The rest of Japan!

| Theresa

After Tokyo, Julia was heading to Europe and I was visiting a friend of mine who was teaching English in Japan.  It was so sad to say goodbye to Julia.  We had such a fun time together over these past 3 months, and I will always be grateful to her for making this experience so wonderful and fun.

My friend was living in Okayama and was central to many things in the country.  I decided to buy the Japan Rail (JR) pass and use her home as a base for traveling around.  A quick note on the JR pass.  This thing is just invaluable.  The easiest and most convenient way to get around the country is on the Shinkansen or bullet train.  The JR pass is only available to non-residents (as a way to boost tourism,) and it’s just the best.  It is quite expensive but unlike other rail passes (I’m looking at your Euro-rail) it does not regulate the number of times you use the pass.  7, 14 or 21 days, unlimited use!  Unbelievable.  I used this thing to zip all over the country, most days heading back to my friend’s house by nighttime.  Day trips made incredible easy all thanks to the wonderful JR pass.

Day Trip 1: Kyoto

Fushimi Inari Shrine. Where thousands of orange tori gates welcome you.
Fushimi Inari Shrine. Where thousands of orange tori gates welcome you.

 

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With captions written on them.

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Golden Temple in Kyoto
Golden Temple in Kyoto

Day Trip 2: Arashiyama

Bamboo Forest
Bamboo Forest
Walking through the forest.
Walking through the forest.
wedding in bamboo
Just a little wedding in a bamboo forest.
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Walking along the river
Then I walked to a monkey park. These guys were the opposite of desparate for food.
Then I walked to a monkey park. These guys were the opposite of desperate for food.
They were very well fed by tourists.
They were very well fed by tourists.
Who could resist that smirking face?
Who could resist that smirking face?

Day Trip 3: Hiroshima

A replica of the bomb Little Boy.
A replica of the bomb Little Boy.
The Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima. It is the only original building left "standing" near where the atomic bomb was dropped. Initially used for arts and educational exhibits in the 1910s and 20s, it was taken over for military use during WWII and is mere feet from the bomb's hypocenter. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima. It is the only original building left “standing” near where the atomic bomb was dropped. Initially used for arts and educational exhibits in the 1910s and 20s, it was taken over for military use during WWII and is mere feet from the bomb’s hypocenter. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A tribute to the victims.
A tribute to the victims.
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I found Hiroshima to be so sobering and powerful. The city has essentially become a place dedicated to peace with a park, museum and many monuments dedicated to the cause. Reading the stories of the victims makes one realize what a horrible tragedy this time was for all the countries involved.
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Peace bell.

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Day Trip 4: Miyajima

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The shrine in the water.

 

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At low time you can go up and touch it.
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Wedding at the shrine. I love the traditional attire.
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The hike above the shrine.
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The way to the top.

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One of my favorite temples with candles hanging from the ceiling. Beautiful!
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Five tiered pagoda.

Day Trip 5:  Art Island

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The entire island is filled with somewhat wacky modern art on the streets and in museums.
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Like this piece of trash.
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And this one!

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One man’s trash is another man’s treasure!
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This is one of the most famous sculptures on the island. The yellow pumpkin!

Day 6: Himeji

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The main thing to see in Himeji is the castle, so here it is folks!

 

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