Category: Japan

The Beautiful White Himeji Castle
Himeji Castle (å§«è·¯åŸŽ) is situated in the centre of Himeji City. And it’s one of the most well-known castles in Japan. Also known as the White Heron Castle due to its white exterior, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered to be Japanâ€™s most beautiful and authentic castle in existence. I knew I have to make the trip to this white plastered castle after knowing about Himeji Castle Renovation works which are commencing and not due for completion until 2015 (our time of visit was in 2010).
The train ride from Osaka to Himeji took no more than one hour and the walk to the castle is straightforward.
Japan Himeji Castle – A National Treasure
The well preserved white castle is indeed an architectural beauty, looking impressively brilliant even from a distance. Those glorious white exterior walls have another role to play other than making it look aesthetically pleasing. And thatâ€™s for fireproofing because Himeji Castle is constructed of wood.
Defending the Castle
The Himeji Castle map below illustrates the grand plan of this great castle and I also realized much thought had gone into its defence system. Besides having the high ground advantage, the hilltop castle is certain to make life difficult for intruders with its confusing maze of paths. Imagine the intruders trying to find their way around while being showered upon with arrows – tough luck.
Archers will shoot from triangular, circular and square holes located throughout the castle without exposing themselves. There are numerous warehouses which stored essential food items and wells that provide drinking water if the castle is under siege.
These are the crests of the past feudal lords which rule Himeji Castle.
Inside the Castle
The castle is exceptionally well preserved. There are displays of weapons used, its history, the defence system a small temple on the top floor. I think it will take one hell of an intruder to breach the series of walls and moats before even reaching the Main Tower Keep or Tenshukaku (å¤©å®ˆé–£).
Some clear frontal shot of the Tenshukaku, and we also encountered some ninjas!! lol
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Himeji Castle
68 Honmachi, Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture 670-0012, Japan
http://www.city.himeji.lg.jp/guide/castle
Getting here: Take central exit at Himeji station and follow the direction signs.
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June 5, 2014
Oh Deer Nara and The Magnificent Todaiji
Nara (å¥ˆè‰¯) was once the ancient capital of Japan and it is today a famous tourist destination, well known for its temples, shrines and gardens. The city can be easily reached via the efficient transportation network from either Osaka or Kyoto under an hour. Hence there is no reason to skip Nara when you are visiting Kansai region. Our Nara day trip started from the woody Nara train station. From here, it is about a 15mins walk through the gorgeous street to Nara Park.
Nakatanidou in Nara
We spotted this local mochi stall which I read about at one corner of the street, famous for its high-speed pounding of the dough before it is made into mochi. Nakatanidou (ä¸è°·å ‚) freshly made mochi is filled with red bean paste and itâ€™s absolutely delicious, also equally good is the crunchy biscuit.
Sarusawa-Ike
The charming small pond, Sarusawa-Ike (çŒ¿æ²¢æ± ) which we came across while en route towards Kofukuji is where devotees of Kofukuji will set free (æ”¾ç”Ÿ) animals like the tortoises.
Kofukuji
Kofukuji (èˆˆç¦å¯º) was the ancestral temple of the influential Fujiwara clan during Nara and Heian Periods. The prominent symbols of Kofukuji are its three-storey pagoda and five-storey pagoda situated in the vast area, at the very same ground which used to have more than 150 buildings!! Thatâ€™s super impressive by any standard.
My Deer Nara
Upon entering the Kofukuji ground, we were immediately greeted by the star of Nara – a Sika deer. But it didnâ€™t hang around us for long after spotting one tourist feeding its deer friends nearby. Considered to be messengers of the Shinto gods, more than a thousand of these doe-eyed deer roams freely around the expansive park area. So many wandering Sika deer only mean one thing – poo!! Lots of them!! We were literally looking at the ground all the time while walking.
If you want to be Deer Popular, buy some deer biscuits from the vendors and start feeding one, you will be surrounded by herds in no time. Hmmâ€¦why donâ€™t the deer nip the vendors for biscuits then? Perhaps these deer are really smart because I realized that if I show both my empty hands to any approaching deer, they will just leave me alone! How cool is that??
The Magnificent Todaiji of Nara
Todaiji Temple (æ±å¤§å¯º), situated at a short walking distance from Kofukuji, is probably the most famous Buddhist temple in Nara. The imposing temple and its massive Daibutsuden (The Great Buddha Hall) house one of the largest bronze statues in Japan to honour Buddha Vairocana. Todaiji Temple is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For some reason, the Sika deer will not venture passed Nandaimon gate.
After passing Nandaimon gate, itâ€™s a straight path which leads all the way to Daibutsuden.
Everything around this temple is on a bigger scale – huge gates, large buildings and mega ground area. The Daibutsuden looks equally impressive from all angles.
The Healing Buddha
Right outside Daibutsuden is a wooden statue of Binzuru, a disciple of Buddha. The Japanese believe that if you want to cure an illness, rub the statue where the illness is, followed by rubbing the same part on your own body – and you will be cured!
Daibutsuden of Todaiji
We were totally in awe by the sheer scale of the interior of Daibutsuden, and this is only two-thirds the size of the original after being reconstructed in 1709! The bronze statue of the Great Buddha is one amazing sight.
Statues of Bosatsu and the heavenly guardians around Daibutsuden.
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May 31, 2014