Discoveries from around the archipelago
A few weeks ago, I posted my own wishlist of places I hope to hit this year on my travels. But the longer I am here, the more "obscure" my list admittedly becomes. Of course, I want to return to Hakone or soak up the atmosphere of Kyoto in autumn. But I'm also just as thrilled... Continue Reading →
Himeji Castle is undoubtedly one of Japan's star attractions. Even as its scaffold-clad exterior finishes up a multi-year reconstruction project, the numbers of visitors remain steady. Most, however, overlook one of my favorite sites in Himeji City - the stunning gardens of Kokoen, a stone's throw from the castle's western edge. Kokoen is not a... Continue Reading →
Ahh Himeji. There's not much to this town aside from a BEAUTIFUL castle. (And an equally stunning little garden next to said castle ... I bet not many of you knew that but it is definitely worth seeing.) So I was more than a little surprised to see ... birds ... on their manhole cover. And... Continue Reading →
Japanese castles may not hold the same "romantic" appeal as their crenallated European cousins, but the fortified donjons of the Japanese islands offer a fascinating glimpse at life in the samurai age. The following are a few of my favorites: Himeji Castle - There's no denying the appeal of the "White Heron" and when its multi-year... Continue Reading →
