Onomichi is sometimes called "town of slopes" or "town of literatures". Because Onomichi has many alleys on the mountain surface. Those streets were loved by many writers. It also commands a fine view of Setouchi Islands.

Himeji Castle is one of the most beautiful castle in Japan. Only a few wooden keeps are now existing in the country. That's why it is designated World Heritage.

Korakuen Garden is counted as three major Japanese gardens.

Amanohashidate is famous for its beautiful shape. The name "Amanohashidate" means "A bridge spanning Heaven". It is counted as three major Japanese scenery as well as MIYAZIMA. Why do Japanese old people like counting three major something?

I had been Hyogo PREF for a month because of newbie training. I hadn't visited most of the area, so I went to sightseeing a lot during the time.

First, I visited Arima Hot Spring. It is chosen as the three major hot springs. We can take a public hot spring without staying overnight. One of public hot springs, Kin-Sen(Golden Spring), has rusty bubbling water containing iron and salinity.

Then I took a aerial tramway to the top of Rokko mountain. It possess a commanding view of Kobe city, but I couldn't enjoy the view because of the fog. I took a cable car to the foot of Rokko mountain and headed for Kobe city.

This picture is a view from the aerial tramway. The fog added a mythical touch.

It is a night view of Kobe city. The tower in the center of the picture is Kobe Port Tower. I went up to the observatory to enjoy the view. There were many couples. I was only person to come there by oneself.

The building behind it is famous Hotel Okura. Maybe the hotel commands a greater view than the tower.

Next weekend, I took Shinkansen and went to Yamaguchi PREF. It was an hour and a half trip from Himeji to Shinyamaguti. At Shinyamaguti, I had to wait a bus an hour.

I visited AKIYOSHI calcareous cave. It's total extension is about 8790m and we can walk about 1500m of it. It has all kinds of stalactites and stalagmites.

It is so dark that it is difficult to take good pictures without tripod. I took those pictures with fixing my elbows to handrail.

And then, I went to MIYAZIMA. ITSUKUSHIMA shrine is famous for its romantic scenery. When the tide comes in, its torii (shrine gate) is on the water, and when the tide goes out, we can close to torii on foot.