Category: Slice of Life

A Slow Walk Around Himeji Castle

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Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E5, 35mm, f/2, 1/11000 sec, ISO250
 “Himeji Castle” Himeji, 2026

Today I went to Himeji and took a leisurely stroll around the castle grounds. Quite literally, since I didn’t actually enter the castle this time. I just walked around the grounds, visited Himeji Shrine, and got my omikuji (fortune) in English. And I got a good one! Yay! 🙌

I skipped going inside because I’d been there before and remember it being a pretty strenuous walk. It’s a huge castle, and getting up to it means climbing a big hill. Add in today’s heat, and I was happy just admiring it from outside.

As an aside, I used my new umbrella, the one with UV protection, and let me tell you, it’s a total game-changer for sunny days. What a difference in comfort. I highly recommend picking one up if you spend any time walking around in the sun. ☀️

Before heading home, I got a Himeji Station stamp for my stamp book. It’s filling up nicely.

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/3800 sec, ISO80
 “Himeji Shrine” Himeji, 2026
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/120 sec, ISO64
 “Himeji Shrine” Himeji, 2026
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/125 sec, ISO64
 “Omikuji Station” Himeji, 2026
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 2.2200000286119mm, f/2.2, 1/105 sec, ISO40
 “Omikuji” Himeji, 2026
Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E5, 35mm, f/2, 1/420 sec, ISO125
 “Himeji Mascots” Himeji, 2026
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/9000 sec, ISO80
 “Himeji Moat” Himeji, 2026
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/40 sec, ISO250
 “Himeji Stamp” Himeji, 2026

Osanpo and a Beer

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Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/2800 sec, ISO80
 “Ibogawa” Tatsuno, 2026

After work today I went for a walk into town. To get there, I have to cross one of the bridges over the Ibo River. I like taking photos here, and I enjoy hearing the water rushing by below. Maybe someday I’ll make a video of it, but honestly I’m not really into making videos. I much prefer photographs. In fact, I really preferred when Instagram was just photos. 📷

When I got home I tried another non-alcohol beer. This one tasted pretty similar to the last one, with an aftertaste that reminded me of incense. Not the best. I have several more to try though, and I’m confident I’ll find one I like eventually. 🍺

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 2.2200000286119mm, f/2.2, 1/30 sec, ISO640
 “Zero” Tatsuno, 2026

Afternoon Soft Cream

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Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/4600 sec, ISO80
 “Shoyu Soft Cream” Tatsuno, 2026

On today’s afternoon walk I visited Kura Terrace again and treated myself to a shoyu flavored soft cream. It was featured in a recent episode of Tsurube’s tv show, so I figured I would give it a try too. It was pretty good! Honestly, the shoyu flavor was very faint, but that was okay by me. I was a little worried it would be overpowering, and I’m glad that wasn’t the case.

After getting back home, I relaxed with a non alcohol beer, and there are so many to choose from here in Japan. We’ve actually bought several different kinds, and I’m doing my own informal taste tests to find a favorite. 🍺

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 9mm, f/2.8, 1/100 sec, ISO25
 “Small Alley” Tatsuno, 2026
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 2.2200000286119mm, f/2.2, 1/30 sec, ISO800
 “No-Alcohol Beer” Tatsuno, 2026

Clouds, Clearings, and a Little Hike

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Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 9mm, f/2.8, 1/125 sec, ISO25
 “Forest Sculpture” Tatsuno, 2026

Today I went on a little hike around town, and even up into the hills. I came across a mysterious sculpture in a clearing, and it felt like something straight out of a video game. So cool! We’ve been having some really nice clouds in the sky lately, so I spent a good chunk of the walk just taking photos. A fun afternoon all around. ☁️📷

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/15000 sec, ISO80
 “Clouds and Leaves” Tatsuno, 2026
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/8000 sec, ISO80
 “Street Scene” Tatsuno, 2026
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/12000 sec, ISO64
 “Cloudy Scene” Tatsuno, 2026

Soba and Shopping at Himeji Station

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Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/60 sec, ISO250
 “Kitsune Soba” Himeji, 2026

Mariko and I wandered around Himeji Station today, doing a bit of shopping before ducking into Ekisoba for some soba. She went with kitsune soba, and I had chicken tempura soba. Both were good, not spectacular, but the little shop was quick and hit the spot after all that walking. Definitely not a bad pick, but with so many great options around the station, I don’t think it will make the return list. 😊🥢

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 2.2200000286119mm, f/2.2, 1/80 sec, ISO320
 “Chicken Tempura Soba” Himeji, 2026
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/620 sec, ISO80
 “Ekisoba” Himeji, 2026

A Trip to Yokai Town Fukusaki

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Photo info: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/1900 sec, ISO80
 “Gaming with Kappa” Fukusaki, 2026

Today we visited the town of Fukusaki to check out the yokai scattered about town. It was so fun to see these Japanese monsters, ghosts and demons! The kappa were actually quite terrifying, but it was also fun to see their cute characters, like the ones shown in the stamps I got. If you’re in the area, or you’re a yokai otaku, I definitely recommend finding a few. Take some photos and scan the QR code next to each one to learn more about them. 👹📸

Photo info: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/5000 sec, ISO100
 “Onigiri Yokai Girl” Fukusaki, 2026
Photo info: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/5700 sec, ISO80
 “Stealing Shirikodama” Fukusaki, 2026
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/3600 sec, ISO80
 “Triumphant Kappa” Fukusaki, 2026
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/60 sec, ISO125
 “New Stamps” Fukusaki, 2026

Katsu Lunch

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Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 2.2200000286119mm, f/2.2, 1/60 sec, ISO320
 “Katsu Curry” Tatsuno, 2026

Today I had a solo lunch at 脂楽亭, a nearby katsu restaurant. I went with the katsu curry, and I was not disappointed. The katsu was thick, tender, and juicy, with panko breading that was crispy and delicious. The curry was really tasty too, and I left feeling very satisfied with the meal.

The chef and server were both friendly and efficient, which made the whole experience even better. The restaurant has a long counter, regular tables, and a tatami mat area, so it works well whether you’re dining solo or bringing the family. 🍛

After lunch, I went for a short stroll in the neighborhood and enjoyed the summer breeze and beautiful clouds. So nice!

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/700 sec, ISO80
 “Tonkatsu Restaurant” Tatsuno, 2026
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/7100 sec, ISO80
 “Summer Clouds” Tatsuno, 2026