Himeiji Castle Koko-en　姫路城西御屋敷跡庭園好古園

Nov. 6th. 2025

Michi no eki Yokawa

Michi no eki Yokawa is a splendid place to stay. The parking is extensive and for the most part flat. It is also away from the road. The toilets at the far end of the parking are open on both sides and are very good. The onsen is very good too with a large outside bath. It even has a dog run.

Today we are going to Shodoshima. It is the last few days of the Setouchi Triennale Art Festival. So we set off for Himeji and the ferry terminal. But first we visit the gardens adjacent to Himeji Castle.

Himeji Castle Nishi-Oyashiki-ato Garden ‘Koko-en’

We planned to have lunch in the gardens but having found a quiet spot away from the formal garden area we are interrupted by an official. We had failed to notice the signs prohibiting food.

The gardens themselves were a little disappointing. Although there were some pleasing spots, we have visited too many far superior gardens to get excited about these.

＊Koko-en ; 400 yen / adult

So on to the ferry port. The ferry (Shikoku Ferry) ticket at 17,900 yen takes you to Shodoshima and on to Shikoku. The trip takes about 2 hours and is a pleasant ride. The ferry sails past some inland sea islets, surprisingly heavily quarried.

Osakajo Zanseki Kinen Koen　大阪城残石記念公演

Arriving at Fukuda Port, we drive with the setting sun to Osakajo Zanseki Kinen Koen, our michi no eki for the night. This is a small, very quiet place with good toilets. This will be our 3rd. time to overnight here.

We enjoy the sight of the moon  one day after the supermoon, rising over the mountain accompanied by a host of Hokusai clouds. My phone, or I, is incapable of such a picture.