Brocade Bridge (five arches look like a brocade edge) is in Iwakuni in Yamaguchi prefecture, only 40 km from Hiroshima. We took a pleasant train ride, then taxi to it. For $10 we got tickets for the bridge, ropeway to the Castle, castle entrance and return.
It was easily crossed, as they'd slanted the boards to be more like steps on the steepest arches.
Every castle has items for viewing, but most won't allow pictures. Iwakuni had no signs, and others were photographing items, so viola! Samurai, when they became more soldier regimented versus an individual swordsman calling another out, had armor. This is classic.
For those guy geeks who have seen the PBS documentary on sword making, Tim got this shot for you!
The Japanese perfected sword making, and have many examples. Usually the sword and the hilt are shown separately, as the designs for the hilt were done by others, and intricate. The sword is its own craft.
My view of Iwakuni Castle. It was still a hike from the ropeway (gondola).
It is June, and Japanese love their iris.
Iwakuni has kept old houses for showing. The tatami rooms and layout are interesting to us.
We couldn't understand the docents, but they did give us a map in English! I found the park with fountains, old houses (some samurai), and gardens enchanting. And there was only one other American family we saw whilst there. It is more off the beaten path, but worth it. I had seen Kintaikyo (the kyo means bridge) on a video about Japan, and was determined to find out where they'd filmed it, and then go. I did!
This is a poster for UKAI, or Cormorant Fishing. This is where they use trained birds to catch fish, and then they pull the birds back in by the leash, and make them spit it out. Usually it is done at night so the burning wood's flames can attract the fish. But, I have a child who is tired at night. Thank heavens they also do an exhibition at noon during the summer months, so I can see it! The Japanese travel specialist I worked with was amazed when I told her about it. She didn't know there were add-ons to a Hiroshima trip like this! Yes, the internet is a wonder!
Brocade Bridge (five arches look like a brocade edge) is in Iwakuni in Yamaguchi prefecture, only 40 km from Hiroshima. We took a pleasant train ride, then taxi to it. For $10 we got tickets for the bridge, ropeway to the Castle, castle entrance and return. 
It was easily crossed, as they'd slanted the boards to be more like steps on the steepest arches.
Every castle has items for viewing, but most won't allow pictures. Iwakuni had no signs, and others were photographing items, so viola! Samurai, when they became more soldier regimented versus an individual swordsman calling another out, had armor. This is classic.
For those guy geeks who have seen the PBS documentary on sword making, Tim got this shot for you!
The Japanese perfected sword making, and have many examples. Usually the sword and the hilt are shown separately, as the designs for the hilt were done by others, and intricate. The sword is its own craft.
My view of Iwakuni Castle. It was still a hike from the ropeway (gondola).
It is June, and Japanese love their iris.
Iwakuni has kept old houses for showing. The tatami rooms and layout are interesting to us.
We couldn't understand the docents, but they did give us a map in English! I found the park with fountains, old houses (some samurai), and gardens enchanting. And there was only one other American family we saw whilst there. It is more off the beaten path, but worth it. I had seen Kintaikyo (the kyo means bridge) on a video about Japan, and was determined to find out where they'd filmed it, and then go. I did!
This is a poster for UKAI, or Cormorant Fishing. This is where they use trained birds to catch fish, and then they pull the birds back in by the leash, and make them spit it out. Usually it is done at night so the burning wood's flames can attract the fish. But, I have a child who is tired at night. Thank heavens they also do an exhibition at noon during the summer months, so I can see it! The Japanese travel specialist I worked with was amazed when I told her about it. She didn't know there were add-ons to a Hiroshima trip like this! Yes, the internet is a wonder!
1 comment:
it is amazing that you only saw one other American family as Iwakuni is home to over 6000 Americans.
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