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This last stage might be reason enough for making
the trip, crossing as it does the magnificent Seto-Ohashi
Bridge, the longest of it's kind in the world.
The principal reason for me though, was to visit the famed Ritsurin
Park. Be prepared to be one of the few, if not the only, Europeans
in town and don't expect to speak much English! |
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Ritsurin Park
A short bus or local rail ride south of the
city - this is the ultimate scenic park.
Take a picnic, spend the day and refresh your senses and your spirit.
see Gardens: Other Areas |
Yashima Plateau
About 30 mins east; a bus trip can take you
all the way, but more interesting is to go by rail, then walk to the
cable car station for the ride to the top of this picturesque headland.
As well as the fine views and pleasant walks, the eastern edge of
the plateau overlooks the site of a great and historical sea battle
between the Minamoto clan and the Taira
in 1185, the Minamoto were victorious.
Yashima-ji houses many relics of the Minamoto
conflicts and is also a much visited place of pilgrimage.
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On the walk to the cable car, stop off at this
homely coffee shop. |
Yashima Temple |
Looking east from the plateau
- the site of one of the famous sea battles of the Gempei
War 1185
see History: Heian period |
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| As this trip (from Kyoto) passes through Okayama,
it cannot be made without a visit to that city's celebrated Korakuen
Park, one of Japan's 'three most famous gardens'. |
| Okayama -
Korakuen Park |
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| Trains have to be changed at Okayama
for the second leg of the journey to Takamatsu,
so you may choose to break your journey spending an afternoon at the
park before travelling on. |
| Having
luggage might be a problem although it could be stored at the station
or you might take advantage of the service offered by most hotels,
to have your luggage sent on independently. |
Because I enjoyed the trip over the
Seto-Ohashi bridge so much, I made Okayama
a 'day out' from Takamatsu.
Korakuen is just a mile from the main station (walk or
take a bus from the terminal outside). The 28 acre park has a more
'open' aspect than others with expanses of lawn and a large central
pond see Gardens: Other Areas |
| Dramatic visual impact is afforded by the proximity
of Okayama Castle (known as the 'Crow Castle')
which overlooks the park. The park and castle are separated by the
Asahi River, but the castle is easily reached
by way of the Tsukimi Bridge Fine views
from the top and an interesting collection of period artefacts makes
the castle a worthwhile visit too. |
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