Packing up. Leaving Kyoto and heading to Himeji and Okayama today. IGoodbye awesome apartment.
Waiting on the bus in Gion.
So happy Himeji Station had a locker large enough for all our stuff.
A medium sized suitcase, two backpacks, and a small bag.
We took a bus to Himeji — trying to give our feet a rest.
Two hours was only enough time to go through the main keep.
Carol was here!
Himeji Castle
Cool modern-looking windows.
Great view!
Inside the main keep.
We were given bags to carry our shoes around in.
Love this fish detail.
We made it to the top!
Shrine on the 6th floor.
Working on the roof.
A volunteer shared some Japanese history with us and then gave us these origami shooting stars.
Carol and Karl were here!
Wish I had this door at home to use as a backdrop.
Park Cats
Quick visit to the Garden next door.
Okayama bound!
Himeji Station
Our Shinkansen
Okayama
We met up with our friend Taiki at the train station in Okayama. Taiki and I went to college together at JSU. It doesn’t feel like it’s been four years since I last saw him. Time needs to slow down.
Hooray!
Checking into our hotel.
Taiki took us to a restaurant specializing in pork cutlet with demiglace sauce, an Okayama dish That was delicious.
Placing our order at the vending machine.
Super yummy!
Shopping at Aeon Mall
This game was a lot of fun. Sort of like DDR for your hands.
Taiki helped us find an inexpensive suitcase.
Art Buddies
Exploring Okayama
Okayama Castle
Korakuen Garden at Night
This view made me think of the Shire.
The beer garden we enjoyed.
Food & beverage stands.
Fun with friends.
The garden was a bit of a walk so we took a street car back to the station.
Karaoke Time!
Japanese karaoke was so much fun!
Taiki has a really great voice.
Karaoke interface. Thankfully it included some English instructions.
OMG! Karl actually sang, and not just once. Wish we had this kind of Karaoke at home. Yeah… It was bad! 😉 –Karl
