# @cieekyoto on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DVuZQecjzrr
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/59070855-cieekyoto-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/2119e9f966.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-03-11T00:59:44.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** CIEE Kyoto (@cieekyoto) — https://gondola.cc/cieekyoto

## Caption

Kobe Overnight: a roadtrip to see castles, shrines and costal sights 🏯🚌 

Last Friday, our Open Campus Block II students kicked off their overnight trip with a bus ride from Kyoto to Himeji, making a stop at a Japanese highway service area along the way. These rest stops are a little more luxurious than your typical gas station, with full food courts, souvenir shops, and regional snacks. A perfect chance to stretch their legs, grab lunch, and experience a unique part of Japanese road trip culture.
 
After arriving in Himeji, students explored the famous Himeji Castle with local guides, learning about its 400-year history and the clever defensive design that helped protect the castle during the samurai era. Often called the “White Heron Castle,” its bright white walls and elegant silhouette make it one of Japan’s most recognizable landmarks. As they walked through the castle grounds and climbed through the historic interior, students got a closer look at the architecture and design that helped the fortress survive wars, earthquakes, and even World War II bombings.
 
The evening brought the group to Kobe, where students checked into their hotel and had time to relax and enjoy the seaside surroundings before the next day’s activities.
 
Day two began with a visit to Ikuta Shrine, one of Kobe’s oldest Shinto shrines. Known for blessings related to relationships and good connections, the shrine sits right in the middle of the city while still offering a peaceful atmosphere to experience traditional Japanese culture. After the visit, students had free time to explore Kobe on their own before heading back to Kyoto.

Not a bad way to spend a weekend in Kansai.😉
 
Students, what was your favorite part of the trip?
 
We are so excited to take the rest of you! 
 
#ciee #cieekyoto #studyabroad #himejicastle #kobe

## Stats

- **Views:** 36
- **Likes:** 11
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 0

## Credits

| Name | Username | Profile | Role |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| CIEE Kyoto | @cieekyoto | https://gondola.cc/cieekyoto | Brand |
| Mya Lillemoen | @myachuntao | https://gondola.cc/myachuntao | Creator |

## Tags

cieekyoto, studyabroad, kobe, himejicastle, ciee

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