Drove to Kurayoshi in neighbouring Tottori Prefecture on the next morning.  By the time we parked the car it started drizzling. 

Utsubuki Koen (Park)

Symbol of Kurayoshi and a top 100 sakura spot. It was opened in 1904 (in Meji-era) by the Taisho emperor when he was a Prince.

While sakura was in peak blossom, there were not many visitors on a weekday.

 

 

Kurayoshi white-walled houses

Strolled around the old town area with white-walled houses. Had casual lunch before heading to nearby Misasa onsen town for hotel checkin. 

There are several types of onsen to enjoy. Dinner was sumptuous and delicious.

 

 

Misasa onsen (三朝温泉)

Famous for high radon contents with healing effects.

 

 

On next morning checked out and headed south to Maniwa, Okayama Prefecture.  Dropped by Mikamo which used to be along the road to Izumo. 

 

Mikamo sakura (美甘宿場桜)

The Somei-Yoshino sakura was grown along a dyke. Just a few visitors and we left in less than an hour heading into Tsuyama city for 2 days. 

 

 

==========>  Okayama  ==========>