While in Osaka, Sean planned a day trip for us to Himeji Castle and the town of Kobe (where Kobe beef comes from). Himeji Castle is an enormous complex and one of the few original castles the Japanese did not destroy after their WWII defeat to show their break from the past.

We took the train again and walked straight from the station to the castle entrance, with these beautiful gold-leaf Gingko trees lining the way.

Model of the complex. 

Japan offers local guides for the sites to tourists for free and our guide was a volunteer and a retired teacher. She was very friendly and knowledgeable.  The castle was simply stunning from every perspective.

These gun holes were all over – there were thousands of them for protection. Interestingly, no one actually lived in the castle fortress – it was for the town if they came under attack to retreat to!

Stunning views as we climbed higher.

Inside was simple with all wood and nothing ornate but it was still very Japanese in its order, efficiency and overall look.

After that wonderfully special and unique experience, we got back on the train and then stopped in Kobe for a late lunch of the famous Kobe beef. We didn’t have a particular restaurant in mind but used Sean’s phone to locate some spots. The first one we went to almost knocked me off my stool with the prices. We decided to try another spot and I quickly realized it was all going to be expensive. It’s the best beef in the world, after all, and I just needed to embrace that this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us, the foodies that we are.

I don’t even remember the exact cuts we had but it was perfectly marbled as shown below, and these are happy and fat cows that are treated extremely well and live about twice as long as cows in the US. 

The meat was incredibly rich and flavorful, and melted like butter even though it was only quickly seared – speaking straight to the phenomenal quality.

Even had a piece of Kobe nigiri. WOW!

These restaurants love their awards and having customers pose with them. We rolled with it, and then enjoyed every single bit of this delectable and rare meat. 

Another truly special experience.What a fantastic day – thanks to my honey for planning it all!