What to do in Kobe?
Today is actually the end of our 7 day Southern Islands cruise and the start of Japan Explorer. Two back to back cruises. Surprisingly I have been given a mini bar set up each cruise and the usual toiletry pack given to Elite and their cabin companion. As we had a different port of call each day until after Taiwan, I appreciated having two sea days to recharge the batteries and just enjoy what the cruise director had organised for activities at sea. Ukulele classes, napkin folding, origami classes, Hula dancing classes, the usual egg drop and paper plan competition. There were other events happening around the ship.
We had nothing planned so when we approached the information desk in the terminal we asked for ideas. Several options were given to us but a trip to Himeji to see its famous castle jumped out to us.We were given instructions and prices for catching public transport and maps. Our group broke up into 4 and 3. The three decided they would like to go into the main area of Kobe and check out its attractions, the remainder of us caught to monorail (which just happened to be outside the ships terminal) to the main train station and then we caught a Rapid train to Himeji. Wow. Monorail Yen 210 x 2, Rapid train 970 x 2 entrance to Himeji Castle 1000 and lunch of noodles in a little restaurant outside the castle 800. Yen 4160 = AUD 56.50. Not only did we experience Japan's monorail, we also had a successful experience on the rail. I know this is probably not the best thing to write about but the public toilets in Japan (in my experience) are the cleanest, most considerate of parents and well thought out have ever encountered.
Monorail tracks and three level freeway to the right.
See how close the ship's terminal is to the monorail station, it is so convenient.
View from the train on the way to Himeji. I think the netted area is a baseball field. I have seen quite a few from the roadways and someone explained that baseball is very popular in Japan.
This setup is in the ladies public toilet. It is a small urinal and a baby change table for children to use when with their mothers or female carers.
This is the ladies cubical (I have the door open to take this photo) But the structure on the right is a seat for toddlers to sit in when the mother is using the toilet.
Covered mall we walked through from the Himeji railway station to the Castle. We enjoyed all these distractions whilst walking out of the sun.
These are the artistic drain covers in the paved footpaths.
Shoe bling.
Manicured street trees
A secondhand market had set up outside the entrance to the castle selling clothing, household bric a brac, books, all sorts of things. In among-st the stalls this lady had a trained money performing tricks.
We have crossed the bridge over the moat, then walk through the Ote-mon Gate.
Fan shaped stone wall designed to prevent invaders from climbing it.
This castle was built at the beginning of the 17th century. Called "white heron castle" because of its brilliant white exterior and thought to resemble a white heron taking flight.
Inside the castle are seven stories. This is probably the 4th or 5th.
There were boat rides in the moat.
I had to take a second look......an area in the castle grounds designated for smokers!
Noodle lunch...yummo! Note three types of utensils. I did try to use chopsticks.
These two people were dressed in traditional samurai costume walking in the mall and were happy to have photo taken with me.
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