Lewis' Japan Tales

This entry might be a bit of a curveball. Hikone City certainly isn’t the first place that will pop up in the travel books and Japan guides, but as I recently took a trip there, I wanted to share my opinions on a place you may not have ever heard of. I was joined by my friend and fellow JET, who is based in Okinawa, for this short excursion. Which, alongside Okayama, has one of the highest amounts of sunny days in all of Japan and consequently, very low snowfall. I make no secret of the fact I despise hot and humid weather, proof if it’s ever needed that I have Scottish blood in me.  Hikone City is located in Shiga Prefecture, part of the Kansai region, further east than what we’re used to, so let me start by saying our day was made a thousand times better because of the strong snow and beautiful cold. It perfectly aligned with the black and white castle that sits atop the hill that overlooks the town centre. While the castle tower is not so tall or mighty, it does offer beautiful ...

There are few places in Japan as infamous as Hiroshima City, but given its proximity to Okayama, it’s a place where I’ve also had the pleasure of spending a lot of time in.  Now, it goes without saying, but Hiroshima City has an absolutely devastating past. Whatever your opinions on the legitimacy of the decision to use an atomic weapon during the Second World War, it’s far more pressing to realise the impact it had on the city and its people. A walk through the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park shows the haunting reality of what happened. The preserved Atomic Bomb Dome is as humbling as it is harrowing. Between it and the Peace Memorial Museum lies the Peace Flame, which will stay lit until the world relinquishes all of its nuclear weapons. But through the dark memories of its history, Hiroshima truly rose like a phoenix through the ashes. The city is bustling, vibrant, full of life and soul. The castle stands tall near its centre, the vast array of shopping malls, arcades, bars etc. ...

Kurashiki will make it three… (Get it?) Yes, next up, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture. This will be the last for Okayama for now, until I’m able to travel up to the northern cities. It’s a place I’ve only recently spent time in, despite it being just fifteen minutes or so away from Okayama Station.  It’s a little bit of a contrast to Okayama in that more of the traditional side of Japan is noticeable in the townscape and architecture. Most notably, the Bikan Historical District, which is often playfully referred to as the ‘Venice of Japan’ due to having a beautiful canal. Within the area is the Ohara Museum of Art. The entry fee for an adult is around 2,000 yen, which is quite steep until you see what they actually have inside. There are some beautiful works, and even a Monet original, if that’s your kind of thing.  My favourite place is Achi Shrine. Once you get up the million stairs it’s quite a sight to behold, and a charming place to pray for your family’s health and ed...

Two in a row is quite the change of form, no?  Next up, how could it not be the place I’ve spent the second most amount of time in. Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture.  It’s easiest to think about prefectures as the equivalent of an American state or a British county (Nottingham, Nottinghamshire…). Or, that would be the case if all prefectural capitals followed the same pattern. Okayama City is the capital of Okayama Prefecture, but the main city of neighbouring Hyogo Prefecture is Kobe City. Not confusing at all, right? Anyway, Okayama is very easily described as a great city to live in, but not the most extravagant to visit. There are some really highlights such as Korakuen Garden and Okayama Castle, an absolutely gorgeous place to see especially in the spring, with the prestigious honor of being one of the ‘Three Great Gardens of Japan’.  It is also home to the iconic folklore hero of Momotaro (Peach boy, in English). His story is known all over Japan, where after he was...

So, my next idea is to write retrospectives on places I’ve visited while living in Japan. I mean, quite frankly, what IS a blog but a retrospective anyway?  Trouble is, where to start? I’m fortunate enough to have visited nine Japanese Prefectures so far, with plans to see at least three or four more by the end of the year. Each of them have their highs and lows, cities to explore, sites to see etc.  It’s probably best to start with Tamano City, Okayama Prefecture.  This has been ‘home’ in Japan for going on two years now, and unless you want to visit a certain Naoshima Island, chances are you haven’t heard of it. … That may be because there isn’t that much to tell. Tamano is a relatively small port city with a far greater history than a bright looking future. It has a slowly dwindling population, with many businesses sadly closing their doors. Walking the streets of Tamano is a poignant reminder that not all of Japan is the technologically advanced wonder that some of us...