2 Best Sights in Western Honshu, Japan

Korakuen is a "Special Place of Scenic Beauty" (as designated by the government), and one of Japan's finest gardens. It has charming tea arbors, green lawns, ponds, and hills that were created at the turn of the 18th century on the banks of the Asahi River. Maple, apricot, and cherry trees give the 32-acre park plenty of flowers and shade. The riverside setting, with Okayama Castle in the background, is delightful. The garden's popularity increases in peak season (April to August), but this is one of the country's largest gardens, so you won't feel hemmed in by crowds. From Okayama Station, it is a 20-minute walk, or you can jump on the city tram for three stops to Shiroshita Station, and then it's a five-minute walk.

Designed in 1630 by Lord Naga-akira Asano (the name means "shrunken scenery garden"), Shukkeien Garden resembles one once found around a famed lake in Hangzhou, China, which the daimyo (lord) wanted to re-create for leisurely strolls. The water is dotted with tiny rocky islets sprouting gnarled pine trees. Small bridges cross above lots of colorful carp, a fish venerated for its long and vigorous life. Shukkeien Garden sits east of Hiroshima Castle on the banks of the Kyobashi-gawa River. From JR Hiroshima Station take streetcar 1, 2, or 6 then transfer to the Hakushima Line at Hatchobori, and get off at Shukkeien-mae.