We changed the train in Okayama and headed to our first destination, Himeji. We could see the big white castle already from the train station and I could realize already on the way there that Himeji is much more popular among (Western) tourists than Fukuoka. They also had police officers at the traffic lights to ensure that nobody crosses the road before green light. Sometimes Japan has really found ways to employ more people.. We were lucky to have a very sunny day so that we enjoyed being also on the yard of the Himeji castle. But it was also very nice to see from inside. They had made a clear way inside the castle so that we could go around all the floors without problems. Sometimes to big crowds of tourists made us walk slower but since we got there already around 11am we missed the busiest time. We saw also some cherry blossom in Himeji though the best time was still to come.
Next to the castle there was Kōkō-en, reconstruction of the former samurai quarters with nine Edo-style homes. Unfortunately we couldn't enter any of the houses but the gardens around them were really beautiful and worth of visiting. Before taking the next shinkansen we had lunch in an udon noodle restaurant and yummy dessert in another cafe.
The next destination for us was Kyoto where we stayed over in a hotel with Japanese style of rooms. There were tatamis on the floor and removable mattresses. Since we felt tired after all the travelling, we only asked a recommendation for a yakitori place from our hotel and headed there to have a dinner. The place was small with only a counter to sit around and the yakitori selection was somewhat small too but we atmosphere was a great experience for us. One chef with one helper cooked everything in front of our eyes and we could talk with them too. Before sleeping some of us went to test the baths of the hotel that reminded like a little onsen with similar small chairs for washing and one hot bath to relax in.
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