Today I decided to head over to Himeji Station to visit the famous White Castle and Koko-en Garden.
I wasn’t really expecting anything, just exploring a few parts of Japan with an open heart.
The journey took about an hour from Osaka, and right outside Himeji Station, you can already spot the castle.

Before entering the castle, there’s a bit of walking. Luckily, that day wasn’t crowded with tourists and the weather was just perfect.

It’s nice to experience historical places sometimes. They make you think and reflect on how people used to live during those eras, the tools they had, the materials they used, and how much has carried through time into the modern day.
It’s a shame I didn’t visit during the peak of sakura season. I imagine the place would have looked breathtaking. And with it, more tourists too.

Koko-en Garden was definitely my favorite, even more than the castle.
As soon as you enter, there’s a sense of calm. Flowing streams, koi fish swimming gently, and the quiet rustle of nature all around.
We found a place to sit and simply take it all in the peacefulness.
It was so beautiful.
That moment reminded me that sometimes, life is about pausing.
About appreciating what nature quietly offers us.
It’s hard to describe exactly, but it brought me a kind of peace. A peace I didn’t even know I needed.

I recorded this day as part of my visual journal, you can watch it here!