Ginkgo trees in Hiroshima

Two ginkgo trees from two different places in Hiroshima: one in SHUKKEIEN Japanese garden and the other in Miyajima. Both are from the fall of 2014. The one in the garden is a survivor of the atomic bombing, slanting toward GZ. The gorgeous yellow stands next to Senjokaku on a hill in Miyajima.

 Old ginkgo tree in the garden

 Reflection on the floor was gorgeous

Takamatsu and Kinashi make a good day tour

Udon diner in Takamatsu

Here's what my guests and I recently did:

Start the tour from Okayama Station;
Take a JR train to Takamatsu;

Ritsurin Garden black pines

Take a taxi to Kagawa Prefectural Gov. building designed by TANGE Kenzo who also did the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum & Park;
Look at the details of the building;
Walk to one of the most popular Udon noodle shops and have Udon for lunch;
Walk to Ritsurin Garden - spacious and grand, one of the most famed Daimyo feudal lord gardens dating from the Edo period (1603-1868);
Fully appreciate the garden and the cottage standing by one of the ponds in the garden;
Take a taxi to Kinashi and visit two Bonsai places that I contacted in advance;
Walk to JR Kinashi Station, take a local train, transfer at Sakaide, and go back to Okayama Station;
End of tour.

This makes a very fun full day tour. It was a fantastic day focusing on Japanese gardening, local cuisine, and Bonsai techniques. 

Tending a black pine in Kinashi

Kagawa Prefectural Gov. building

Osaki-kamishima scenery

There is a ferry service between OMISHIMA and Osaki-kamishima. A short ride takes you Osaki-kamishima. The island has a hotel on the hill which offers a splendid view of the inland sea. Off the main route of the SHIMANAMI scenic sea route but a great way to relax your muscles after cycling.

 From the ferry

 Seen from the hill

 And an electric car displayed in front of the hotel

Itoyama Koen, imabari

The Sunrise Itoyama is known among cyclists. You can rent or return your bicycle there. However, Itoyaka Koen offers you much better scenery. 

 

Kurushima Strait Grand Bridges, the world-first complex of three continuous suspension bridges seen from Itoyama Koen

Tea store in downtown

There are quite a number of kinds here. Some are reputed products and others try something new ro be local or seasonal. The store is of easy access from Peace Park. 

Operation to create pearls

A lady at Doi Pearl Company demonstrated how a piece of mantle membrane of a mollusk and a core made out of freshwater mussel shell are inserted into the gonad of a pearl oyster. The mantle tissue secretes nacre or mother of pearl and layers of nacre eventually produce a pearl. 

Echigo Tsumari Art Firld

This art site has a different touch from benesse art site in the Seto inland sea. Both are very attractive and Mother Nature is simply fantastic. Artworks in Tsumari are spread and the whole venue is large. I rented a car at Echigo Yuzawa and it's essential. You need a car. Perhaps situations are different when the art festival goes on. Driving more than ten kilometers to go from one point to another is a common thing here. I am just staying one night this time and I am happy enough but two nights will give you more time to leisurely explore the artworks.

Just a few pics from the first day.