Himeiji castle tour - A fortress that has never been through a war

Our journey began with a long ride from Osaka, armed with the Kansai 1 Day Pass recommended by the tourist center. This pass was perfect for our plans, as we were heading to Nara later in the evening.

Himeji Castle, also known as the "White Heron Castle" due to its brilliant white exterior, is a stunning example of Japanese castle architecture. Built between 1581 and 1609, the castle complex includes a maze-like arrangement of fortified buildings, walls, and gates, with a six-storey tower keep at its center. The castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is renowned for its beauty and historical significance.

Interestingly, Himeji Castle has never been under siege or destroyed by war, earthquakes, or fire, making it one of Japan's twelve remaining original castles. This remarkable preservation is a testament to its strategic design and the peaceful periods it has witnessed.

The name "Himeji" derives from "Himeji-oka" (Himeji Hill) in the historical records of the Harima region. The term "Hime" means "princess" or "noblewoman," and "ji" refers to "road" or "path," symbolizing the castle's noble and strategic significance.

Upon arrival at Himeji Castle, we opted for the English tour at 1 PM, which was an additional charge on top of the ticket price. The tour was well worth it, providing deeper insights and fascinating information about the castle's history and architecture.

The castle boasts 4 levels and 5 floors, with steep stairs leading up to each level. Thankfully, handrails were available to assist with the climb. 

Despite the castle being relatively empty, its beauty and grandeur were truly captivating. The base of the castle is constructed from sturdy stone, while the floors are elegantly decked out in wood, showcasing traditional Japanese craftsmanship.

On the top floor of the main keep, you'll find a small shrine dedicated to Osakabe Myojin, a deity believed to protect the castle and its inhabitants

This floor offers panaramic views of the surrounding city and landscape, providing a breathtaking perspective of Himeji.

Kyushu Round Island in 14 days Itinerary

 Planned itinerary for Fukuoka in 12 Nov 2023 to 26 Nov 2023.

The pace for the trip is deliberately more relaxed compared to my other trips in view of my niece joining as well as my mother.  

Most areas covered is Fukuoka but we did ventured out to Hiroshima for Day 1 and 2.

Here's a day by day for reference. Click on link for more details on the place of interest or the food. 

Day 1: 

• DO: Flight from Singapore to Fukuoka. Arrival at 8 am, Atomic atomic bomb dome
• EAT: Lunch at Ippudo, Dinner at Anagomeshi Ueno
• STAY: Miyajimaguchi: Miyajima Coral Hotel 

Day 2: 

• DO: Boat ride to itksukushima
• EAT: Breakfast at Miyajima Coral hotel, Late lunch at Yakigaki No Hayashi
  , Snack at Momijido Nibanya.
• STAY: Beppu: 亀の井ホテル 別府 Beppu Kamenoi Hotel 

Day 3: 

• DO: Umi-Jigoku (海地獄 Sea Hell)
• EAT: Breakfast at Little Mermaid , Dinner at Beppu Kamenoi Hotel Japanese food
• STAY: Beppu: 亀の井ホテル 別府 Beppu Kamenoi Hotel 

Day 4: 

• DO: Drive to Yukemuri observatory 湯けむり展望台 and to Yufuin Floral Village, Kinrin lake, Owl forest
• EAT: Breakfast at Little Mermaid, Lunch at Food street along to Yufuin,   BBQ Dinner at Grand Verde hotel  
• STAY: Yufuin: Glamping at Grand Verde hotel

Day 5: 

• DO: Visit to Usuki Stone Buddhas
• EAT: Breakfast at Grand Verde Hotel, Lunch atあまべの郷 関あじ関さば館 Sekiajisekisabakan,  Dinner at Macdonald's 
• STAY: Miyakonojo: Vessel Hotel Miyakonojo.

Day 6: 

• DO: Instagram at Tonari no Totoro Bus Stop 高原町のトトロ, Sogi Falls
• EAT: Breakfast at Vessel Hotel Miyakonojo, Lunch at 花むしろ,                       Dinner at みやざき晴マチ
• STAY: Miyazaki: Hotel Areaone Miyazaki ホテルエリアワン宮崎

  
  

Day 7: 

• DO: Visit Aoshima, Drive on Nichinan Coast Road Park Trail to Sun Messe Nichinan, Udo Jingu and Cape Toi.
• EAT: Breakfast at Hotel, Lunch at Taikai, Dinner at 中央焼き肉店
• STAY: Miyazaki: Hotel Areaone Miyazaki ホテルエリアワン宮崎

  
  

Day 8: 

• DO: Drive to Takachio Gorge, Take the Amaterasu Railway
• EAT: Breakfast in-room with Mister Donut, Lunch at Nagashi Somen Chiho-no-ie, Dinner at Aso Ryokan 肥後街道 南阿蘇温泉 癒しの里
• STAY: Aso: Iyasinosato 肥後街道 南阿蘇温泉 癒しの里

Day 9: 

• DO: Aso Nakadake Crater 1 and Kusasenrigahama 
• EAT: Breakfast at Aso Ryokan 肥後街道 南阿蘇温泉 癒しの里, Lunch at New Kusasenri, Coffee at Kusasenri Coffee Roastery, Dinner at Hananomai 
• STAY: Yanagawa: ホテルルートイン柳川駅前 Hotel Route Inn Yanagawa Ekimae

Day 10: 

• DO: Ride the yanagawa canel and night illumination at Hui Ten Bosch
• EAT: Breakfast at Hotel Route Inn Yanagawa Ekimae, Lunch at Saraya Fukuryu (as Wakamatsuya is closed) , Dinner at Sasebo Burger Big Man Kamikyomachi Main Store
• STAY: Nagasaki: Hotel okura ホテルオークラＪＲハウステンボス

Day 11: 

• DO: Hui Ten Bosch
• EAT: Breakfast at in room with mini cup noodle, Lunch at Hui Ten Bosch, Dinner at Yumotoso Toyokan Ryokan 湯元荘　東洋館 
• STAY: Takeo: Yumotoso Toyokan Ryokan 湯元荘　東洋館 

Day 12: 

• DO: Tosu Premium outlet
• SHOP: Tosu Premium outlet. Lots of shopping here for me and i went cray cray. Blue label, Polo Ralph, Dr Ci:Labo and Levis
• EAT: Breakfast at at Yumotoso Toyokan Ryokan 湯元荘　東洋館 , Lunch at Tosu outlet food court, Dinner at 天一
  
• STAY: Hakata: リッチモンドホテル天神西通 Richmond Hotel Tenjin Nishidori

Day 13: 

• DO: Visit Fukuoka tower for the city view
• SHOP: Hunt out the shops i shortlisted Cocodeal and Snidel. I bought a fish tail skirt and a top. Japanese clothes are so expensive.
• EAT: Breakfast at Richmond Hotel Tenjin Nishidori, Tea at Refuge Sky Dining and Cafe, Lunch at ichiran ramen, Dinner at Tenjin underground tunnel
  
• STAY: Hakata: リッチモンドホテル天神西通 Richmond Hotel Tenjin Nishidori

Day 14: 

• DO: Chillax day shopping for omiyagae
• EAT: Breakfast at Doutor, Lunch at Chikae Fukuoka , Dinner at Yatai stall  
• STAY: Hakata: リッチモンドホテル天神西通 Richmond Hotel Tenjin Nishidori

Hakata city view at Fukuoka tower and chillax at sky observatory

2 Chome-3-26 Momochihama, Sawara Ward, Fukuoka, 814-0001, Japan

Standing at 234 meters, Fukuoka Tower is the tallest seaside tower in Japan. Its distinctive triangular design and 8,000 half-mirrors give it the nickname "Mirror Sail".

Observation Decks

Fukuoka Tower features three observation decks at different heights: 116 meters, 120 meters, and the highest at 123 meters.

These decks provide panoramic views of Fukuoka city, Hakata Bay, and the surrounding areas. On clear days, the views are breathtaking.

 We spend over an hour at the cafe at 120 metres relaxing and enjoying the view. 

Food to try at Hakata: 天一, Doutor, Chikae Fukuoka; Yatai Mamichan 屋台まみちゃん

Dinner at 天一 

Arrived late to Nishidori and returned our car rental. We went to the restaurant with the entire family in tow. Food is served very fast. Great as we are hungry and thirsty.

The ladies and kids meal is the most value for money. Food is above average.

Dinner at Tenjin underground tunnel 

We have shopped too much today and it is 8 pm. Most of the restaurants are winding up and this is still open.

I'm most impressed by their service. I accidently pour miso soup on my white top and pants. They promptly give a new clean white tea towel to wipe myself. I'm so grateful to the waiter for his thoughtfulness.

Tonkatsu is well fried and have different size meals to cater for all. 

Breakfast at Doutor

The fare served here is simple. Coffee and toasts. 

But the pairing of scrambled eggs made to perfection with ham on toasted bread in a cold winter day is heavenly. 

Must try Live squid at Chikae Fukuoka

2 Chome-2-17 Daimyo, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, 810-0041, Japan

My original plan was to try the renowned stall Kawataro Nakasu but they seemed to be disinterested in catering to tourists. Was told appointments is full for the next 2 days i.e friday and saturday. 

Well we reached Chikae Fukuoka late at 2 plus and i thought we probably wont get a chance to eat my live squid but we are promptly ushered in and given the menu. 

Of course, the must order menu is the live squid. Unfortunately, there is only large squids available so large squid it is. But really, its too huge for 3 persons. At least we get to eat the squid 4 ways. Live sashimi, grilled, tempura and karaage style. 

We also ordered a beef bun each and also a teishoku set meal. It is a satisfying meal.

Must try Yatai stalls: Yatai Mamichan 屋台まみちゃん

Japan, 〒810-0001 Fukuoka, Chuo Ward, Tenjin, 2 Chome−13−1 福岡銀行本店営業部 昭和通り側

In my opinion not really suited for young kids and elderly as sitting is quite tight and not exactly comfortable. 

Nonetheless, I'm truly amazed by the store owner who cooks, concoct the drinks, and settle bills. All done at lightning speed.

Food is pretty delicious and seeing the food being cooked up close give me new ideas for my own dinner recipes. e.g mentaiko in omelette or bonito flakes in omelette. 

We tried the omelette, onden, fried rice, gyoza (freshly made on spot) and chicken wings. i love the omelette and gyoza the most. 

Ichiran ramen at Hakata.

Hakata ramen originated in the Hakata district of Fukuoka, Japan, and is renowned for its rich, creamy tonkotsu (pork bone) broth. This broth is made by boiling pork bones for hours, resulting in a thick, milky consistency packed with umami flavor. The noodles are thin and straight, typically served firm

We initially planned to eat raw squid sashimi, but since we couldn’t get a seat, we decided to try Ichiran Ramen instead. 

Upon arrival, we were shocked by the long queue and had to wait for another 45 minutes before it was our turn.

The restaurant features individual dining booths, allowing for a private dining experience. The ordering process is streamlined with a vending machine at the entrance where you can customize your ramen to your liking, from the richness of the broth to the firmness of the noodles. 

We tailored our ramen to our taste preferences, choosing the level of spiciness, garlic, and even the type of onions, and added a ramen egg. The food was promptly served, and every drop of the ramen sauce was incredibly delicious.

I enjoyed the ramen so much that I finished the soup to the very last drop.

Despite the wait, the experience at Ichiran Ramen was worth it. The unique dining booths and the flavorful, customizable ramen made it a memorable meal. If you’re in Hakata and have some time to spare, Ichiran Ramen is definitely worth the visit.

Hakata: リッチモンドホテル天神西通 Richmond Hotel Tenjin Nishidori

2 Chome-6-16 Tenjin, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, 810-0001, Japan

Richmond Hotel Tenjin Nishidori is ideally situated in the bustling Tenjin area. It’s surrounded by numerous shopping arcades, restaurants, and entertainment options, and is just a short walk from the Tenjin station. 

 It’s important to note that the reception desk closes after a certain time in the evening, and the hotel operates on a self-service basis until the morning. This setup is convenient for late arrivals but may require some adjustment for those used to 24-hour reception services.

The hotel features modern and stylish rooms equipped with all the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay. Each room includes air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and a refrigerator. The rooms are well-maintained and clean, providing a pleasant environment for guests.

One of the standout features of Richmond Hotel Tenjin Nishidori is the ability to monitor your laundry from the in-room TV. This is incredibly convenient, especially since each wash and drying cycle takes at least 1.5 hours. This feature allows guests to manage their time efficiently without having to constantly check the laundry room.

The breakfast buffet is particularly popular, offering a range of Japanese and Western dishes to start the day right.

 Overall, i like the hotel for its amentities, cleanliness and location. Will definitely stay here again.

Yumotoso Toyokan Ryokan 湯元荘 東洋館 - a relaxing stay with delicious food

     Japan, 〒843-0022 Saga, Takeo, 武雄町大字武雄7408

Right in front of the inn, there is a onsen bathhouse Takeo Onsen Romon with an ornate gate as its front which i originally though is a temple we could visit. 

There is a very delicious tofu shop (佐嘉平川屋 武雄温泉本店 Saga Hiragawaya) that sells cold tofu and ice cream. The cold tofu is a must try. 

The rooms at Yumotoso Toyokan are well-appointed, featuring traditional Japanese decor with tatami mats and futons, as well as modern conveniences like air conditioning and refrigerators. Some rooms also offer a Western-style seating area, providing a comfortable space to relax. However, being a hundred-year-old ryokan, some parts of the rooms have seen better days and there is a slight musty smell. Additionally, the air conditioning units seem to be in need of servicing and maintenance.

The ryokan boasts multiple onsen (hot spring) baths, including both indoor and outdoor options. The onsen on Level 1 is particularly noted for its soothing atmosphere, although it can get quite warm in the summer. The onsen on Level 4 offers a slightly cooler environment, making it more comfortable for longer soaks.

I enjoyed traditional kaiseki (multi-course) meals served in a private room. The food was of high quality and pretty presentation. 

Dinner was delicious and we are so full by the end of the meal. 

Breakfast  served in a communal dining area which includes rice, onsen egg ,side dishes and grilled fish.