Okayama first day

The bus from Hiroshima to Okayama took 2 hours - on the way out of the city I took this quick shot of plain clothes police getting ready for the G7 meeting.

The hotel was a bit tired and in dire need of redecoration but it had free hot and cold drinks 24/7 and free mini milk ice creams!

We spent the afternoon visiting a castle and the gardens - a repeat of yesterday's itinerary but different enough. I did complain in the castle because, unlike at Hiroshima castle there were no English translations on any exhibits. (I didn't really get anywhere.)

Okayama castle by the river;

The Koraku-en gardens are one of the top 3 in Japan.

This was weird - two young men photographing these dolls. They spent ages brushing the doll's hair and positioning them. I couldn't help but go and have a chat. It is a hobby which is big in Asia and growing in the west apparently. Photos are posted on Flickr and other websites and commented on. The dolls have 'manga eyes'.

Another entertaining evening meal - a quick ramen place where all the staff (including the potwash out the back) shouted a greeting when customers came in and a goodbye and thank you when customers got up to leave - at the top of their voices!