Tag: Japan

Kobe Kobe!
After the wonderful visit to Himeji Castle, we are on our way to meet Kobe. Hello Bryant!!
Huhâ€¦not the NBA Superstar? Hahaâ€¦this blogpost is of course talking about the Japanese city well known for its legendary Kobe Beef, but a Google search on Kobe will fetch you results of both the hoop star and the harbour city anyhow.
Kobe (ç¥žæˆ¸å¸‚) is commonly known to be among the few pioneer Japanese ports to open up its door to foreigners. The foreign ships that berth not only trade commodities but a great cultural exchange also took place, shaping Kobe in becoming a cosmopolitan port city with an international flavour.
And so, the first place we visited in Kobe is its charming HarborLand.
Harborland in Kobe
Harborland is a shopping and entertainment district which boosts a nice promenade overlooking the port. The most notable and iconic symbol of Kobe is of course the bright red Kobe Port Tower. Butâ€¦but the tower was covered by scaffold and undergoing some maintenance while we were thereâ€¦sighâ€¦why like that.
Else I would make it a point to stay around the promenade until it lights up brilliantly in the darker sky. Better luck next time I guessâ€¦so we went back to check out Mosaic mall.
Kobe Brand in Mosaic Mall
The two nearby shopping malls are Canal Garden and Mosaic but we only visited the later. Mosaic is one pleasant looking shopping mall with wide selections of fashion boutiques, cafes and restaurants. There is also a Ferris wheel at the end of the mall.
But the majority time was spent in this Kobe Brand shop where we browsed through the different variety of Kobe related products and souvenirs.
WARNING!! You may end up splurging like us. Like all well packaged Japanese gifts and souvenirs – they make people empty their pockets willinglyâ€¦
Thereâ€™s one thing in the shop you gotta try, and thatâ€™s Kobe Pudding.
Really really good!!!
Chinatown in Kobe
We wanted to soak in the festive mood of Chinese New Year while away from home, so we make our way to the bustling and fully themed Chinatown, located within walking distance from Motomachi station.
Also known as Nankinmachi, the whole Chinatown area was filled with festive crowd during our visit. It was so darn crowded until walking became a chore.
The streets are home to Chinese restaurants, food stalls, shops selling anything from handicrafts, clothing to novelty items. The food stalls are selling takeaways like steamed buns, fried chicken, noodles and many more.
There was some scheduled lion dance performance near the pavilion with stone carvings but it was mission impossible to get near it. Not a deal breaker since we got to experience the wonderful festive atmosphere in Kobe Chinatown while having a great time.
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June 16, 2014
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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What are your thoughts about Himeji Castle? Leave a comment and share it with me.
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June 5, 2014