The White Castle

Before I started my journey for the day, I visited Himeji Castle - a World Heritage Site. It is supposedly the most beautiful castle in all of Japan and is nicknamed the `White Egret` due to its walls being covered with white plaster to prevent fires from spreading around the castle.

Himeji Castle

On my way to the castle, I met Chris, an American freelance photographer. Like me, he was travelling around Japan for a couple of weeks using his 7 day Japan Rail Pass. Since he was on his way to the castle as well, we went in together.

Chris adjusting the settings on his new Nikon DSLR

View of Himeji City central from the top floor of the castle

Chris from California, U.S.A.

After spending almost 2 hours in the castle, we parted ways as Chris had to catch his shinkansen to Nagoya.

As for me, the plan for the day was to cycle southeast down to Akashi City where I could catch a ferry to Awaji Island. From the island, I was supposed to take another ferry to Izumi Sano town in Osaka city. Unfortunately, when I reached Akashi City, I learnt that the ferry from Awaji Island to Izumi Sano was no longer in operation! This meant I had to change my plans and head to Kobe City instead. Lucky, the cashier at the ferry terminal was nice enough to refund me the ticket for the ferry that I had already bought!

On the way to Kobe City, I passed by the Akashikaikyo Bridge. This bridge linked Akashi City to Awaji Island, where I was supposed to go. I took a break there and took a few photos as well.

Akashikaikyo Bridge

The promenade in the park by the bridge

Me, my bike and the Akashikaikyo Bridge

From the bridge, it was another 20km to Kobe City and I reached the city central at around 3pm. Little did I know, there was a huge conference being held on the same day and ALL accomodation in Kobe City was fully booked!

So, I had no choice but to head for Ashiya City which was another 20km away. Luckily, the roads were quite flat and I was able to reach Ashiya City before 6pm. The only hotel in town was called the Hotel Takezono Ashiya and it cost me 10,500yen! But having no other choice, I checked in.

So far, this hotel has been the most expensive one that I`ve stayed at, and its also the one with the worst service! Upon checking in, I asked the counter staff if there was somewhere in the hotel I could keep my bike in. The unfriendly staff flatly refused to help me and asked me to leave my bike at the public parking which was 2 blocks away.

Not wanting to argue further, I went to the parking lot, which required me to pay 200yen to park my bike, and then lugged my bags 2 blocks back to the hotel.

Even small hotels that I`ve stayed in for half the price in little towns have better service than this `5-star` hotel. Never will I stay in a Hotel Takezono again!