13 Abruatsu - Japan

The Diamond Princess glided gently into the Port of Aburatsu just after dawn, threading her way between lush, emerald hills. A soft mist clung to the hilltops, curling and drifting as if reluctant to let the morning begin. It felt like we were sailing into a hidden corner of Japan, far removed from the rush of modern life.

After breakfast, we stepped ashore—and as if on cue, the sun broke through the cloud. A shuttle bus dropped us near the banks of the Horikawa Canal, where the water reflected the brightening sky and the town moved at an unhurried pace. Aburatsu felt wonderfully sleepy, the sort of place where time stretches and nobody seems in a hurry.

On a whim, we decided to venture further and caught a local bus bound for the Obi Castle ruins, about thirty minutes away. The journey itself was a pleasure, rolling through quiet countryside until we arrived in Obi—a small, beautifully preserved town set along the banks of the Sakatani River.

Obi is immaculate. Every house appears lovingly maintained, with manicured gardens that seem almost too perfect to be real. There’s a deep sense of calm here; the streets are hushed, the air fresh, and the pace ideal for slow wandering. As we explored, we came across a narrow causeway alive with flashes of colour—dozens of vibrant koi carp gliding gracefully through the clear water below.

The ruins of Obi Castle date back to the samurai era, and though much of the original structure has faded into history, the grounds still carry a quiet dignity. A small samurai museum houses beautifully preserved armour and weapons, offering a tangible link to Japan’s feudal past. The surrounding gardens, filled with carefully pruned trees and sculpted shrubs, invite you to linger.

Later, while wandering the near-empty streets, we stumbled upon the charming Tea House Hattoritei. Following tradition, we slipped off our shoes at the door before stepping inside. The warm welcome was immediate. Seated in the calm of this traditional setting, we savoured tea and coffee in peaceful silence—a simple moment, but one that perfectly captured the gentle rhythm of this delightful town.

Aburatsu and Obi may not be headline destinations, but that’s precisely their charm. They offer something rarer: authenticity, tranquillity, and the quiet pleasure of discovery.