Raikyu-ji Temple

If you find yourself in Bitchu Takahashi with time on your hands (waiting for your chartered taxi to the local castle, perhaps), check out the gardens at the Raikyu-ji Temple. Designed by Kobori Enshu, one of Kyoto's renowned garden architects, the dry garden is a beautiful collection of raked stones, stone lanterns and azalea bushes that burst into color in May. The temple is a 10-15 minute walk from the Bitchu Takahashi station and costs ¥300.