Day 7: Okayama
Today’s destination was Korakuen Garden in Okayama. It was a rainy day (although not rain-blowing-sideways like my first day), so the umbrella came in handy.
Korakuen was designed and built from 1687 to 1700, and modified over time as different feudal lords took over. Ownership transferred to Okayama Prefecture in 1884 and the garden was opened to the public. It has suffered major damage over the years (flooding in 1934, bombing during World War II), but has always been restored to its original condition.
From various points you can see Okayama Castle in the background.
Okayama Castle
The main tower of Okayama Castle was completed in 1597. It burned down in 1945 as a result of World War II bombings. The current structure is a concrete reconstruction made to look like the original tower in 1966.
I decided to make today a somewhat light day and get some extra rest, so in the afternoon I headed back to the station and grabbed some lunch.
Then caught the train to Hiroshima, checked into the hotel, put my feet up, and relaxed for a bit. It’s another nice room.
Went back out for dinner and had this. It’s noodles, vegetables and a little bit of ground beef in a slightly creamy sauce with hot oil.
Tomorrow…Hiroshima.
