Okayama Korakuen
Tsunamasa Ikeda, the feudal lord of Okayama ordered the creation of this garden as a spot of relaxation. In 1700, the garden was complete. As the years went by, the scenery of the garden changed. Once a relaxing spot, the garden gained kinetic energy with the creation of water streams, and lakes.
The scenery changes with each season—spring, summer, fall, and winter. It's also one of Japan's three most famous gardens.
JMSDF Kure Museum
A submarine “Akishio” fulfilled various missions from 1986 to 2004, opens to the public as a museum in JMSDF (Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force) Kure Museum which is called “Iron Whale Museum”. This is the only museum in Japan where you can explore the inside of a submarine used in the past.
I've never seen a submarine before! You can actually go inside and see what it's really like. The exhibits show the equipment and living spaces, and there are guides who explain everything on site.
Kintai Bridge
Kintai Bridge has been designated as a National Scenic Location of Japan, and it is also one of Japan’s Three Famous Bridges. It is a beautiful and large 5-story arch bridge, with a total length of 193.3 meters and a width of 5 meters.
The bridge looks stunning at night when it's lit up. The lights really bring out its beautiful and charming appearance.
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
The traditional streets of the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter feature white walled warehouses, grid pattern walls, Namako-kabe, and rows of weeping trees, creating a beautiful and charming townscape. This harmonious and historic scenery is very popular with tourists.
This is a well-known spot in the Okayama area. It's just a 15-minute walk from the station.
Itsukushima Shrine
Itsukushima Shrine stands on the island of Itsukushima, which is also known as the island of gods. It is said that the shrine was founded in 593 by Saeki no Kuramoto, and the 3 goddess “Ichikishimahime-no-Mikoto,” “Tagorihime-no-Mikoto,” and “Tagitsuhime-no-Mikoto” are enshrined there. Famous for granting a wide list of benefits, these three goddesses as are worshipped as the goddesses of the sea, transportation, fortune, and art.
The grilled oysters smelled amazing! They were huge and super plump. I ended up ordering several to eat.
Nagasaki Peace Park
A park spreads on the hill in Matsuyama-town, Nagasaki-city. At 11:02 a.m. on August 9, 1945, the bomb was dropped over this park. This park was established in 1951 to learn about the threat of an atomic bomb, to pray for the souls of victims, and to wish for eternal world peace.
You can visit this place along with the nearby Atomic Bomb Museum.
Takachiho Gorge
Takachiho Gorge is a narrow v-shaped chasm made over thousands of years by the Gokase River’s erosion of Mt. Aso’s volcanic rock. This spectacular place is surrounded by cliffs that average 80 meters in height (reaching up to 100 meters) and extend along for 7 kilometers. Takachiho Gorge has been designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty.
I've often seen nagashi somen on Japanese TV shows, so it was really fun to finally try it at a restaurant nearby.