This morning we got up and had a small breakfast in the hotel before heading out to Himeji which is about an hour away from Osaka by train. It was easy to get to the train station underground from the hotel and we used our JR Passes to take the train. We saw the ocean from the train on the way there and many smaller towns in Japan.
Japan through the train window
Our train went right by the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, the worlds longest suspension bridge!
The world’s longest suspension bridge
When we got to Himeji Castle it was more beautiful than we could have imagined.
Himeji Castle through the trees
Himeji Castle is the largest and most visited castle in Japan, and it was registered in 1993 as one of the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the country.
Himeji Castle Selfie
The castle was massive and we walked through all 7 levels of it.
Built into the Hillside
Massive supporting pillar
Beautiful elaborate roof lines
View from the castle windows of Himeji
Close up view of decorative fish
It was well worth the trip, and it was late afternoon by the time we returned to the hotel. We finished the night by taking a cab into Dotonbori and explored one of the busiest metropolitan areas in Japan we’ve seen yet!
Downtown Dotonbori
Crazy ride along the river
Iconic Datonbori Billboard
Hustle and Bustle
Tomorrow we are off to the Osaka Aquarium and even more! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!