Japan

Post-Trip Notes

Japan is the "Land of the Rising Sun," and after a 15-hour flight we found ourselves in a totally different time zone and world. The culture, language, food, history, and beauty were part of every day. There were many moments of sheer awe and delight! Where to begin to share… Our guide spoke excellent English, was welcoming, fun, and very experienced in leading tours. We were in very capable hands for the next 13 days.

I will name a few of my highlights:

• We began our tour visiting Fukagawa Fudo Temple. As we approached, a wedding procession was in progress, an unplanned opportunity to view the bride and groom dressed in traditional clothing, with the priest leading and a long line of guests. What a surprise to witness!
• The boat ride across Lake Ashi and staying at the beautiful lakeside resort of Hakone. I wanted to stay longer walking the paths along the lake.
• Taking a cable car to view Mt. Fuji. There was no snow on top at this time.
• Climbing the steep steps inside the "Crow Castle" with its striking black exterior. (We became comfortable with removing our shoes and wearing our socks inside.)
• The beauty of the Japanese Alps and the beginning of the changing of the leaves into oranges and golds.
• The 600-year-old morning market in Takayama has put new meaning into our "Farmers Market" here in Wisconsin.
• Viewing very tall (over a story high) hand-carved floats used twice a year for festivals at Matsuri Yatai Kaikan.
• Climbing the steps to the shrine on the same street and witnessing a ceremony similar to a religious baptism with the parents, grandmother, and baby. Again, an unplanned event we were there to see.
• Hearing the drums and music and being totally awestruck at seeing a Dragon procession at one of the shrines. At least 15 to 20 men wove down the street with the huge dragon head and long body dancing and weaving right in front of us. It was unbelievable to see!
• Visiting a tea house behind the Tokyo National Museum, removing our shoes, sitting on the floor, and enjoying being served tea and dessert. (OK, I didn't actually sit on the cushion; they offered a small chair and I took it.) It was a setting of traditional rooms with paper-thin movable walls, bamboo floor coverings, and painted gold designs on the walls… everything was absolutely beautiful!
• Walking through 25 acres of Japan's most stunning gardens in Takayama, absolute beauty.
• An enjoyable workshop diving into the ancient craft of gold leaf making, with a hands-on lesson decorating our very own lacquer box! We selected the decal and painted over it with gold. What a precious gift I have to enjoy!
• Every day offered new surprises, and the weather was perfect, sunny in the low 70s. There was a great deal of walking, and I was glad I brought along three pairs of comfortable shoes. In addition, some of us enjoyed the relaxing tradition of bathing in VERY hot water from the volcanic hot springs. Highly recommend!
• In Kyoto we had a cooking lesson and demonstration on sushi (my sushi was a bit fat but delicious), and we learned to fold origami shapes. The Women's Association of Kyoto was a group of women who were so joyful and happy to teach us; it was a heartwarming evening. Afterwards, five of our teachers stood outside and waved to us as we departed.
• We visited several shrines, but the one that amazed me was Fushimi Inari Taisha. The rows of orange torii gates, over 3,000 of them, were spectacular! We walked up the side of a mountain beneath these huge, tall orange gates, which were donated to recognize prayers answered. A breathtaking experience!
• We had free time to wander on our own, and I always felt safe and comfortable. Our guide gave us options for places to eat, foods to try, and shops to visit.
• We took the bullet train from Kyoto to Hiroshima. What a comfortable way to travel, with very spacious seats. Everything in Japan is very clean, on time, and well organized.
• Once in Hiroshima we took a ferry to the "Shrine Island," then visited the Peace Memorial Park. Most touching for me was the Children's Peace Monument. I rang the bell and placed a paper crane in a box with thousands of donated cranes. It was a powerful moment of remembering this horrific tragedy. As a member of the Fond du Lac Morning Rotary, I saw the plaque in front of the Peace Pond recognizing the donation from Rotary International, and I was proud of our peace efforts as an organization.
• On the last day of our tour we visited a monk at Koshoji Temple. He led us in meditation and held a question-and-answer session to help us understand his life and commitment to the care of this ancient temple. Afterwards we sat at low tables and enjoyed the ancient art of the tea ceremony. The five women who served us wore lovely kimonos and demonstrated how to make the tea and drink it.
• We had a free afternoon of shopping and relaxing, and then our farewell dinner. We met a geisha in training and watched her graceful dance. Afterwards she answered questions about her chosen lifestyle.

So many great memories were created! What a tour! It was a real gift to be with our "Someday" travelers. We made a "Someday" happen!!!