Today we all ventured to Okayama to check out the sights. First we made our way to the Okayama Korakuen Garden, one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan which is a cultural heritage site and it was magnificent. It was constructed in 1700 and it has been retained its original appearance ever since. There were paths winding through the many different sections of the gardens with its 20 main features; Enyo-tei House, Noh Stage, Nishiki-ga-oka Hill, Kayo-no-ike Pond, Jizoo-do Shrine, Ofuna-iri-ato Dock Remains, Renchi-ken Teahouse, Yuishinzan Hill, Ryuten Pavilion, Yatsuhashi Bridge, Kako-no-ike Pond,Chaso-do Hall, Plum Grove, Chishio-no-mori Grove, Seiden (Rice Fields), Tea Fields, Jigen-do Hall, Sawa-no-ike Pond, Crane Aviery and an archery range paddock.. It was a wonderful walk. I'll just post some pictures as words fail to describe this place...
Next, we went to see the black Okayama Castle. This castle is usually nick-named "U-jo" (Crow Castle). Completed in 1597, its monumental architectural style is characteristic of the Azuchi-Momoyama Period of the late 16th Century. It was an impressive sight with its black roof and walls with gold corners. We saw it from the gardens and couldn't wait to see it up closer. As we approached, we heard some distinctly Japanese music. In front of the castle was a small performance. There were some traditional instruments being played and a few ladies dressed in costume. Inside the castle was not quite as impressive with only a few displays on each of the 6 storeys. The view of the gardens and city, however, were great!
Next, we went to see the black Okayama Castle. This castle is usually nick-named "U-jo" (Crow Castle). Completed in 1597, its monumental architectural style is characteristic of the Azuchi-Momoyama Period of the late 16th Century. It was an impressive sight with its black roof and walls with gold corners. We saw it from the gardens and couldn't wait to see it up closer. As we approached, we heard some distinctly Japanese music. In front of the castle was a small performance. There were some traditional instruments being played and a few ladies dressed in costume. Inside the castle was not quite as impressive with only a few displays on each of the 6 storeys. The view of the gardens and city, however, were great!
For lunch we found a small Curry House recommended by the Lonely Planet. We all chose to dine on Chicken curry, dahl and saffron rice. It was delicious, except we felt a little gypped when it came to the chicken...we each got little more than a fifty cent piece (Jono says the size of a mutton's ball. I don't want to know how he knows!). After a very satisfying lunch we went to the Art Museum. The artwork ranged from traditional to Modern Japanese art and was very interesting. After a walk through we then boarded the Shinkansen back to Himeji.
VISITORS COMMENTS:
Lonely Planet describes Okayama as a modern, bustling city...and we would agree. We were impressed by the garden, museum and the outside of the castle...but the inside was a little bit of a dissapointment. Though perhaps we were slightly less disappointed than those watching the spectacle in Melbourne through teal coloured glasses.
The garden was incredibly beautiful and green...with a lawn so perfect it was just crying out for a game of backyard cricket. This was by far the highlight of my day.
Overall, it was an interesting and enjoyable day, though Jonosan-san's anxiety over the football threatened to boil over more than once. At 5 o'clock, when he finally plucked up the courage to look at the computer screen at the football score, our good day turned into a great day.
