2nd Day in Japan-Kobe
After staying one night in Raras's apato, me and my friend Nadia decided to go to Kobe which is located in the west part of Kansai. Since we had Kansai through pass for 2 days, Raras recommended us to go around Kansai because it was good opportunity for us to see Kansai by using this card. So, we checked the interesting places in Kobe and we found some areas like Castle, Kobe Tower and Kobe Bridge. We checked out from Raras's apato and said goodbye to her..*see u again in jakarta ras :)).
First we went to Shin-Osaka (If I am not mistaken) which can connect us to Kyoto's subway line after coming back from Kobe. We wanted to put our luggage in subway's locker (FYI: almost all stations provide lockers which really help the travelers, it costs around 100-400 JPY). Another tips for you is do not forget to remember the location of the locker. Since the big stations in Japan are so crowded, you probably get confused when you comeback and want to find the locker. Therefore, it would be better if you remind the location or maybe you can take picture of the locker ^_^.
Our first destinantion in Kobe was Himeji Castle. From Osaka'station it takes about one hour and we should stop by in Himeji station. From Himeji station we walked to the castle which took around 30 minutes. We had a lunch by ordering the Japanese bento's style on our way to Himeji castle. It was really nice to see the place around himeji castle so calm and peaceful. Unfortunately, the castle was under construction, but you can still enjoy the view, go inside the construction exhibition. In my opinion, the construction exhibition itself was a good initiative from the government. They showed us the story of Himeji castle and the process of the construction which is not interesting at all for me haha. But anyway, you still can enjoy some parts of the palace.
We finally finished look around the castle. We had to go back soon since we still have to see Akashi bridge (Kobe Bridge) and Kobe tower. On the way to Himeji station we stopped by in one store which sells Yukata (Traditional Japanese Summer Clothes). We got quite cheap price as I already compared to my friend who already bought Yukata before. I got 2.450 JPY (Yukata and the Obi).
First we went to Shin-Osaka (If I am not mistaken) which can connect us to Kyoto's subway line after coming back from Kobe. We wanted to put our luggage in subway's locker (FYI: almost all stations provide lockers which really help the travelers, it costs around 100-400 JPY). Another tips for you is do not forget to remember the location of the locker. Since the big stations in Japan are so crowded, you probably get confused when you comeback and want to find the locker. Therefore, it would be better if you remind the location or maybe you can take picture of the locker ^_^.
Our first destinantion in Kobe was Himeji Castle. From Osaka'station it takes about one hour and we should stop by in Himeji station. From Himeji station we walked to the castle which took around 30 minutes. We had a lunch by ordering the Japanese bento's style on our way to Himeji castle. It was really nice to see the place around himeji castle so calm and peaceful. Unfortunately, the castle was under construction, but you can still enjoy the view, go inside the construction exhibition. In my opinion, the construction exhibition itself was a good initiative from the government. They showed us the story of Himeji castle and the process of the construction which is not interesting at all for me haha. But anyway, you still can enjoy some parts of the palace.
Pedestrian area, on the way to Himeji Castle
The lake in front of the castle
The entrance gate of the castle
Even though it was under construction
Taking picture with the seller. The shop is quite fancy, even the seller wore Yukata and the decoration of the shop is very traditional.
Our next destination is Kobe Bridge named "Akashi-Kaikyō Bridge" (明石海峡大橋) also known as the Pearl Bridge. This bridge can connect the Kobe city to Awaji Island. Another peaceful atmosphere and I really loved it. Around awaji Island there is one building (part of the bridge) where you can enter and go under the bridge. So you can see directly the sea because some of the floors are made into transparent floor.
The Pearl Bridge
Taking from Instagram Application
When you entered the building you can see this lovely landscape view ^_^
It was almost evening time when we finished seeing the bridge and surrounding area. Our next destination was Kobe tower. Tower is used to be an icon for the city, and I did not wanna miss the chance to visit the place. We did not have heavy dinner this time because we realized that we had limited time. So, we just stopped by in convenience store on the way to Kobe tower. I bought small snack which has rice and fish in side covered with seaweed * I forgot the name hehe
I really like the architecture of the tower
It's already night, me and my friend had to go to Kyoto. But first, we had to take our luggage in Shin-Osaka station. We arrived in Kyoto almost mid night and we had difficulty to find the hostel because wrong information T_T. Finally we could find the hostel because of Japanese couple that we found in the park..they were dating I guess hehe sorry guys to interrupt you ;)).
City of Kyoto was quite old, you may find the subway station was very old and spooky haha. And for the hostel, we booked the typical traditional Japanese house. For this time, the owner of the hostel was old guy like grand father and since we arrived at midnight I felt so guilty to him cause our late checked in.
Our room in Kyoto's hostel
They provide the guest Japanese traditional pijama
We took a rest for a night and be ready for the next destinations in Kyoto (Kinkakuji, Bamboo Forest, Kiyomizu Dera, etc)
To be continued...
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