Western Japan 2009: Okayama and Himeiji

"Black and White".. that was the theme for visiting these 2 cities.. :)

Visited the Okayama Castle (岡山城), or more popularly known as "Crow Castle" (烏城) because of its black exterior.. However, the current castle was a replica built in 1966. So although the sense of authenticity is there but I still felt "cheated" of sort..

Another must-see in Okayama is Kōrakuen (後楽園), which has waterfalls, tiny shrines, teahouses, miniature maple forests, a lotus pond, and even a greenhouse filled with orchids and cacti. It was just walking distance to the Crow Castle..

I went there early in the morning.. was the first few to visit.. there were still dew on the paddy fields..
Okayama is also famous for being the "birth place" of Momotarō (桃太郎)..

I then took the Shinkansen to Himeiji.. to see the Himeji Castle (姫路城), which was also called the "White Egret Castle" (白鷺城). Walked along the Otemae-dōri from the train station to get to the castle. The street was nicely shaded by trees along the street, with shops selling food and local delicacies..


More photos here..