I’d always known about Okayama too, but this was actually my first time visiting, and it turned out to be so good! Korakuen and Okayama Castle were lovely of course, but discovering these lesser-known places made the trip even more special.
I have only recently read “Sweet bean paste” by Durian Sukagawa, which also tackles the Hansen malady (you wouldn’t have said from the title). I was truly touched to find out the moving history behind and how tough it was on those concerned. What a coincidence to read about it in the itinerary… (sounds great, thanks for sharing!)
I must admit, I actually didn’t know about Sweet Bean Paste before—though the topic itself is often briefly referenced in various books and films.
Learning more about it really showed me how deeply rooted the stigma around Hansen’s disease was, and how much there still is to understand and learn from that history.
Yes, the garden was so good and I loved it too! And there’s definitely much more to see, so please do visit again. I really enjoyed the Noh experience and the dagashi experience, and Nagashima was something I didn’t know much about before, so it was especially interesting.
I've always wanted to visit Okayama. Maybe this is the inspiration I finally need.
I’d always known about Okayama too, but this was actually my first time visiting, and it turned out to be so good! Korakuen and Okayama Castle were lovely of course, but discovering these lesser-known places made the trip even more special.
I have only recently read “Sweet bean paste” by Durian Sukagawa, which also tackles the Hansen malady (you wouldn’t have said from the title). I was truly touched to find out the moving history behind and how tough it was on those concerned. What a coincidence to read about it in the itinerary… (sounds great, thanks for sharing!)
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Thank you so much for this thoughtful comment!
I must admit, I actually didn’t know about Sweet Bean Paste before—though the topic itself is often briefly referenced in various books and films.
Learning more about it really showed me how deeply rooted the stigma around Hansen’s disease was, and how much there still is to understand and learn from that history.
The only thing I have ever visited in Okayama is the castle and its famous garden. As Thomas says I'm inspired to visit and see more.
Yes, the garden was so good and I loved it too! And there’s definitely much more to see, so please do visit again. I really enjoyed the Noh experience and the dagashi experience, and Nagashima was something I didn’t know much about before, so it was especially interesting.