Things to do in Japan : Himeji Castle and Koko-en

These pictures are two months old ( you can probably guess because I am wearing a sweater!! ) Anyways, I went to Himeji in April to see the famous Himeji Castle. Actually since I came to Japan in 2011 I had always wanted to visit Himeji to see the beautiful castle which is a UNESCO world heritage site. It was built in 16th century as a fortress of the feudal load and has preserved it’s original form for 400 years. But restoration work is being carried on the castle’s roof and walls since 2010 and will go on until March 2015. But when someone told us that the castle is open to public we thought to go and check it out anyways!! Himeji is just an hour from Osaka by train. When we reached Himeji Castle we saw that a large scaffold structure was covering up the entire main castle but we could get a good view from a distance. Most of the construction work could be seen and we could go inside certain parts of the castle. Also most other parts of the castle grounds were accessible to tourists. While the reconstruction is going on, you can get good information about the process, and its a good opportunity to see the exterior walls and roof tiles of a castle at such close proximity. So it is not a bad deal after all!!

After visiting the castle we went to Koko-en Garden just next to the castle. It consists of nine separate gardens designed in various garden styles of the Edo period. There is a pond with a waterfall, a tea garden where visitors can enjoy green tea in a tea ceremony house, a pine tree garden, a bamboo garden and a flower garden and some others. Well I was not interested in seeing all the nine gardens so called it quits after an hour ( I get bored easily!! ). Well would love to cover rest of the gardens when I visit Himeji again to see the complete restored castle!! Knowing the dedication of Japanese h~~opefully~~ definitely in 2015!!

Sweater – Zara, 30 $, 2014, also worn here;
Skirt – Zara, 19$ on Sale, 2011; also worn here;
Jacket – Numero Uno, 22$, 1998, also worn here;
Shoes – Converse, 24$, 2008, also worn here;
Bag – Asos, 30 $, 2013, also worn here;
Sunglasses – Zara, 45 $, 2012; also worn here;
Watch – Kate Spade, gift, 2014; also worn here;
Bracelet – Frey Wille, gift, 2010, also worn here;
Ring – Before the boom, 15 $, 2013, also worn here;