< Kagoshima | Japan (Autumn2005) | Takamatsu >
Shimonoseki
2005.Sep.16 - 2005.Sep.20
The location of Shimonoseki is an interesting one; where two of the main islands join: Honshu and Kyushu. I can well understand it was an extremely important place in earlier times, when travel, trade and even war were much dependant on ships. And probably its location makes it still important today for trade. But quite honestly, as a tourist I didn't find much of interest in Shimonoseki. The only sight which caught my eye was a whole street of soaplands right behind the station. I've never before seen a place where so many of this kind of 'bath' are assembled at one place. Might be a favourite spot for seafarers. Actually I was a bit itching to find out what services such a bath really does offer, but was not courageous enough to go and do find out.
Usually I don't like very big towns. But as Hiroshima was along the way anyway, I decided to make a brief stop. Not being prepared or willing to stay for long, a sightseeing tour by bus would be a good way to get around. These tours usually are not quite cheap, but up to now each of them was worth the money, some very much, some just about. However, the sightseeing tour I did in Hiroshima definitely was not worth the money; uninteresting sights and, for example, only 20 or 30 minutes in the A-Bomb-Dome. As the A-Dome was the last sight anyway, 
I told the guide that I would not return with the rest of the crowd and find my way back by myself, so I could stay a bit longer. The A-Bomb-Dome in Hiroshima is larger than its equivalent in Nagasaki, there are many more visitors, but in my opinion the exhibition in Nagasaki is much finer. If somebody'd ask me which of the two to visit I definitely would recommend Nagasaki.
The castle in Himeji is said to be the most beautiful in Japan. Well, this is one opinion. I like Matsumoto-jo very much, Kumamoto-jo is nice too and Okayama-jo looks good from the outside. But undoubtedly Himeji-jo is huge and well preserved. Its grounds are also frequently used for samurai TV-dramas and films. When visiting, there actually was a large TV crew and cast there, shooting for a drama.
< Kagoshima | Japan (Autumn 2005) | Takamatsu >