Hyogo and Hiroshima Prefecture - Western Japan travel from Osaka

Visit Himeji Castle

“Often said to be Japan's best example of a complete fortress castle, Himeji Castle is a picturesque beauty, sitting atop a hill in Hyogo Prefecture. It is often referred to as either a white egret or heron, referring to its white exterior and elegant shape, much like a great bird in flight. Some of the castle's 83 buildings have been destroyed, but the main structures have been preserved for over 400 years. It is Japan's largest and most visited castle and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1993.“

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Walk through Kobe’s Kitano district

“Kitano is a city known for its historic Western-style homes, many of which were built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when the Port of Kobe opened up the region to greater international trade. Strolling through the charming streets and hills at the base of Rokko mountain, you can take in the gorgeous and distinct architecture of mansions that used to belong to wealthy foreign merchants -- some of which have served as the consulate for their respective countries.“

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How to enjoy Hiroshima twice as much

“Many people want to go by themselves and learn about the importance of pursuing world peace and the influence of nuclear weapons by visiting the Atomic Bomb Dome and the Hiroshima Peace Park. In addition, Miyajima’s huge, iconic Torii gate over the water attracts many people with its mysterious presence. After visiting these two big sightseeing spots, would you really just eat okonomiyaki and head on to the next place? That’d be such a waste! Why don’t you try some things that the other tourists never do?”

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Saijo, the sake brewery town

“If you want to discover the taste of sake you must visit... some of the oldest and most prestigious sake breweries in the country. KAMOTSURU, FUKUBIJIN, KAMOIZUMI, KIREI, SAIJOTSURU, HAKUBOTAN, SANYOTSURU, KAMOKI and SAKURAFUBUKI are the names to remember following your visit of the city. There are 9 breweries that are spread over a small perimeter around around the Saijo Railway Station... The city is renowned for having one of the purest sake of Japan.”

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Onomichi - Hiroshima's gateway to the Seto Inland Sea

“Hiroshima is undoubtedly high on the list of must visit places because of the Peace Museum and the beautiful floating shrine gate of Miyajima. However, most visitors wouldn't realize that Hiroshima Prefecture has a lot more places worth visiting, including towns like Onomichi facing the picturesque islands of the Seto Inland Sea. Onomichi is a port city stretched out along a narrow ribbon of flat land along the waterfront and hemmed in by steep hills.”

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The historic island town of Mitarai in Kure

“Connected by a set of scenic bridges to the mainland, the historic island town of Mitarai sits on the eastern outcrop of Osaki Shimojima Island in the Seto Inland Sea. The island is home to the much-coveted Ocho Mikan - a popular brand of orange only produced on this island... This charming Edo period town is definitely worth a visit. A very worth detour from Hiroshima's other well-known sights. “

Read the full post http://www.deepjapan.org/a/4552