We left Kochi for Osaka, but would be stopping at Okayama for a look around on the way.

Train from Kochi to Okayama, Japan.

Again the train journey back to Okayama was spectacular with the highlight being the crossing of Seto bridge.

We decided to walk in Okayama city. Unfortunately there was not enough time to look at Okayama castle, Korakuen Japanese Garden etc,so we decided to walk around the Shotengai, the local shopping street.

Okayama is a bit of a quirky city with interesting bits that stand out like the police office at the side of a canal and some of the street clocks.

Views from the centre of Okayama, Japan.

We entered local small canteen style of restaurant and had udon noodle and curry rice. Reasonable price and homemade taste and the restaurant had a nice authentic retro style to it.

Authentic style restaurant near Okayama station, Japan.

Along the walk Nigel’s shoes decided to die with the sole detaching, so we both decided it was time to upgrade / replace our shoes.
Because we gave our shoes to the shop for recycling we were awarded a 5% discount. We also attempted to get the shoes for duty free but made the mistake of wearing the shoes prior to claiming the duty free discount, which made duty free null.

The correct procedure would have been to take the shoes in their box to the duty free first and then changed the shoes at the shop and handed the old shoes over for the 5% discount.

We also noted that the Okayama’s restaurants and bars looked very affordable and good value.

After that it was time to move to Osaka.

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We left Kyushu and moved to Okayama, where the express train ‘Nanpu’ departs to Kochi. The train crossed over the Seto bridge, which used to be the longest bridge in the world. The view of the Seto strait from the train is awesome from both sides.

There is an attractive looking tram right in front of the train station.

Tram is directly in front of Kochi’s train station, Shikoku, Japan.

In Kochi, we saw famous bridge ‘Harimaya-bashi’ (-bashi means bridge, or the word is not connected, you can say ‘hashi’). The bridge is tiny one but pretty.

The famous bridge in Kochi, Shikoku, Japan.

The local shopping district in Kochi.

Then we went to the food market popular with both locals and tourists. It is called ‘Hirome Ichiba’ (Ichiba means Market).

Kochi’s famous authentic local food stalls.

The food there was delicious. What we choose were Katsuo-no-Tataki (Half cooked Bonito), Nankotsu-no-Karaage (Fried chicken cartridge), Gyoza (Fried Dumpling) and Gyu-Suji-Nikomi (Beef tendon stew).

Food from Kochi’s famous authentic food court, Hirome Ichiba, Shikoku, Japan.

Had fun Kochu night.

Breakfast next day served by hotel was only 100 yen but quite good.

Unfortunately the weather had not been so good but we still had a very nice time in Kochi, Shikoku, Japan.

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Bus from Iwakuni station to Kintai bridge.

The eighth time Kintai bridge has been rebuilt

After Kintai-kyo, we took Shinkansen to Hakata, Fukuoka prefecture. By now we were starting to realise the benefits of travelling via Shinkansen. Not just the speed and time saved but things like the extra room and comfort and also the smoothness and quietness of the ride.

Nice reflections by the river at Hakata

Hakata is known for it’s night food stalls. We explored a couple of them. The food was really yummy! Hakata Ramen (Tonkotsu flavor, also called Nagahama Ramen) was so delicious. Also had Yakitori, Oden, Gyoza, Japanese style of spicy vegetable (Takana) fried rice etc. The price was reasonable too.

A typical night food stall in Hakata.

We really enjoyed the Hakata food market night.

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Superb view from the Rainbow Bridge

+++
 

Starting the walking tour on the Rainbow Bridge. You can take Yurikakome line from Shiodome station near Shimbashi station.

Getting off the ‘Shibaura-Futo’ (Shibaura peer) Station on Yurikamome line, a map was there
 

Normally people catch train to cross over the rainbow bridge though we took the opportunity to walk across the bridge. It takes about 30-40 mins to walk. You can see great views of Tokyo metro and Tokyo bay, as well as good excuse to get some excercise
 

Looking up the Rainbow Bridge
 

Tokyo Bay view from the Rainbow Bridge
 

Took the photo of ourselves in the centre point of the bridge
 

View of the bridge and the Tokyo town
 

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Nige and June leaving Perth city, catching a train to Mandurah. It will take about an hour.
 

Entering Mandurah district
 

You will find busstop on your right ahead after getting out of the ticket gate.
 

Arrived to the waterfront
 

June walking on the bridge
 

Time for dinner. Little early we know, enough hungry. What a feast! tuck in
 

Delicious seafood platter! Although it’s a little greasy. Nige looks happy after delicious meal
 

Walking around the marina
 

Lucky enough, we saw dolphins!
 

Walking around the canal. Venice in Western Australia.
 

Canals in the picture.
 

Beautiful sunset at the canal.
 

Came back to the marina, the sunset was yet beautiful.
 

That’s all about our short trip to Mandurah
 

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