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Nadagiku Shuzo sake brewery tour Himeji

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

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” »

Himeji castle air show jets Japan

Japan: Himeji Castle, and the unexpected air show

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” »

Inside Kyoto station terminal Japan

Japan: Kyoto Station, and arriving at Himeji by shinkansen

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.

Inside Kyoto station terminal Japan
Because Kyoto Station looks pretty cool
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” »

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