After 2 days in Hiroshima city, in the evening time I took the Shinkanshen to my next destination - Onomichi (尾道).
Onomichi is a quiet town located along the Seto Inland Sea in eastern Hiroshima prefecture. The town extends from the mainland across some of the neighboring islands, which are connected by the bridges of the Shimanami Kaido (しまなみ海道). The main reason I will go there is because of the magazine「泣ける！広島県＼(T▽T)／」which feature Perfume. So I went there try to find out the spot recommended in the magazine.
Shimanami Kaido, 60km long toll road connect from Honshu to island of Shikoku, credit: japan-guide
I stayed 2 nights there and it was the first time I used Airbnb service in Japan (mainly because there wasn't much budget choices there). It costs around SGD 64 for 2 nights and I stayed in a room of a house of a young couple. The house was at neighbourhood area, some walking distance from the Onomichi station, so it was very quiet and peaceful especially during night time. It was so dark I nearly got lost when going back to the house 😅 The young couple were very friendly and I'm glad I was able to have a simple chat with them during my stay there. They even gave me a parting gift with a farewell letter when I checkout. It was such a nice memory.
The house which I stayed
Even though my main objective at Onomichi is to find the spot recommended in the magazine, I still spent some time exploring the area and visit some of the tourist spots there. Unlike busy city like Tokyo, the pace there was quite slow, very quiet and peaceful. I went out around 8am try to have some local breakfast there, but only realized most of the shops there haven't open yet except for a bread shop. So I just bought some breads and a milk to settle as my breakfast.
I was too early
Luckily still got a bread shop
Student cycling to school at an empty street
One of the main activities there is to walk along the Temple Walk route which connect around 25 temples there. So after my simple breakfast, I went for a walk there and went to one of the highest point, Senkoji temple (千光寺). Because it was a hill there, instead of walking I should say I hiked up 😅 After I reached the top, it was a nice view. I can see the opposite island, and the ferries going to and fro. Even the bridge which connect the main land to the island.
The stairs to the temple
The view from the temple
The bridge of Shimanami Kaido at the far end
The view from the street
The ferry
I've spent the morning walking (hiking) along the Temple Walk route, and after my lunch there I started my mission to find the spots. I really enjoy my stay there maybe because I'm staying in Singapore, a fast pace, busy city. So visiting Onomichi was like a 気分転換, enjoy the environment. I wish someday I would go back again and maybe try cycling along the Shimanami Kaido. The next day early morning I moved on to the next place - Okayama (岡山).
The parting gift from the Airbnb host
In order to take Shinkanshen to Okayama from Onomichi, I need to interchange at Fukuyama(福山) station. So I made a side track at Fukuyama city before heading to Okayama. The Fukuyama castle(福山城) is just next to the station so it's very easy to access.
Fukuyama shrine nearby the station
Around 11:30am I reached Okoyama station and check-in hotel. The hotel I stayed there was Sauna and Capsule Hotel Hollywood which cost around SGD 28. Finally went to stay at the famous capsule hotel in Japan. Haha. Staying in capsule hotel is fine for one night only, but it will be inconvenience if staying more than one night. Because you have to bring out all your belongings from the capsule by check-out time and only can go back in after 3 or 4pm. There is an onsen, sauna and also massage service for a fee. Even though I wasn't able to check-in yet, I was allowed to use the onsen for a bath to refresh myself before going out again.
I didn't explore much at Okayama city, instead I went to Kurashiki (倉敷) which is not far from Okayama city. Kurashiki has a preserved canal area that dates back to the Edo Period. Also another thing to take note, that was the place where Sano had his first fight with Kenshin in the Rurouni Kenshin (るろうに剣心) live action movie. There is some walking distance to the canal area from the station. However you can explore some shops along the shopping arcade.
The view from Kurashiki station
The bridge where Sano and Kenshin fight
Swans swimming along the canal
Due to such preserved area, there were quite many people wearing the traditional yukata walking around. I spotted 2 ladies in yukata sitting on a wooden bench, instantly the view was like back to Edo period. I took 1 photo of the back view then I also took up my courage to ask for their permission to take a photo of them. It was just beautiful view. 😍
I didn't spend too much time out that day. Around 4pm I was back to Okayama already. Because the first 3 days already walked so much, that day I can feel the tiredness of my legs. Luckily the hotel provides massage service 40 minutes for ¥3780, so I just paid for a massage and relax in the hotel.
Momotaro (桃太郎) statue outside Okayama station
The next day early morning I took the Shinkansen back to Tokyo already. In Tokyo that time I was staying at my friend's place and my main activities was to go Perfume's concert. After 4 days in Tokyo, I came back to Singapore.
So that was my first ever solo trip in Japan. I quite enjoy the trip even though it was just me alone. There was no pressure during the trip as I can wake up as early as I want, eat whatever I feel like to, spend as much time as I want at one place. When I was tired, I just end the day earlier and went back hotel to rest. Since I already enjoy such trip, for the subsequent years I've also planned my solo trip to Japan in different area. I'll try to share my next experience when I have time.
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