Each day of our Japan trip was completely packed full of things to see, and places to go. The boys were amazing travelers, had great attitudes, and kept things lively to say the least! Our previous days we felt we had walked miles, but today our fitness levels were tested as we hiked to the top of Himeji Castle.
Himeji Castle was built in the early 17th century. Designated as a national treasure in 1931, the castle was registered as the World Cultural Heritage in 1993 as the first cultural site in Japan. The castle has kept its original design since the time of construction.
These decorative tiles are found everywhere around the castle. Each tile has a unique design or family crest of the lords who built or repaired the castle.
Every few feet along the inside walls of the castle were these secret holes. If enemies or intruders were trying to enter the castle, rocks, sharp objects, or even hot water were poured from these holes to prevent them from entering the castle.
It was a major hike to the top of the castle, but even more difficult was coming back down the very narrow stairs.
After our day in Himeji, we had an experience of a lifetime! Near the base of Mt. Fuji we stayed in a Japanese bed and breakfast "ryokan." Since the employees speak little to no English, a Japanese co-worker at Deloitte helped to arrange our accomodations. We were not too sure what to expect, but we did have a lot of Japanese culture!
The scenery at the bed and breakfast was beautiful with streams, tons of vegetation, and several interesting spiders (Tyson was always on the lookout for us.)
When we arrived at the Ryokan, the workers were quick to take our shoes and exchange them for Japanese flip flops, and give us Kimonos to wear.
After we were in our proper Japanese attire, they served us an amazing Japanese dinner (well, amazing if you like sushi, and other surprises!!)
Let's just say most of us did a lot of smiling when the dinner was served, and we were grateful we had bought croissants for a midnight snack!
After dinner, we all headed for our private Japanese hot springs bath located just outside the Ryokan. It was the most relaxing part of our trip, and very welcomed by all of us.
Just before bed, Tyson connects with his inner self with his self-taught Yoga lesson.
When we arrived back from the hot springs bath, our Japanese-style beds were laid all over the floor in our room. After a few rounds of "twenty questions" (Parker's favorite game) we were out--another fabulous day in Japan!
Himeji Castle was built in the early 17th century. Designated as a national treasure in 1931, the castle was registered as the World Cultural Heritage in 1993 as the first cultural site in Japan. The castle has kept its original design since the time of construction.
These decorative tiles are found everywhere around the castle. Each tile has a unique design or family crest of the lords who built or repaired the castle.
Every few feet along the inside walls of the castle were these secret holes. If enemies or intruders were trying to enter the castle, rocks, sharp objects, or even hot water were poured from these holes to prevent them from entering the castle.
It was a major hike to the top of the castle, but even more difficult was coming back down the very narrow stairs.
After our day in Himeji, we had an experience of a lifetime! Near the base of Mt. Fuji we stayed in a Japanese bed and breakfast "ryokan." Since the employees speak little to no English, a Japanese co-worker at Deloitte helped to arrange our accomodations. We were not too sure what to expect, but we did have a lot of Japanese culture!
The scenery at the bed and breakfast was beautiful with streams, tons of vegetation, and several interesting spiders (Tyson was always on the lookout for us.)
When we arrived at the Ryokan, the workers were quick to take our shoes and exchange them for Japanese flip flops, and give us Kimonos to wear.
After we were in our proper Japanese attire, they served us an amazing Japanese dinner (well, amazing if you like sushi, and other surprises!!)
Let's just say most of us did a lot of smiling when the dinner was served, and we were grateful we had bought croissants for a midnight snack!
After dinner, we all headed for our private Japanese hot springs bath located just outside the Ryokan. It was the most relaxing part of our trip, and very welcomed by all of us.
Just before bed, Tyson connects with his inner self with his self-taught Yoga lesson.
When we arrived back from the hot springs bath, our Japanese-style beds were laid all over the floor in our room. After a few rounds of "twenty questions" (Parker's favorite game) we were out--another fabulous day in Japan!
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