To Kōbe-shi

In as much as I wanted to go on with my castle wandering, I know that in every turn I make I had to go back  so I am feeling sepanx now! It was an exhilarating trip, surely a trip I will hold dear to my heart. We drove back to Kobe in time for dinner and we concluded the night with a delicious shabu-shabu. Just as when I thought I've had enough of Japanese foods. 

Sayonara, and see you soon Kobe! 

The Shabu shabu

On our last night in Japan, my friend Kasai san invited us for dinner, and since we want to rest immediately coming from another walking tour around Osaka, we proposed to dine nearby- to Wakamatsu dining!  Actually, Kasai san wanted we walk to another resuto, but we were too tired to drag our selves, so we found ourselves here, daijobou?

Kasai san wasn't so happy, because maybe food was not that great, but for us it was still ok. Anything Japanese is perfect! 

Strolling Kobe

After dinner, we decided to stroll. Usually I wouldn't dare stroll during the night. But I've never felt so safe or secured for that matter- only in Japan. Japan you've been so amazing where every corner looks well-kept, everyone obeys the rules (at least from my experience!), everyone is considerate, and so polite.   I am amazed. Really amazed.

Another thing worth mentioning. Most Japanese opt to use bicycles rather than their cars. Quite a contrast when Japan's number one export is of course Japanese cars. Probably one good reason why there is no traffic in Kobe, Japan. Even Japanese public comfort rooms are immaculately clean!!! 

So there you go! We went back to our hotel full and happy.The whole Japan experience is something I will surely treasure! I remembered pinching my rosy cheeks (thank you for the good cold weather..) before I slumber to my bed.

Sayonara Japan

My trip to Japan is definitely an eye opener for me, realizing that this country is in fact a beautiful fusion of traditional and modern culture. Traditional in the sense that they were able to preserve beautiful gardens and temples and still their traditional way of doing things (I know because I worked with them hehe). I'd say modern too because they have always been one of first world countries to come up with the most advance technologies. Japan have done a great job in preserving their history. Evident on its stone houses...to it's small cotton turned jeans factory and to it's arresting splendid gardens!  I can't wait to go back to explore more of this great country! Here's me bowing, sayonara Japan! You've been so good to me.

Find out my Universal Studios Japan Adventure

Love,

itsmelory (^.^)

The Crow Castle, Okayama

Finally, after the long walk from the garden entrance, we've arrived at the castle itself. The present Okayama Castle has a black exterior earning its name as The Crow Castle but prior to war the original castle was burnt down WWII, so reconstruction was made 1966. The castle's roof has gilded golden tiles so it was also called The Golden Castle,  overlooking from the bridge you'll see this guide going to castle entrance.

Huge entrance to the castle...

Still an impressive black exterior although this castle is only a replica of 

the original Crow Castle

My photographer is good!  I managed to get a solo minus other tourists since 

everyone wants for a solo upfront the castle.  Thank you Mier-san! 

O hairi kudasai

I was actually expecting more about this 6-floor castle but surprised to see elevator and few souvenir shops inside! This is in fact a modern museum inside. There were displays of samurai sword, traditional warrior suit. You can also have your photo taken wearing kimono here, but too bad not able to snap a photo on it. 

In my palanquin here..feeling like a Noble Princess, I'll treasure this photo as Sacho-san willingly pretended to be one of my eunuchs! Haha..

Not sure what this is, a gong?or table?

At the top most of the castle overlooking Asahi River.

We took the elevator down to appreciate once more the beauty of the castle, it was almost dusk so we walked back to the garden exit to drive back to Kobe. It was a long day for all of us, but for me,  still not yet over of the beauty that is Japan. 

Coming up  Back to Kobe-shi, Japan

Love,

itsmelory (^.^)

Korakuen Garden, Okayama Castle

Our next itinerary is one my favorites in Japan..what else but a homage to one of Japan's old castles. After some warm meal, which includes hot miso soup, fish and rice, appetizer and yokan, I readied myself for some castle wandering. Yehey!  

Loving the Japanese foods, I can live here for good! 

Welcome to the Korakuen Garden 

Korakuen taken from the word koen (which means later) since it was built after the Okayama Castle. The name evolved from senyu-koraku which according to a Chinese book means grieve earlier than others, enjoy later than others. 

The garden opens daily from 8AM-5PM and ticket sells for Jpy400 for garden viewing only however for combined admission (Garden, Okayama Castle and Museum of Art) Jpy960.

Ticket? Check, excited for some garden strolling 

Prepare for long walks. The garden is transforming as the season is passing from Autumn to Winter by this time..

I felt like being transported 30 years back when I set foot upon the garden entrance. I remembered as a child, I would admire great gardens similar to this pretending I am a crown princess of that kind and I am so grateful and amazed that I am in fact standing on one of those. Such a beautiful garden! Korakuen is a landscape of streams and rivers, rice field, tea garden and maple trees. It was a sight worth seeing! 

Such a welcoming view. I just can't help but pose under this  red gold and green ensemble.

Jigen do Hall with the statues of Two Guardians of the Temple

Korakuen was built mainly to entertain and receive important guests.  No wonder why its known as one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan. 

Sawa no ike pond. The largest pond in the garden. 

Loving the back drop..

The Okayama Castle 

Okayama Castle from the garden looks every inch perfect. 

Trying to pose like Sacho-san..

bridge going to the Okayama Castle, yes more walking...

The Crow Castle and the boat harbor (photo taken from the bridge). 

The river serves as a moat as protection in any event of attack. 

Find out what's inside The Crow Castle

Love,

itsmelory (^.^)

Jeans District - Kojima District

Ok so second order of the day is to visit Jeans factory. From Setouchi, we traveled approximately 45 mins to the Factory. Kojima is well known for it's high quality textile production and museum displays. Tracing back 1960's, the town used to cultivate cotton which leads to denim production. No question the town is now Japan's Denim Capital. 

The town of Textile 

In here is a photo of miniature jean production using traditional technique.

I love the tagline! They do Levi's here too! 

Jeans Museum facade.  The boutique came a surprise as it is made of hard wood. 

Window shopping me only..

The Betty Smith icon.

At BS shop deciding to buy, or to buy. Hehe..

Coming up is Korakoen Garden, Okayama

Love,

itsmelory (^.^)