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Mithun Divakaran

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Japan: Nadagiku Shuzo Sake Brewery, leaving Himeji for Tokyo — and my last bullet train ride

By Mithun Divakaran
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Jan 25, 2016
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Japan, Travel

Date: 25th March, 2015

After the morning disappointment of visiting Himeji Castle, I decided to explore Himeji city a bit more before leaving for Tokyo. I considered visiting one more attraction, and chose the Nadagiku Shuzo Sake Brewery (sake is a Japanese rice wine). Looking at a map of Himeji city, it didn’t seem that far from the JR station.

Himeji city pavement trees Japan — Loved seeing well designed sidewalks

Traditional dress couple Himeji Japan — And seeing the traditional with the new

JAL office Himeji Japan — I walked past the other side of the JR station, which has some hotels like Tokyo-Inn.com and a Japan Airlines building

Himeji city pavement design Japan — I kept admiring the pavements because all this good planning is a rarity back in India

I tried to locate Nadagiku Shuzo Sake Brewery on Google Maps but I still ended up a bit lost after I followed the route the app showed me.

Continue reading “Japan: Nadagiku Shuzo Sake Brewery, leaving Himeji for Tokyo — and my last bullet train ride” »

Japan: Himeji Castle, and the unexpected air show

By Mithun Divakaran
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Jan 13, 2016
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Japan, Travel

Date: 25th March, 2015

I arrived in Himeji city yesterday and I woke up today freezing just as much as I was yesterday night before going to bed. It was bloody cold! I got out of my capsule bed, brushed my teeth in ice cold water and had my breakfast.

Traffic crossing Himeji City Japan — I wanted to finish seeing Himeji Castle as early as possible and leave Himeji city by noon

Himeji directions sign Japan — There were a lot of people heading towards the castle. Himeji Castle is the biggest attraction of this city.

Himeji castle bridge Japan — Himeji Castle is also the biggest castle in Japan

Seating grounds Himeji castle Japan — They had set up chairs on the ground and I saw banners for some sort of event by the Japan Airforce

Walking to Himeji castle Japan — I walked to the ticket counter

Entrance Himeji castle Japan — After paying the 400 yen entrance fee, I entered the castle grounds

Himeji castle map Japan — Himeji Castle is over 400 years old

Himeji Castle main tower Japan — But I was devastated to learn at the ticket counter that the main tower has been under restoration for quite some time and is off limits to visitors!

Continue reading “Japan: Himeji Castle, and the unexpected air show” »

Japan: Kyoto Station, and arriving at Himeji by shinkansen

By Mithun Divakaran
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Dec 30, 2015
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Japan, Travel

Date: 24th March, 2015

After half a day spent at charming Arashiyama, I took the train back to Kyoto Station. Instead of rushing back to Shiori-an Guesthouse to collect my bags, I decided to explore the station.

Kyoto station interior design Japan — Built at a cost of $1.25 billion, the station building complex houses a shopping mall, hotel, movie theater, Isetan department store, and several local government facilities

Inside Kyoto station design Japan — Kyoto Station is a tourist attraction by itself

Kyoto train station Skywalk Japan — This is the Skywalk

Kyoto tower from station rain Japan — Kyoto tower, right opposite Kyoto station

Kyoto train station tracks Japan — The train tracks below

Kyoto rail station Skywalk Japan — The Skywalk is simply one long path taking people from one end of Kyoto station to another

Restaurants Kyoto station Japan — You have restaurants and other stores on this side

Rooftop garden Kyoto station Japan — There is a rooftop garden and viewing deck at this end as well

Helipad Kyoto station Japan — And a helipad

Outdoor Kyoto station Japan — It was time to go back down

Kyoto station roof design Japan — I wouldn’t call Kyoto Station’s architecture beautiful or anything

Interior design Kyoto station Japan — But it is definitely unique

Bus stop Kyoto station Japan — The bus station outside. You can board buses going straight to Kiyomizu Dera from here.

I went back to Shiori-an Guesthouse, collected my bags and checked out. It was time to say goodbye to Kyoto and head to Himeji. I really wished I could spend at least a day or two more in Kyoto, or use it as my base and go to Nara and Osaka, which aren’t too far away. But I had to stick to my schedule. Continue reading “Japan: Kyoto Station, and arriving at Himeji by shinkansen” »