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