To get oriented to our trip, here is a map of all the ports we stopped at - starting in Kobe and ending in Tokyo.
Himeji Castle is the largest of the surviving castles. It's 5 stories high with narrow, steep stairs to the top - and Ron and I climbed it!
The gardens around the castle were stunning. We especially loved all the natural walls.
Rice bale in the Ohashi residence, built in 1796. He was a prominent merchant but his high status allowed him to build a house in the samurai style.
Kinashi Bonsai Town, near Takamatsu
Yashima-ji Temple, 84th on the Shikoku Pilgrimage.
Ritursin Garden, Takamatsu
At tne Ritursin Garden
One of the many performances when leaving a port. This one at Takamatsu
Another "leaving" performance. This one with flag-flying fishing boats.
Miyajima
Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island
Yakushima Waterfall
Lots of choices at the Grover Garden vending machines in Nagasaki.
The Skyline at Busan, Korea (so many high rise apartments and condos).
Burial Mound of the Derung ethic group during the Tang Dynasty
Bulguksa Temple, Korea
Bulguksa Temple with golden statues
Lots of prayers waiting to be answered.
Matsue Castle, constructed in 1607,
At the Adachi Museum of Art. A breathtaking garden tended by only 7 very honored gardeners.
The actual clothing/armor of a samuari.
The green tea ceremony at the Kenroku-en garden teahouse.
View from our room at the Conrad Hotel, Tokyo.
At the Meiji-jinju Shrine in Tokyo within a 100,000 tree forest was built and dedicated to Emperor Meiji in 1920.
Offerings of sake and wine at the shrine.
A shopping area (Taito) inTokyo near the Senso-ji Temple
We stopped in a ramen shop for lunch on our way to Senso-ji Temple.
A BBQ lunch in the Shinjuki area of Tokyo
A Japanese feast and Geisha entertainment for our last night in Japan.
That's us, waving goodbye to a memorable trip.
The ship as it's leaving the dock.
One of the many gorgeous sunsets we experienced over the Sea of Japan - this one even with a green flash.