The gates of the houses, moss-covered stone walls and black tile roofs recapture the flavour of the Edo period. Open for visitors are seven gardens, small in size but beautifully melting with the surrounding mountain to one.
Not far from here is the Chiran Peace Museum, dedicated to the young kamikaze pilots. A sad sacrifice of men and a plea for world peace.
Next day, Nagasaki, which was founded by Portuguese in the 16th century and the centre of European influence for 3 centuries. Unfortunately known for the atomic bombing, the second one after Hiroshima.
Nagasaki Peace Memorial Park's attraction are the collection of statues and sculptures donated by countries and groups all over the world. From here we pass Ground Zero to reach the Atomic Bomb Museum. It is unbelievable the destruction of the bomb “ Fat boy “. For a moment the noise of the world stops but I am unable to fully understand the action, the grief and why we are today still having nuclear weapons.
Off to another place, the Hamanomachi Arcade, the central shopping area, then passing by the Dutch quarter, Hollander Slope, and China town to return to the ship.
Strange feeling that Korea is so close to Japan. Our visit to Busan, South-Korea, is just when the news about North-Korea were prominent in the press.
The sightseeing drive gives a glimpse of the 3.6 Mio. City, modern high-raising building, daring bridges and traditional buildings. Our tour provides a brief overview, finishing with a walk thru the fish market. Jagalchi Fishery Market displaying the fresh catches and if you hungry, sit down and order your portion.
Last port Sakaiminato City, at the tip of the Yumigaham Peninsula. From here we drive to the Izumo Taisha Shrine, an impressive set of buildings and garden, we stroll around and enjoy the scenery.
Last stop and visit the Adachi Museum of Art, superb Japanese garden and art collection of modern Japanese paintings.
Last night on the ship, pack the suitcases and get ready for an early wake-up call.
The Taxi is there and we are on our way to Kyoto for one night. After the 9 days of cruise Kyoto has changed, the cherryblossomtrees are in full bloom, the people picnic underneath the trees, the streets are busy, the tourists are plenty.