…is one of the most ancient castles in Japan, and thus one of the most popular tourist destinations.

Essentially, it is a castle where the Samurai warriors resided, and consists of up to 10 levels, each level getting smaller and smaller as you get to the top. Founded by Akamazu Sadanori and Ikeda Terumasa, Himeji is part of the UNESCO heritage. It is highly recommended to wear thick socks, since you are required to remove the shoes upon entering the building. However, be cautious as the floor is slippery and staircase is steep. There are also tours, organized by English speaking volunteers. Yet, I did not take them since I was young and stupid 🙂

In 1581 Toyotomi Hideyoshi remodeled it slightly, adding some extra levels. Not only it is one of the most spectacular castles, it also preserved its originality – it was never destroyed by neither fire, nor earthquake. Himeji Castle is standing in front of us just as it stood 400 years ago.

Beside the Castle lies an imperial garden. With the sparkling lake full of colorful koi, collection of Sakura trees and harmonical landscape, I wanted to stay there forever… The combination of stones, trees, streams and flowers transferred slowly from more civilized to more mountainous one, with deeper water and steeper hills. Every bush, every grass was trimmed to perfection, nothing seemed over the top, and nothing was left out. The natural beauty was absolutely harmonical, and somehow felt eternal. If people lived forever, they could definitely lose track of time within the magic of the garden.

Later that day I also came by a Torino museum – an expo of vintage (and not so vintage) cars were lined up in a spiral parking lot. The ticket was 1500 yen, and the entrance was located inside a beautiful restaurant which was affiliated with the museum.