Japan: Okayama

After grabbing some 7-Eleven snacks for the train ride (rice and seaweed wrap sandwich and edamame for me and chicken and chocolate koala bear snacks for Keith), we made it in only 30 minutes to Okayama.

We spent the afternoon walking around the beautiful Korakuen Gardens, which is a special scenic spot for this city. Korakuen is not only a cultural heritage site, but it is one of the three most beautiful landscape gardens in Japan. The tea houses located throughout the garden were built for each succeeding daimyo (Japanese feudal lord). The garden was designed in the Kaiyu style (scenic promenade) which connects the lawns, ponds, hills, tea houses and streams. With so many streams, a pond, bamboo groves, pine, plum and cherry trees, as well as views of the surrounding hills and Okayama Castle, the place is a must to see!

Since we had beautiful and sunny weather, it was a perfect afternoon walking around with my new husband! We relaxed at a pond for a while looking at the 20 or so colorful fish that were swimming right up to the side. A few young Japanese children were feeding the fish with their parents. We also saw lots of butterflies (I got a good close-up pic of one).

After the gardens, we walked over the bridge which led us to Okayama Castle. This castle is also known as “Crow Castle” and was destroyed in WWII, so was rebuilt in 1966. It was painted black in order to contrast with Himeji’s famous castle. I thought this castle was even more beautiful than Himeji and it was fun being able to walk inside and up to the top. At the top was a beautiful view of the city and the lake/bridge. There were lots of golden fish on the outside of the castle, as well as a collection of palanquins, samurai armor and other historical and traditional objects (clothing, games, weapons, art, etc)

Throughout the hot day we kept drinking our favorite refreshers that we bought out of the soda machines. I was addicted to their milk teas, while Keith (who was fighting a small cold) loved to drink the lemon soda drinks. He is proud to say that there were 70 lemons in each drink! It must have helped his sickness because within a few days he was feeling almost 100% better.

We had another delicious sushi dinner before hitting the train. We then took a short train ride to Hiroshima, where we spent the night in another Best Western hotel.