[2018] Solo Trip - A sunny day in Himeji 姫路市

Since I was using the Japan Rail Pass, there was an urge to try to maximise the travelling and hence, decided to make a day trip from Kyoto to Himeji for some sightseeing. The train arrives at 10.45am and should be able to explore Himeji for abit.

waiting for train to arrive

It took less than an hour to travel via Shinkansen Hikari to Himeji.

replica of Himeji Castle at Himeji Station

scale of 1/200

the first sight after emerging from Himeji Station

Himeji Station

Let's head towards the castle! On the way there, encountered many sculptures by the road.

sculpture of sachihoko 鯱 spotted

sunny day

there's a shopping alley

flock of birds spotted

It was like taking me forever to get to the castle due to the many interesting sculptures lining the pavement.

ok, a few more minutes

Himeji Castle right ahead

Sakuramon Bridge

let's enter

Himeji Castle grounds

with autumn feels

the expansive castle grounds

outing with pet

Himeji Castle  is one the Unesco's World Heritage site. The castle is said to be the finest surviving example of prototypical Japanese castle architecture, comprising a network of 83 rooms with advanced defensive systems during the feudal era. For almost 700 years, Himeji Castle has survived throughout the bombing of Himeji in World War II, and natural disasters including the 1995 Great Hanshin earthquake.

Hence, it was such a privilege to be able to visit this amazing structure.

Himeji Castle 姫路城 also known as "White Heron Castle"

closer view

beautiful

There was a flower exhibition as well as award winning bonsai plants.

chrysanthemum

bonsai

Walking around the area, yielded photos of different feels.

dreamy

majestic looking

garden in the castle

Then, it was time to leave the castle to take the train back to Kyoto. But before that, I stopped by the shopping alley that I passed by earlier to buy sneakers. First time buying shoes in Japan and the service was really good. All in all, spent about $130+ for a pair of New Balance leather sneakers with insoles to absorb some of the force.

interesting floor tiles

Decided to pack food from Himeji Station to eat in the train as it was rather late, and one of the specialty of Himeji would be anago don. The anago bento was good though cold.

Anago rice

let's eat!

Reached Kyoto Station at about 5+pm and decided to stop by the small Tsujiri kiosk that has a small space for patrons to 'dine-in'.

When it's autumn, let's get the seasonal flavours! So mine is Uji Matcha soft-serve with chestnut, mochi and soybean powder. Hahaa, yes it was rather filling but must-eat! So no need for dinner that night.

Tsujiri Seasonal Special