Himeji Castle

If you ask one castle in Japan that is the most elegant and dignified, many people would think of Himeji Castle.  It was one of Japan's first two UNESCO World Heritage sites registered in 1993 (the other one was Horyu-ji Temple in Nara.)

The seven-storey keep (including one floor below ground) that we see today was built in 1609, and miraculously survived the bombings during WW2.  Through large-scale rennovations every few decades, the "white egret" castle maintains the unparalleled beauty and durability.

The white plastered walls look so bright outside that you may be surprised at the subdued, temple-like wooden interior.  You can walk up the steep stairs to the top floor, from where you can command a view of Himeji City just like the ancient lords did.

The most close-up photo opportunity comes when you finish the visit of the main keep. 

There is more than the main keep.  The site presents the remains of the entire fort structure.  It is suggested that you allocate two to three hours if you plan to cover the whole site.  If you visit only the main keep, a little over one hour may do.  Himeji tends to be less crowded than other major tourist destinations such as Kyoto or Hiroshima, and is just as accessible by shinkansen train. 

Moss Garden at Hakone Museum of Art

Hakone offers not only abundant hot spring but also numerous art museums.  Exhibited art includes Japanese ukiyoe prints, paintings, sculptures, European impressionist, traditional crafts, contemporary and more.  

If you have seen enough of paintings and sculptures, you may still appreciate Hakone Museum of Art, not necessarily for the indoor exhibits but for the garden Shinsenkyo.  

Shinsenkyo, meaning the land of the divine and immortal, is a constellation of several landscape gardens and traditional architectures. Though the architectures are not open to public, you can stroll along the paths throughout the gardens.   

After walking through the rock garden, you will come to the moss garden. The ground is covered with 130 different kinds of moss (though it is hard to tell one from another!)  With over 200 maple trees, the garden presents a beautiful scenery of fresh green in spring, and colored leaves in autumn.  

It was quiet and peaceful in Shinsenkyo on a day in late April.  A walk in the moss-and-maple forest was a refreshing experience. 

Helicopter cruise to Mt. Fuji

If you are staying in Tokyo and wish to go to Mt. Fuji but have only a few hours, a helicopter cruise is an answer.  Of course, even if you have an entire day, or if you have been to Mt. Fuji before by ground, the option is worth a try.  

I recently had a chance to join a two-hour heli cruise departing Tokyo Heliport, cruising over the cities and suburbs, then around Mt. Fuji, and coming back along the coastline.  

Having lived in Tokyo for decades, I had never seen the metropolis from the perspective.  It looks so vast and flat, and continuing without an end.  Still, unlike from an airplane, I am close enough to recognize familiar places.

And Mt. Fuji...  You would never feel so close.  

The helicopter circled around the mountain so that we could see it from every angle.  Such a luxury.    

Then over Lake Ashi in Hakone.  

It was interesting to see not only the landmarks but the whole topography.  

Enoshima Island and Mt. Fuji.  I had never thought of the combination in one photo....  

Want to fly?