Super Japan Awesome Tour (Part 1)

Early start for the bullet train to Himeji (this must be about 700+ km and we do it in under 4 hours - and this is not even the fastest bullet train).

It fairly whizzes along and we get a great view of Mount Fuji on the way, followed by a snowy area (or a picture of England?), but the crisp, sunny weather catches up with us at Himeji.

There's only one reason to come here but it's a very good one: the most beautiful of Japan's feudal castles, as briefly featured in You Only Live Twice and a shamefully bad samurai film with Tom Cruise that I won't name. I'm not sure how extensive the restoration is, but it's stunning.

When you go inside, you have to take your shoes off and carry them in a plastic bag! They give you slippers to wear, which are a bit treacherous up six storeys.

We also wandered around the neighbouring gardens, which are pleasant but possibly best viewed in a season with a few flowers. Having said that, there was a tiny hint of unseasonal cherry blossom at the castle:

We're using a rail pass and passing Himeji anyway, but it would be worth the trip on its own.

 [Note: Himeji castle is now undergoing renovation until spring 2015. It will stay open throughout, but parts may be off-limits and a large tent-like structure is covering most of the castle until renovations are completed.  Really glad we got there in time.]