Escape to myself

After a good sleep I awoke to humidity and heat but decided to catch the train to Himeji which is about an hour from Osaka. The train journey took me past rows of high rise apartments and small houses. Land is at a premium and there were few open spaces or gardens as I travelled but the views out to sea were beautiful. Osaka and the neighbouring sprawling suburbs are very utilitarian but the ubiquitous advertising brightened the journey. Japanese ads are all you expect … pokemony and cartoonish… amusing.

Himeji was interesting and the walk to the castle was easy. Situated high on a hill just outside the town it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Treasure.

Built in the 17th century by the Tokugawa Shogunate it was their headquarters. A massive stone structure is surmounted by a beautiful building entirely constructed of wood in traditional Japanese style. One of only 10 original surviving castles it was well worth the visit. Most of the visitors were Japanese. A calm exterior it is called the White Heron Castle.

The walk back took me through shopping arcades and alleys with some interesting shops.

I particularly liked the kids coming home from school in their uniforms … the girls in skirts with sailor suit tops, the boys in white shirts. All Very Japanese in style. I’ll be watching out for more fashion in the next weeks.