May 26 - Castle In a Box

                   We woke up feeling refreshed after a night of DELISHUS relaxation at the Yumenoi Ryokan. We had a long and restful bus ride back to Himeji City where we checked into Hotel Claire Higasa. We then headed towards Himeji Castle, but not before having lunch and an epic dessert as always. (Can we say FRUIT EXPOLSION?!

                  We arrived at Himeji Castle, which some of us joked was limited edition and could be taken home in a box. We were all amazed at how immense it was. As some people would agree, it was an anticlimactic experience due to the scaffolding structure that surrounded the Castle under renovations. Overall, it was remarkable to see the renovations in progress as well as tour the main tower and get an inside look at the original interiors of a Japanese castle.

                  After touring the Himeji Castle, we made our way to the Koko-En Garden where we had a chance to practice our tea ceremony etiquette during a private tea ceremony. We made it inside the tea house just as the rain arrived. The tea house provided us with great views of a garden, great hospitality and tasty, delicious sweets and green tea.  After having great conversation with the ladies that served us our tea, we walked through the gardens and admired the landscape and ponds full of Koy and Carp.

Although it was raining, we were able to enjoy the gardens without school kids in every other photograph and take in the peaceful views. The day ended with every one splitting up for dinner. Hannah opted for a yummy sushi and mango dinner from the grocery while Piper and I joined Rochelle, Jesse and Amanda and had a SCRUMPTIOUS Chinese meal and enjoyed a couple of rounds of arcade games for dessert.

Until next time!

-Bernice, Piper, Hannah