In the morning of day 18 of my first Japan trip in 2006, I continued along the main Sanyo Shinkansen route to Okayama. I left my baggage in a locker at the main train station, and headed to see Okayama Castle.

Okayama Castle as seen from Tsukimi-bashi (“moon-viewing bridge”) in Okayama, Japan. © 2006 Norbert Woehnl Photography.

Not far away from Okayama Castle, on the opposite side of the Asahi River, is Korakuen, known as one of the “Three Great Gardens of Japan”. I ran into a photoshoot that was just taking place amidst a shower of falling cherry blossoms.

A seasonal photoshoot amidst falling cherry blossoms at Korakuen in Okayama, Japan. © 2006 Norbert Woehnl Photography.

In the afternoon, I made a short train ride from Okayama to Kurashiki, where I had booked a one-night stay in a Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn). Before checking into my beautiful room, I walked around Kurashiki’s charming historic Bikan district.

Scene in the historic Bikan district of Kurashiki in Okayama Prefecture, Japan. © 2006 Norbert Woehnl Photography.

Staying at the Ryokan was one of the highlights of this trip. I had a delicious multi-course meal brought to my tatami room, and slept really well on the futon.

Interior of my guest room at a Ryokan (Japanese Inn) in Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture, Japan. © 2006 Norbert Woehnl Photography.

All photos shot with Nikon digital SLRs, edited in Adobe Lightroom 5.7 / LR Classic.

写真の撮影場所：岡山、倉敷