Bidding Farewell to Kobe and Returning to Wake
It was time to say goodbye to Mr. Iwamura, who had generously hosted me for four days. He’s an incredibly kind, chatty person who warmly told me to use his place freely whenever I'm in Kobe.
My next destination was a town called Wake in Okayama Prefecture. Located near Bizen City—a place famous for its historic swords—Wake holds a special place in my heart from my time cycling around Japan. I still vividly remember pedaling through the area and having a kind local split a fresh strawberry they were growing to share with me, along with some water. It’s a beautifully relaxing place completely surrounded by nature.
Motion Sickness and a Beautifully Weathered Guesthouse
This time, I was heading to a local guesthouse in Wake. Surprisingly, I ended up getting a car ride all the way there. Just as we passed Himeji Castle, I experienced severe motion sickness for the very first time on this trip.
I can't blame the driving, though; it was likely because I had eaten way too much right before the ride.
When we finally arrived at the guesthouse, I was blown away. The moment I stepped inside, the rich scent of tatami mats and natural wood washed over me—it felt so strong you'd think it was wafting outside the house.
Even with a few bugs buzzing around the room, the place perfectly captured the dense, authentic atmosphere of rural Japan.
Since it was a cold, rainy day, my hosts graciously laid out massive, cozy futons in a sprawling room that looked like a kid's dream playground.
It was an incredibly spacious and relaxing retreat.
The Warmth of History at the Former Shizutani School
Later, I took a little trip out to the Former Shizutani School. Founded during the Edo period, it was a pioneering school open to both samurai and commoners.
Amazingly, the facilities are still used for training programs today.
The wonderfully preserved buildings boast rich, beautiful wood tones that radiate the warmth and resilience of surviving through centuries of history.
Despite the rain, the surrounding ponds and nature were absolutely breathtaking, and I spent a solid hour just soaking it all in.
Places like this, which offer deep historical lessons beyond just surface-level beauty, hold immense value, and I truly hope they are preserved for generations to come.
Former Shizutani School
Nestled in a tranquil valley in Bizen, the Former Shizutani School is a rare architectural gem and the world's oldest public school for commoners. Featuring a National Treasure lecture hall adorned with shimmering Bizen-yaki tiles and surrounded by masterful stone walls, this historic site offers a profound look into Japan’s early pursuit of education, set against a backdrop of ancient trees and serene, mossy landscapes.
A Surprise Encounter with Authentic Katanas
After returning to the guesthouse for dinner, I was treated to an incredible surprise. My hosts actually brought out three highly valuable, authentic Japanese swords for me to examine.
It was my very first time seeing real katanas up close, making it a spectacular end to an already fascinating day.
