STUNNING NATURE

<Happo-en>
Despite the dreary weather, I had a wonderful encounter with Happo-en Japanese gardens.
Overall, I was deeply impressed by the beauty of the garden - its authentic and thorough attention to detail backed by tradition. I also enjoyed the bonsai collection set on a large wooden table. Some of the trees were truly wonderful.
I happened upon a wedding while I was there (photographs were being taken in the garden), and enjoyed the beautiful kimono worn in Japanese ceremonies. Fantastic!

<TOKYO SKYTREE>
Tokyo Skytree is an impressive and powerful piece of architecture with an incredibly fast but comfortable elevator.
Even here, the quality of the tower staff and their hospitality is great. Looking over Tokyo from this height is something special.

<Walking tour of Daiba>
Odaiba, built on reclaimed land, is an interesting place thanks to its numerous restaurants and attractions.I was surprised by the full-size Gundam statue. It's size and manga-esque aspects are impressive. Coming here to take pictures of this huge robot is a “must do” for this area.

<Dinner at a kushiage restaurant>
This is an attractive restaurant with an interesting Japanese-style interior design. Various dishes were served promptly. The food was flavored with mouth-watering Japanese seasonings.
I recommend coming here to relax and enjoy the atmosphere of a Tokyo restaurant at night.

<Hotel Villa Fontaine Tokyo-Shiodome>
I had a room that offered a sense of luxury and a nice view. The desk, washroom, large bed, and bathroom made me feel at home. The quality of the bedding was perfect (but a little on the hard side if you compare it to European standards, so be careful). Despite my jet lag, I was able to have a good night's rest in genuine "business class" comfort.

<Haneda Airport>
I am impressed with the high quality behind the concept of Japanese airports. There are plenty of staff on hand to receive travelers, and they offered me advice and were always friendly. Everything from flight departures, notification displays, and waiting areas were easy to understand and clear. It is a big difference from the European experience.
Flight JL 277 took off on time, and I had a comfortable journey. The cabin attendants were very friendly and helpful.

<Izumo Airport>
The last flight of the day is a small propeller plane with about 30 seats, which adds to the appeal of the travel experience and makes me feel like I'm really on a journey. There is nothing scary about the flight, and it was comfortable, offering beautiful views of the ocean and the intricate coastline. Taking a propeller airplane was a great experience.

<Tamawakasumikoto Shrine and Yaosugi>
Exploring this place is very inspirational and perfectly matches the real Japan that I seek. The shrine is a beautiful dark wooden building in an idyllic setting that makes for excellent photos.
Thanks to the bright and sunny weather, the discovery of this beautiful and inspirational place was a delight.

<Lunch at Restaurant Umisachi>
This is an interesting place, and I was immersed in the local culture that is the custom of the islanders. The restaurant is spacious, and the wood and light create a beautiful atmosphere. The meal was cold soba with several vegetable side dishes. It is an ideal place to unwind before you head out to discover the island.

<Boathouses>
This is a place that you can take 10 minutes to enjoy. Originally storage for fishing boats, the old buildings were rebuilt several years ago. Wooden boats floating on the water create a beautiful image that is aesthetically pleasing. Definitely worth visiting!

<Dangyo Waterfall>
I found something very beautiful deep in the woods, surrounded in a wonderful atmosphere. With bright and sunny weather, I enjoyed the fragrance of the forest and the dreamy light. Following a not-so-difficult trail, you'll discover the waterfall and a shrine. Beautiful statues line the path to the shrine. I highly recommend this place!

<Cape Nagu>
This cape is a "must visit." The view is spectacular when the weather is good. As you follow a long trail, you can make your way down to the lighthouse below. It is somewhat difficult to climb down to, but the area is kept in good condition.

<Japanese inn, Tajimaya>
This Japanese inn is an authentic minshuku. The large building is located a little inland from the harbor, and has several Japanese style rooms. The receptionist is incredibly kind. A one-night stay includes dinner and breakfast, and provides the best way to catch a glimpse into the daily life of a Japanese family.
Dinner is substantial and refined. It is prepared with local ingredients and tastes delicious. Everything is served with the utmost care. A shamisen performance followed dinner, and I was able to see and hear traditional dancing and songs. It was fantastic!
If you want to experience a minshuku, this is the place to go! You are also able to experience local culture and its delicacy up close.

<Nishinoshima tenku sky walking>
Nishinoshima was a discovery of strikingly beautiful nature. Walk the sloped, narrow streets to enjoy the beautiful natural environment and fine views.There are alternating views of dense forest and the island's intricate coastline. Above us on the route were a number of horses, half of them grazing on pasture, that lent a wild feeling to this place. The end of the route offers spectacular scenery with a nearly 360°view.
After a short walk, you can freely roam around the large meadow on the hill and other wonderful view points. I particularly recommend this walk as a simple activity that will nevertheless make a deep impression.

<Kunigahama (Tsutenkyo Bridge, Kuniga Shrine)>
This is an experience with a geological charm owing to the natural bridge arching over the ocean. The charm of the bridge really comes into focus when the skies are clear and there is plenty of light. The surroundings are very simple, but the raw beauty is apparent.These rare geologic charms are the things that don't come to mind when you think of Japan.

<Yurahime Shrine>
I really liked this shrine with its impressive atmosphere. As with other places, the heavy wood buildings surrounded by sublime forests and trees are fresh and give me a sense of the country's unique culture.You can take great photos and enjoy an authentic Japanese atmosphere at the aesthetically beautiful shrine and its surroundings. I think that it is best to visit only in the morning so that you can capture the vivid light.

<Lunch at Nishiwaki Fish Mart>
You can enjoy authentic Japanese food at this popular shop! Several tables are arranged under the awning of this small fish shop where you can enjoy excellent, high quality seafood. This kind of small restaurant is alluring and will surely captivate French tourists.

<Matsue Castle>
I have special memories of this castle. It is not just its beauty but its size. Of the places I visited, this castle is one of my favorites, and I spent several hours here, wanting to feel the spirit of this place, touch it, and become closer to it.The wooden structure that is hundreds of years old, the dizzying stairs, the creaky floors, the smell of wax...all of it promises a rare experience. I recommend it 500%!
The soft light at the end of the day around 17:00 gives the castle a refined appearance. I can't recommend this scene enough!