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Himeji Castle was very easy to find as it towers over the town at the end of a straight road from the station. We were treated to a lovely sunny day to explore the castle and grounds. Lots of opportunities to take photographs and enjoy the warm rays. It's a lovely, albeit busy, Unesco site, with lots of internal stairs. Well worth a visit.
Afterwards, we visited the Kok-en gardens which were included in a combined ticket. This was a particularly peaceful place with traditional Japanese gardens and a tea room. John and I decided this was our chance to partake in and learn the customs of the Japanese tea ceremony. We entered the building and joined a couple of others on the tatami mats. Two ladies brought out trays with a cup of thick green liquid and a small Japanese sweet with the texture of almond paste but a taste all it's own. Provided with instructions for the rituals involved we proceeded to bow and sip at the appropriate times. I have to admit I wasn't keen on the green thick stuff masquerading as Matcha tea, although John who declares he doesn't like tea said he rather liked it. After downing the contents of the tray we hoisted each other back to our feet and shuffled off like a couple of pensioners around the rest of the garden.
Definitely, a town to include on your itinerary if you ever visit Japan.
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