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This week’s B ME Bites Trivia Question:

Welcome to edition #65 of B ME Bites! This stretch of the Japan adventure was all about slowing down — well, as much as we ever do! We traded bear alarms for castle climbs, rose gardens, and a riverside bath that almost made us forget how much we’d packed into the week. Between kind hosts, surprise comforts, and one very blissful soak, we finally started to feel human again… and ready for whatever the road threw at us next 😉

(Reminder: B ME Bites is now landing in inboxes fortnightly - well mostly 😉 - while its new sister newsletter, Effortlessly Organic Living, takes the opposite week.)

Japan Adventures Part 5 – Castles, Gardens and Countryside Comforts

Where ancient beauty meets modern kindness on Japan’s open road

From peaceful gardens and majestic castles to roadside roses and riverside relaxation — this week’s journey through central Japan blended timeless culture with everyday kindness in the most beautiful ways.

🏯 Castles, Gardens and Countryside Comforts

The next leg of our journey took us toward Nagoya, with plenty to explore along the way.

Our first stop was Okayama, home to one of Japan’s “Three Great Gardens” — Kōraku-en Garden. On the drive there, we stumbled upon one of the most memorable Michi-no-Eki (roadside rest stops) in all of Japan: Rose Mind Fukuyama 🌹

Imagine walking through a rest stop that feels like a rose festival — blooms from every corner of the world, labelled with their names and origins. Even the signage, décor, and local products were infused with the rose theme. What made it truly special was discovering later that “Rose Mind” is more than a name — it’s Fukuyama’s post-WWII philosophy of rebuilding through kindness and community, symbolised by roses planted after the city’s destruction. The idea has since blossomed into a movement for peace and compassion — a message that felt right at home in this journey.

This was also the first time we saw a “Dog Run” area — Japan’s version of a dedicated dog park. Once we noticed it, we started spotting them everywhere. The Japanese really do think of everyone — even the four-legged family members! 🐶

Arriving at Kōraku-en Garden, we instantly understood why it’s ranked among Japan’s finest. Strolling through the vast landscape felt like stepping back in time. The garden, first built in 1700 for the local daimyo (feudal lord), is designed around ponds, bridges, tea houses, and seasonal flower displays that shift with the months. Groves of ancient trees, their branches propped up by wooden supports, framed views of distant Okayama Castle — known as “Crow Castle” for its striking black exterior. Turtles and koi glided through the ponds, and every turn revealed another breathtaking vista.

As we left the garden, we passed a couple dressed in full traditional wedding attire. At least we think it was. That’s our story and we’re sticking to it. It was a hot day and the bride was probably sweltering, but she looked beautiful in her kimono, shimmering under the summer sun — a surreal and beautiful end to a peaceful afternoon.

🏡 A Night in Himeji

Next stop: Himeji, where Japan’s most iconic castle awaited. Because there were no campsites nearby, we booked a night in an Airbnb — a decision that turned into yet another heartwarming story.

Our host, Hiroyuki, greeted us with genuine warmth. When we realised our motorhome (affectionately named Snow Panda) wouldn’t fit down his narrow driveway, he waved away our worries and directed us to park on an empty lot across the road. We were hesitant, but he assured us it was fine — and it was.

The next morning, his lovely wife prepared a homemade breakfast and introduced us to a clever pour-over coffee system — a simple wire frame that holds a filter right over your cup. Who knew we’d learn new coffee tricks in Japan? ☕

During my sunrise walk, I noticed a metal tower topped with what looked like air horns. When I asked about it, Hiroyuki explained it was a tsunami warning tower — which was a bit alarming, (see what I did there? Sorry, not sorry! 😀 ) right after surviving bear warnings in Hiroshima! Between earthquakes, bears, and tsunamis, Japan keeps you humble.

Their garden was lovely, full of greenery and character — and even their clotheslines fascinated me. Unlike Australia’s fixed lines, theirs were mobile, thick, and adjustable. Just one of the many small differences that make travel so interesting.

When it came time to leave, our hosts waved us off, snapping a photo of Snow Panda — their first motorhome guest. We’ll never forget their kindness.

🏯 Himeji Castle – The White Heron

Himeji Castle (nicknamed Shirasagi-jō, or “White Heron Castle”) is one of Japan’s 12 original castles to survive wars, earthquakes, and time itself — and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its white plastered walls and elegant, wing-like design, it’s widely considered Japan’s most beautiful castle.

When we arrived, a line of volunteer guides greeted visitors. These locals offer free tours to share the castle’s rich history — and we highly recommend them. We didn’t have half a day to spare, so we requested an “express tour.” Our guide smiled politely (and maybe skeptically), but agreed. Even in that short time, she gave us an incredible glimpse into samurai life, secret passages, and the castle’s ingenious defensive architecture — like narrow stairways and hidden spaces where soldiers once waited in ambush.

Tip: allow at least half a day to fully explore. The main keep alone has six floors, and the views from the top are stunning.

🌲 Riverside Bliss at Neo Camping Park

We arrived just in time — and instantly fell in love. Neo Camping Park, located just north of Nagoya, sits along a crystal-clear river, surrounded by forest. The friendly staff guided us to our campsite, right on the water’s edge.

After a week of adventure, dust, and humidity, we discovered the park’s hidden gem: a private family bathhouse (sentō-style). Though not a natural hot-spring onsen, the bathroom was beautifully designed: a shower area where you wash, followed by a large square shallow pool like structure filled with hot water flowing in continuously. The space was more than comfortable — large enough for six people — so with just two of us, it felt like a spa that we couldn’t believe was included. Our travel weary bodies sure did love that bath!

We fell asleep to the sound of the river, grateful for every creature comfort. And yes — being reminded that “there are bears here too!” while settling in meant our midnight toilet runs were far less restful than the bath itself.

🌸 Travel Lessons So Far

• Every journey has its rhythm — slow days can be the most restorative.

• Beauty often hides in the ordinary — like roses at a roadside stop.

• Hospitality is universal. Whether it’s a cup of coffee or a riverside bath, kindness lingers.

💬 Have you ever found unexpected peace in a place you least expected?

🔦 Next Up

From Castles to Canals: Kanazawa, Nagoya and the Road North
We’ll dive into samurai districts, golden gardens, and one very determined Pokémon quest before heading into Japan’s northern wonders.

In Case You Missed It: B ME HQ Weekly Recap

Effortlessly Organic Living 3: Get the S.T.E.P.S Book (Free PDF) — Low-Tox on a Budget

Edition #3 shared a free PDF of S.T.E.P.S Towards Organic Living – Low-Tox on a Budget 🌿 — a simple, budget-friendly guide to start your low-tox journey without overwhelm.

👉 Grab your free copy here 

🌅 B ME Sunrise Bite of the Week:

Day 66 brought moonlight instead of sunlight 🌕 — proof that even grey mornings can glow. Peaceful skies, bear-zone vibes, and one magical moment at Mominoki Forest Campground.

🎥 Watch “Moonrise Over Sunrise at Mominoki Forest” on YouTube

📺 Explore the full journey on the B ME Sunrise Bites YouTube Playlist
(Remember to hit subscribe!)

🎯Weekly Challenge

This week’s stories were about slowing down, noticing beauty, and appreciating simple comforts — a reminder that “rest” is part of progress.

🌿 Your mission, if you choose to accept it:

Find one small moment this week to pause, breathe, and appreciate where you are — even if it’s just five quiet minutes with a cup of tea. The journey matters as much as the destination.

If you need some help, feel free to hit reply - let’s help you get started if you’re stuck!

B ME Bites is deliberately sent on a Friday morning (Aussie time) so that where ever you are in the world, you have the weekend to give yourself the gift of implementing a small change towards a better you. What will that small change be? Is there a change that you have been trying to make and haven’t yet succeeded? Give it another go, applying the above - you can do it!

Resource Roundup

Below is a resource list that has been created with you in mind. Whenever something new that could be helpful is discovered or created, it’s added to the list, so check it out from time to time. If you’re strapped for time, once you open the page below, click on Resource List in the top menu, then click on the “Health Tools” link for a list of items that could be helpful on your path to a better you.

The answer to this week’s trivia question is:

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Until next week, keep taking one S.T.E.P.S step at a time! (If you missed the issue explaining The S.T.E.P.S Formula, you can check that out here)

Warm regards,

Shari Ware Chief Encouragement Officer at B ME Bites

PS - Here’s a little Friday funny for you!

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