Okayama Tour : Korakuen

According to the guide that we met in castle, Korakuen is actually the backyard of the castle. The feudal lord wanted to have a place where he can relax, enjoy natures beauty alone,  or entertain some guest.

The bridge that connects the castle and the garden.

 

The garden from the other side of the river

 

The pond in the middle of the garden

yello chasing white

 

The little hill

 

the bridge and the house

 

tea

the castle and the little ricefield

 

a little shrine hidden within the sakura trees

 

palm trees

 

a house where the river runs below it, or maybe its just a hut

 

all so green

 

fishes

 

the biggest I've seen among the fishes

 

a museum ( I think )

Okayama Tour: Castle Black

Okayama Castle has been nicknamed as Ujo ( Crow Castle) because of its black exterior.

Castle Description

The castle is about 15 -20 minutes walk from JR Okayama Station. There are buses and trams going to the castle but R and I decided to do some more exercise and save some yen for presents

Back view : Facing Korakuen

Castle and Stone with Family Crest ?

 

Front View

 

View From the bridge connecting to the park

View from Korakuen

 

The Castle and the Park

 

R and I decided not to enter the castle anymore , we were both satisfied with what we have seen already.

Okayama Tour: Kurashiki

R still have 4 days left on her 18-Kippu so we agreed to do a day tour somewhere, the destination: Kurashiki.

I woke up around 4:30 AM yesterday and met up with R at Osaka Station before 6 AM. The train was 6 minutes late but we still arrived in Kurashiki Station by 9:30 AM.

JR Kurashiki Station

Before we start any walking , we have to get some breakfast first .

Kitsune Udon

 

On our way we found this weird thing outside one of the store

I love this alley .

Boat Ride

Ohara Museum

 

Information Building

 

Hello Kitty is just everywhere

 

Stores

Entrance to Kurashiki Ivy Square

 

Kurashiki Ivy Square

Museums, craft store , souvenir stores can be found inside the square.

Scenery Fan

I really wanted to get one this fan. It showed some scenery around Kurashiki but it was a bit pricey and fragile too, so I just me some postcards instead.

We found this croquet store and it looks so good.  I was not able to stop myself and I got a nice chili lobster croquet for 150 yen.