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Monday, January 12, 2009

Feel Japan! - World Heritage "Himeji Castle"

As my husband is in Singapore for business trip, I can have much time for myself! Yay!
And today I feel not so bad, so I decided to update my blog, although it's yet not about stitching...

Have you ever heard of the World Heritage "Himeji Castle" in Japan?
The last December when my son and I went back to my hometown, we went there.

This is the main gate of the Castle.

This is the most beautiful Japanese Castle in Japan, and it's also called "Shirasagi-jo (white heron-castle)", because it's beautiful like a white heron.

When we went to Himeji Castle, the weather began to get dark, so I couldn't take good photos this time...

It was very huge Castle, there is still some stone walls in the city. From these walls, we can know how huge castle it was...


When we arrived there, it was the time to close the gate, so we couldn't see inside (my son wanted to go in, but we have seen inside SO many times from when we were child... so for us it's quite boring, lol).
But if you are interested in Japanese culture and have studied its history, it would be so fun to see inside!!!


From here, I share you some photos of Kokoen (Himeji Caslte Nishinoyashikiato Garden Kokoen) where is next to the Castle, it is the traditional Japanese garden.







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I actually wanted to visit Kyoto and Kobe, but I had no physical strength to go there this time, so next time! (Please click these links about Kyoto and Kobe, where is so fantastic place!!)

* Did you know where Kobe Bryant's name came from? it's this Kobe. I've heard that when his father had been to Kobe and had Kobe beef, and it was so yum, so he was named Kobe... (Is this true???)
*Edited--- Anna van Schurman told me the link about his name! Thanks Anna!

But next time when we back mum's home, I really want to go to Kobe to visit a big craft shop and some other very fashionable shops for zakka, etc...

And also some places where have sweet memories for me! :D
I LOVE KOBE!!

I stitched only a little bit today as I was a bit well.

But it's present for friend's birthday, so can't show anything...


Until next time, Happy Stitching!

And thank you always for visiting and your comments!

I really appreciate for them all!!

P.S. I have a Tourist Guide & Map of Himeji in English version with me now.
If you are very interested in it or if you have a plan to visit Japan, then if you would like to have this, please let me know, I will send it to you with pleasure!
But I only have 1 map, so if if there were some of them who want to get this, I will draw it later...

*Edited--- I found a participant of the Map! I will contact you, zirzyle!


22 comments:

Dorothy said...

Yuko, the photos are wonderful. I would love to visit Japan one day!
I think your idea to go and stay with your Mother, while your husband is away, is a good one. She can help you look after your little son and you can concentrate on getting better.

Hugs,

Dorothy

Anna van Schurman said...

Yes, it's true he's named for the beef!

Julie said...

Beautiful pictures of the gardens and castle.

Anonymous said...

magnifiques jardins!!
ce st sûrement des érables

Irene said...

Gorgeous pictures !

Jennifer said...

My dream is to someday make a miniature Japanese scene (like a dollhouse) with gardens and shrine etc. To see these photos you take is such an inspiration to me. Thanks for sharing them.

zirzyle said...

I agree, Himeji Castle is one of the things which foreings know about Japan. Since my childhood I dream to visit it.. but I think One Day I will ;)
I`m not in a contact with you, Yuko.. but I would be so happy to get the map...

Nina said...

Your photos are wonderful as always :)
Good to read you feel better a bit :)
I hope you will get well and fine soon!

Hugs,
Nina

Hazel said...

The pictures look lovely. Is that the same place inthe film "Lost in Translation" where the couple get married? My dh goes to Japan a lot and one day I hope he will take me with him. I would love to go there. xx

Carmen said...

I was in Osaka in 2004, my husband and I were invited to an engineering conference held in the cube, ah, an amazing city, I loved the food, the friendliness of its people , i hope some day repeat the visit to a any city of japan.

Nancy said...

I'm so glad you were feeling a little better today Yuko! Thank you for sharing photos of Japan. You have a very beautiful country.

Pumpkin said...

Areas like this in Japan completely facinate me. I love seeing the architecture and learning about local customs. Maybe someday I will get there :o)

Anonymous said...

Very beautiful photos! :)

Sally said...

Your photos are beautiful Yuko. You live in such a pretty country.

Your PIF gift is almost ready to go in the mail and I will email you when I post it so you know it's on it's way:)

Rachel said...

OMG! I love the photos! Hopefully one day I'll be able to vacation in Japan and see all the places you've show us on your blog! The castle is beautiful!

Get well soon Yuko!!!

Carol R said...

Wonderful photos Yuko - thank you for sharing your beautiful country with us and maybe one day I will visit Japan and see these lovely place and to meet you too!

Christine said...

Thankyou for sharing these wonderful pictures. Hope you are feeling better soon

Olga said...

Very pretty pictures, thanks for sharing glimps of your country and its history with us.

angelasweby said...

Oh my goodness Yuko. these photos are so beautiful. I love the castle and all the beautiful colours of the surrounding gardens. The Japanese maples are glorious.. They are such rich flaming colours. We have one in our garden and it brightens up the whole place. The pictures of the trees, streams and cascading waterfalls surrounding the castle are spectacular. Thank you so much for posting them on your blog.

I am so glad you felt well enough to stitch a little bit. It must cheer you up to feel you have been able to do something .

Thinking of you and wishing you well. I hope you get a chance to go to Kyoto and Kobe next time when you feel stronger. Maybe you can treat yourself to a visit to the craft shop too and enjoy the places that hold such special memories for you :>)
Hugs, Angela

Evik said...

I like your photos, are wonderful!
I am glad that you feel better :)
I sent you mail ... translation the award. I hope that makes joy ;)
Evik

Lennu said...

Yuko, the photos are wonderful! Thanks for sharing them, so beautiful. I really enjoy reading your blog and seeing the stitching photos and Japan photos :)

Anonymous said...

thanks for this nice trip !