For our last dinner in Japan, we went to Sushiro. This was my third time going this trip, though Mariko insists it was four (I still disagree 😅). Either way, it was satisfying and cheap, exactly what we wanted. Bonus points for spotting a cute Dokinchan in a car in the parking lot. 🍣
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/3800 sec, ISO80 “Through the Window” Kansai 2026
I enjoy the window seat since I’m fascinated by clouds and the dynamic views you get from above. I don’t travel enough to ever get tired of these views. I love them. ✈️
Anyway, we’re back in Texas and I’m a bit sad. 😔 Please be patient as I catch up on the blog posts.
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/60 sec, ISO125 “Peach Chuhai and Vino” Himeji, 2026
Today we went to Himeji for lunch, shopping, and a light dinner. We started at a small izakaya for drinks and kushiage, and it was all so yummy. The place was full of people enjoying lunch and drinking quite a bit! There was only one guy running the whole restaurant, and he was busy pouring bubbly for everyone. Amazing.
After that we did some shopping at Loft, Hands, and Junkudo bookstore. I picked up a couple of books, including volume 2 of Hirayasumi. I really love that manga. 📚
Later we had a special Himeji style white miso oden before catching the train back home. What a fun day in the city! We really like visiting Himeji. It’s a medium sized city with lots of the same stores as Tokyo or Osaka, but without the overwhelming crowds. And the food is cheap with fresh seafood. Love it! 🍢
Today we visited some friends in their town of Aboshi. It’s about a 25 minute drive from our home, and this was my second time visiting the town. We enjoyed a delicious crepe and iced coffee at their shop, then took a short walk to an old bookshop. It was fun to spend the afternoon hanging out with new friends! ☕
On our walk to dinner we crossed the Tatsuno Bridge, over the Ibo River (Ibogawa). Then on the way back home, I grabbed a few more photos while there was still just a little light left in the sky. 🌆📷
Today we ate curry for lunch at 温(おん), and it turned out the building used to be a sento, a public bath. The owners kept part of the original baths intact, and there are actually dining tables set up right inside where the tubs used to be. Such a neat idea!
The curry itself was really good too. It wasn’t like typical Japanese curry at all, more like an Indian curry with all kinds of spices layered in. The plate was loaded with different veggies, so every bite had a little surprise waiting. Such a fun lunch! 😋