Mitsu & Murotsu, Hyogo Prefecture

'Tis the season for plum blossoms so last week my husband and I headed off to Hyogo Prefecture to visit two famous plum blossom orchards. Sadly, we didn't have much luck because the plum blossoms were only at about 10% - about three weeks behind. However, we enjoyed visiting the Mitsu Roadside Station with its local produce and spectacular view, and Murotsu, the fishing village famous for oysters just down the road. Yes, the weather was miserable but still, we had a great time!

The view from Mitsu Roadside Station

The small fishing village of Murotsu

These were hanging everywhere! The cost? Between 350 and 400 yen per set of four fish. (In Canadian money, that's between $3.50 and $4.00 per set.)

It was cold and drizzling but these young men were busy preparing oysters for sale. They had quite the system set up! (Noisy too!)

We didn't see many people as we walked through Mutsuro but there were boots everywhere!

After visiting the local temple, we wandered down a side path and came across this small temple/lookout. We were welcomed by two elderly locals who had been sitting there chatting, and they pointed out various islands and engaged in small talk. So kind!

The view!