Seto Inland Sea Bike Tour

DAY 41:
Okayama is the hometown of Momotaro and is also known as the "Land of Sunshine". Take the Momotaro Dentetsu (Kibi Line) to Bizen-Ichinomiya Station. The exterior of the tram is orange-red, and the bell inside the car is also the MIDI music of Momotaro's nursery rhyme. The main hall and the worship hall of Kibitsu Shrine are two connected "Hiwa-iruimo-ya-zukuri". The existing main hall and worship hall were rebuilt in 1425 and are listed as national treasures of Japan. The most famous one is the "wooden corridor" connecting the main hall to the Hongu Shrine. The entire corridor is about 400 meters long and the scenery is even more beautiful during the flower season.
In the afternoon, we will go to Korakuen, one of the three famous gardens in Japan. It was named "Korakuen" after the famous line in Fan Zhongyan's "Yueyang Tower Inscription" "Worry about the world's worries before you worry about yourself, and be happy about the world after you are happy about yourself". The most beautiful season is probably from January to April and November and December every year. In May, there is only green here, with green trees, green leaves, green bamboo and green grass garden. Korakuen is a model of Japanese garden design, famous for its exquisite landscape and meticulous design. There are many small lakes, stone bridges, flowing water, tea houses, trees and flowers in the garden, showing the unique aesthetics of Japanese gardens. Visitors can stroll through the park, enjoy the natural landscape, and feel the peace and tranquility. Okayama Castle, also known as Kinku Castle, was built by Ukita Hideie, a daimyo who rose to prominence in the Warring States Period by becoming an in-law of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The castle is characterized by its black exterior, gold-leaf tiles, and an unequal-sided pentagonal keep. Three military commanders who had close ties with Okayama Castle: Ukita Hideie, Kobayakawa Hideaki, and Ikeda Terumasa, were also important representatives of the Battle of Sekigahara, the most famous battle of the Japanese Warring States Period. The interior of Okayama Castle is very modern, like a history museum, and is completely different from the keep seen in other cities. There is also an elevator that goes directly to the fourth floor, and you can reach the highest point of the keep by climbing two more floors. Unfortunately, due to the original structure, you cannot fully appreciate the scenery outside the window.

Attractions:
Kibitsuhiko Shrine, Kibitsu Shrine, Kibi Nakayama Nature Trail, Tomb of the Great Kibitsuhiko (Goryo Mausoleum), Korakuen, Okayama Castle, Karasu Castle Park

Accommodation: The One Five Okayama, Okayama City
Today's cycling distance: 0 km
Cumulative cycling mileage: 2120 km

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#Shikoku Pilgrimage
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#Seto Inland Sea
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#Don't ask me how much the trip costs
#Ask yourself how many years of youth you have left
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