Jose wrote:
>
> SATURDAY, JUNE 5, 2004 - HIMEJI / OSAKA DAY TRIP
> · MORNING
> o Take Hikari or Kodama Shinkansen to Himeji
> o Sightseeing at Himeji Castle
> · AFTERNOON
> o Take Hikari or Kodama Shinkansen to Osaka
> o Sightseeing in Osaka
> · Return to Kyoto via JR Kyoto Line
Check the times for when the castle opens. If you're early (which I
suggest), take a walk around the castle to the parks. Also visit the
restored gardens to the West (left as you face from the station).
They're pretty cool. Also, if you're really early, you might take a
short walk to Otokoyama, a small hill directly West of the castle; if
this interests you let me know and I'll email you a map (not difficult
really, and the view of Himeji and the castle is nice).
Avoid the Shinkansen from himeji to Osaka. On the Shinkansen you
actually have to go to Shin Osaka, which is a station away from
Umeda/Osaka; unless it just perfectly matches your schedule, I'd take
the regular Shin Kaisoku (rapid express) on JR. The view from this train
is in my opinion much better, and it isn't that much slower. The Shin
Kaisoku arrives at Osaka Station (otherwise known as Umeda), and from
there I suggest taking the loop line to see Osaka Castle. The view is
excellent, even if you don't go inside the actual building (a
reconstruction).
John W.
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