head for the final blow.
(attempted) Majestic shot
That's me!
Providing a creepy facade...
Sleeping quarters
Look how thick and sturdy this door is!
Receiving room
Do you dare walk here at night?
This reminds me of a Japanese horror game
Reenactment using dolls
Bye!
Himeji Jo can be covered in half a day. You may opt to get an audio guide but it's best to immerse yourself in the architecture.. no translation required. There are (supposedly) free English guides (usually university students wanting to improve their English) but there are no definite times for these.
Unfortunately, Himeji Castle is being renovated from 2010-2015. You might want to enjoy the other spots in Himeji:
- Kokoen Garden
- Hyogo Prefectural Museum of History
- Engyo-Ji Temple
Other notable establishments:
- Koba and More - ramen shop that sells milk ramen
- Starbucks - for that souvenir mug ;-)
- Sanyo Department store - because you can't have too many department stores in small towns
- Himeji 588 Guesthouse - tatami style rooms with futons! Get ready to share as bathrooms are communal
