Moving on from Kobe, day 17 of my first Japan trip in 2006 was mostly spent exploring Himeji Castle. Thankfully, the rain had stopped for the day. The scenery and the cherry blossoms were glorious.

Ascending to Himeji Castle in Himeji, Japan, during cherry blossom season. © 2006 Norbert Woehnl Photography.
The main tower of Himeji Castle in Himeji, Japan. © 2006 Norbert Woehnl Photography.
People enjoying a seasonal picnic in the gardens around Himeji Castle in Himeji, Japan. © 2006 Norbert Woehnl Photography.

Adjacent to Himeji Castle is Koko-en, a beautiful Japanese garden. Glad I was able to visit there, too.

All photos shot with Nikon digital SLRs, edited in Adobe Lightroom 5.7 / LR Classic.

写真の撮影場所：姫路