Tag Archives: Chūgoku

Field Report: Okayama Castle and Kōraku-en, Japan (20 November 2016)

I’m no stranger to Okayama, or its castle, or its magnificent garden. And there’s certainly a lot that one can say about all three … but as I’m itching to write about the Shikoku stage of this Japan adventure, let’s just pore over a few snapshots and be done with it.

Field Report: Fukuyama, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan (18 November 2016)

A short hop on the San’yō Shinkansen brought me to Fukuyama, near the border between Hiroshima Prefecture and Okayama Prefecture. Although this place doesn’t figure very highly in Chūgoku itineraries – save perhaps for the lovely old port of Tomonoura in its southern reaches – history enthusiasts will no doubt share my interest in theContinue reading “Field Report: Fukuyama, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan (18 November 2016)”

Field Report: Walking to the summit of Mount Misen, Miyajima, Japan (17 November 2016)

For some, it’s the journey; for others, it’s the destination. And for those of us who choose to stand in the blissful middle, there’s the phenomenal satisfaction of enjoying the complete experience, from the roots of the mountain to its peak and back.

Field Report: An autumn stroll in Miyajima, Japan (17 November 2016)

Hiroshima is probably best known for the various landmarks associated with the 1945 atomic bombing, but an island not far from the city offers some of the most rewarding sightseeing one can possibly hope for in this part of Japan. Join me as we take a peek at some of the historic architectural treasures foundContinue reading “Field Report: An autumn stroll in Miyajima, Japan (17 November 2016)”

Field Report: Iwakuni, Japan (16 November 2016)

Many old Japanese towns are famous for their castles, but the city of Iwakuni in Yamaguchi Prefecture is best known for something else: namely, its unique and splendidly beautiful wooden bridge. (The fact that it’s got a castle of its own is an added bonus, of course.)

Field Report: Hagi, Japan (15 November 2016)

Japan’s Chūgoku region is an incredibly rewarding destination, and I’ve resolved to explore it more thoroughly in the years to come. But for this particular trip, I was happy to allow myself only a brief taste of the area’s many attractions – laying the groundwork, as it were, for a longer and more comprehensive futureContinue reading “Field Report: Hagi, Japan (15 November 2016)”