Wordless Wednesday - WW

Door knob in the office.
How did....???
Since it's WW....oh well, never mind.

Sent via Kay's Berry

Herons to Himeji

Feeling rather adventurous after our successful hop on hop off Osaka the day before, we decided to do a few more cities (in the same day!) in the Kansai region. My initial plan was to just go to Kobe - a port city just a couple of minutes from Osaka by train, Abe suggested that we head further to a city called Himeji. Reason for that was to go catch a glimpse of the Himeji Castle.

So after breakfast that morning, we checked out from out hotel, left our luggage there for later collection before we travel to Kyoto. Weather was still very chilly, Got ourselves bundled up and once ready we walked to the near by Osaka Station for purchase of our JR day pass.

Back to Osaka Station. This was also when I discovered that there was a Daimaru in the same complex. Jiwa sangat kacau dibuatnya kerana hanya dapat melihat dari luar sahaja.......

At the train platform to Himeji (errr bukan Nissa tu yg patut pegang erat-erat. Mama ni yg patut keep close watch so that dia tak terlepas ke kedai.....)

After about an hour train ride, we arrived at Himeji

Down town Himeji....very, very clean. In fact most places we visited were tip top where cleanliness is concern

Main street in Himeji

You'll find these sculptures all along main street Himeji

Bet she's stoned cold all exposed during winter... ;)

The Japanese have high regards for those on bicycles. Even in the coldest temperatures they can be seen cycling away.

This way to Himeji Castle

Starting our walk to the castle

Castle is a very, very big complex. This is the outer gardens. Locals were seen talking strolls and jogging here

The castle complex....besarrrrr!!!

Saw this pretty one in the gardens of the castle

At the main entrance

Himeji Castle (姫路城 Himeji-jō) - a hilltop Japanese castle complex. It is regarded as the finest surviving example of prototypical Japanese castle architecture.

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.

Closer look.....unfortunately the main building was under renovations

The castle is frequently known as Hakuro-jō ("White Egret Castle") or Shirasagi-jō ("White Heron Castle") because of its brilliant white exterior and supposed resemblance to a bird taking flight.

Photographer somewhat disappointed coz could get closer to the castle

Penghuni Himeji Castle yang sangat gebu

Back to train station....next stop is the longest bridge in SEA

As the Skylark Sings - Osaka Part 5

The subway is the most definite easy way to move around in Osaka. However, there are many, many lines that span the city from north to south and east to west. In each subway station there are so many gates and so many lines that interconnect. One hasty move may take you to a destination far off from where you plan to be.

During this trip it was Nissa who was most alert about our subway rides. Both she and her dad worked hand in hand at figuring out which lines to take and which exit head for. After doing the Metro in Paris and London Underground last year, Nissa was more confident at discovering our routes in and out the Osaka Subways. Yeahhh....Mommy wasn't too stress and could rest a bit.

Nissa leading the way...this way Mom :)

Most subway stations are multiple levels as there are many lines that go in different directions

There's the red line and there's also the blue line....can be quite confusing at times

Once you emerge to the street level, the view could be somewhat varied

Fresh flowers for sale

Multiple level open car parks just like this one

Local eateries where Osakans chill out after a long day at work

Yessss....food but not for us

There was a kebab place but it was closed

More flowers....but hurry up...

So...that's where we were heading to

to ride the Tempozan Ferris Wheel

The Tempozan Ferris Wheel is considered as one of the biggest ferris wheel in the world

It's a 15 mins ride in the wheel

View of Osaka Harbour area from the ferris wheel

Her reaction after the ride