Chillout, Soulout & Freakout

Kokoen (好古園, Kōkoen) is a relatively recently constructed Japanese style garden, which was opened in 1992 on the former site of of the feudal lord's west residence (Nishi-Oyashiki). It consists of nine separate, walled gardens designed in various styles of the Edo Period.  The ticket price is 300 yen but if you are purchasing a bundle ticket together with the Himeji Castle, it will cost 1040 yen only. It is just 5 minutes walk between them. You will only need to spend about 30 minutes to 1 hour in here.  Flowers lover will probably like this garden as there are many kind of flowers in this garden. There is a Japanese restaurant inside Koko-en where you have a pond and a beautiful garden view beside you while dining. The restaurant name is Kassui-ken Restaurant which is opens from 10.00am - 4.30pm. Using the gardening techniques in the Edo period (1600-1860) as a good model, "Koko-en" creates historical atmosphere with magnificent view of Himeji Castl...

Himeji (姫路) is most famous for its magnificent castle, Himeji Castle, widely considered to be Japan's most beautiful surviving feudal castle. The castle is designated both a national treasure and a UNESCO world heritage site. Himeji Castle is the best example of a Japanese castle as it has never been destroyed or even damaged in war. Himeji Castle was completed in 1609, but a fort existed on the site as early as 1333. The (tower or keep) of Himeji Castle is an excellent example of the traditional wooden architecture and its stone walls with their white plastered walls. It is not hard to get to here. No matter where you are originally from, you just have to make sure you know how you get to Himeji Station first. It is not hard by the help of Google Map. So from the Himeji Station, walk towards north of the station. If you do not know where the north is, just ask the staff at the information counter. The staff in the information counter will always have basic English capability...