Sushi Bar Avanza and Highball

After an enriching afternoon wandering through Himeji's vibrant Miyuki-dori shopping street, I found myself planning to wait until nightfall to capture the perfect illuminated shots of Himeji Castle. The covered arcade provided a pleasant respite from the heat as I browsed through shops offering everything from traditional crafts to modern fashion. When my legs finally needed a break, I decided to grab a beer and some snacks near JR Himeji Station.

I discovered Sushi Bar Avanza (AVANZAR), a charming little spot just 183 meters from Himeji Station. This cozy sushi bar, operated by the Himeji Central Wholesale Market Fisheries Wholesale Cooperative, had an intriguing Layton Blue storefront that resembled a café-bar. What drew me in was their reputation for serving fresh seafood directly sourced from the local market, making it an authentic taste of Himeji's maritime heritage.

The standing-style counter seating created an intimate atmosphere perfect for solo travelers like myself. I settle prepared sushi, each piece showcasing the quality of locally caught fish. The restaurant's unique positioning as a seafood wholesale cooperative venture meant I was experiencing the freshest possible ingredients, straight from Himeji's fish market to my plate.

As evening approached and I savored my meal, I could feel the anticipation building for the castle photography session ahead.