Kyoto Part 2, Okayama, Takamatsu, and Naoshima
Continuing from last week’s post on Kyoto and Nara.
On Monday we checked out Nijo Castle in the morning
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Then we had an incredible kaiseki meal at Nijojo Furuta. This was my first kaiseki, which is a traditional Japanese meal of small plates and it was phenomenal! Photos: https://www.instagram.com/p/Bwi-knIpUsY/
Then we checked in at Hiiragiya, a 200 year-old Ryokan (guest house). It was a phenomenal experience with gorgeous rooms and amazing service. We had a great kaiseki meal there, too and a delicious Japanese breakfast with tons of small bites.
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After leaving Hiiragiya, we travelled south to Okayama where we checked out the castle and Kuraku-en gardens.
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The next day we took the train south to Shikoku island which included a beautiful 8-mile bridge over the inland sea.
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We arrived in Takamatsu and quickly checked out the the castle there, which included another great garden
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We then ferried to the small nearby island of Ogijima which had cool art houses, painted boats, and a hike to a lighthouse
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The next morning we caught a ferry to Naoshima, the famed art island where we slept over in the Benesse House museum. The island was covered with art installations and it was a treat to hike around and take them all in.
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The next day we took the long journey back to Tokyo: Bus -> Ferry -> Train -> Train -> Shinkansen -> Taxi. We were completely exhausted but it was well worth it!