Tag: beer

I had the afternoon free, so I hopped on the Kishin Line for a solo trip to Himeji. First up was some shopping, then a burger at Brisk Stand. Mariko and I had walked by this place before, and after reading a few reviews about the beef being on the sinewy side, I figured I’d try it for myself. The burger was tasty, though I do prefer my ground beef with fewer chewy bits. The fries were crispy and good, but there weren’t many of them, so overall a solid burger, just a bit pricey for the portion.

After lunch I wandered over to Kōko-en, the garden right next to Himeji Castle, and wow, I was not expecting to love it as much as I did. It’s split into several distinct gardens, each one with its own personality, and I was especially taken with the ponds and streams full of huge koi. Admission was only ¥400, so there’s really no excuse to skip it if you’re already visiting the castle. I’ve seen the castle itself before, so I’m saving that return trip for another day.

After an hour and a half at Kōko-en, I wandered back toward the station and stumbled onto Last One Himeji, a fantastic little craft beer spot. I tried a flight of local brews and ended up chatting with the proprietress and one of the regulars. They were so warm and funny, and it turned into good practice for everyone, my Japanese, their English, and a handy little translator device whenever we got stuck. They also serve taco rice and wild boar tacos, so I already know I’m coming back with Mariko to try those. 🍺

What a great day in Himeji. I really do love this city, and Hyogo in general. 🏯