tag:sightseeing.in-japan.jp,2008://5 2008-01-07T13:41:38Z Sightseeing In Japan - A Foreigner's Guide to Vacation, Travel, and Sightseeing in Japan. Ancient and Modern Japanese History, Culture, Architecture, Nature, and more! Movable Type 3.33 tag:sightseeing.in-japan.jp,2008://5.298 2008-01-04T03:28:45Z 2008-01-07T13:41:38Z

I stumbled upon a rare sight whilst walking along the front of Starbucks at the Hachiko crossing.

Anonymous I stumbled upon a rare sight whilst walking along the front of Starbucks at the Hachiko crossing. It was nothing unusual at first as I noticed a group of young, trendy girls having a quick cigarette by the roadside. Soon, my view cleared up and I saw these girls standing by two baby strollers. It was my first experience seeing a “Shibuya Mummy” let alone a Shibuya "Gyaru” mother! For those who are unfamiliar with the slangs of the j-folk, the word “Gyaru” is a katakanised version of the English word “girl” used to describe heavily made-up, brown haired, Japanese girls. These Shibuya mothers walk around with their strollers, a cigarette in hand constantly blowing smoke right in their children's faces. Shocking isn’t it? Well after living in Tokyo for a few years, sights like these often lose their shock value. I was fascinated with these tiny "real life dolls" who were exact replicas of their mothers. These funked-up baby models even had dyed hair like their bigger counterparts. If having children were as trendy as it looked then Japan might possibly have found a way to solve its aging population crisis. The marketing giants of the city should just promote kids as a must have hot accessory for the next season…]]> tag:sightseeing.in-japan.jp,2007://5.297 2007-12-22T06:20:28Z 2007-12-25T01:16:24Z

So I meet this dude Yoji on my first expedition to the communal lounge, and he asks if I want to go check out the red light district, just a block or so east.

Sack Wedde I knew I was gonna get my mind freakin’ blown upon finally making it to Japan. But you can never predict mind-blowing and just how incredible it is, no matter how much you prepare. I thought I had a decent grasp, I got over my mild panic upon first stepping into Kansai airport in a matter of one pack of cheap smokes. The train was easy enough to figure with my pidgin Japanese, and the walk to the hotel was harmless, despite the sudden realisation I was in a ghetto, with my pack, blue eyes and blonde hair acting as a sign round my neck that said very clearly for everyone – ‘tourist.’ So I meet this dude Yoji on my first expedition to the communal lounge, and he asks if I want to go check out the red light district, just a block or so east. I’m feeling consciously naïve so I say yes but not before I go stash my substantial funds for the week back in my room. Paranoia. Trust is something my sleepless brain won’t give, despite his assertion that “safe safe very safe,” and his honest face. He explains that he is a photographer, and he’s come here to take pictures of the city, I roll him a cigarette (a stash I keep as it’s a rarity in Japan) and notice he doesn’t have his camera. Why? He answers as we turn the corner into the Geisha town. Gesturing to the building on the corner I see a Bentley and a Merc parked side by side, all black, tinted windows, with a sign by the garage door that says in Japanese “Do Not Feed The Dogs.” He explains that he saw the dogs earlier that afternoon being taken for a walk, “They weren’t dogs. They were bears.” I look back towards the hotel. “No photos. Here, we are watched as much as we watch.” I miss my bed. Painted lanterns signpost a couple hundred different openings all up and down the street. Ornate curtains form an A-frame round the open doorways where Mum (?) sits to the side and beckons you in. Up on raised platforms, under layers of beautiful fabrics or blankets, and further layers of stunning kimono sit the most gorgeous Girls (?) I have yet seen, in my admittedly short life. The whole scene is fanatastical, straight out of 16th century Japan. Im lost for words, and the banter Koji and I had going suddenly (on my part) cuts. Out. And then out of the blue, my mind gets blown. The most Japanese sight, of my life. I peer into just another opening. And I see Mrs. Claus. Red short shorts and bikini top with fluffy white trim and a freakin’ jolly floppy hat with a big furry bauble. My mouth is still an ’O’ when I think about it. I made it back to the hotel eventually, on shaky legs, and sat around with cheap sake and anything but cheap new friends of a night to calm myself. There’s a combination of tradition and modernity that seems to permeate Japanese life, but I’m yet to see it anywhere so clearly as I did that night. That night my new friends told me Shinsekai is the largest ghetto in Japan. I think its like Coney Island got into a fight with the city streets of Bladerunner, and the aftermath that no one got round to sorting out became Shinsekai. Its beautiful. Pachinko has taken over most main streets, and there’s nothing more hectic than the sound of a million ringing bells, and a million cigarette butts screaming out a cacophony of hope. But down all of the little alleys there’s a goldmine of Mom ‘n’ Pop ‘n’ Yakuza restaurants (that all double up later on as karaoke bars), it takes some nerve and sign language but it is “safe safe very safe.” And there’s not much better than Eel killed and prepared in front of you while some old drunk businessman belts out the most heartfelt rendition of Purple Rain you ever heard. ]]> tag:sightseeing.in-japan.jp,2007://5.294 2007-12-02T07:33:28Z 2007-12-03T01:40:52Z

As a foreigner living in Japan I am constantly in awe of my surroundings. From the mundane to the spectacular, I am always in the presence of what I consider beauty. Nowhere are these differences made more apparent then in Japan's relationship with it's own history.

Hanuman Welch It's not everyday that you wake up and realize that you have over a dozen World Heritage Sites in your backyard. UNESCO assigns natural and cultural sites World Heritage status every year around the world. What makes Japan particularly special is its high concentration of sites. Doting the landscape from Kyushu to Hokkaido, Japan is one of the most culturally relevant countries on the planet. As a foreigner living in Japan I am constantly in awe of my surroundings. From the mundane to the spectacular, I am always in the presence of what I consider beauty. Nowhere are these differences made more apparent then in Japan's relationship with it's own history. A civilization with a richer and more sophisticated history then my own; I often find myself marveling at Japan's longevity. Japan treats it's history with reverence. Specifically, the World Heritage Sites. They are utilized as functioning organisms dedicated to the preservation of Japan's past. One of the most impressive of these sites is Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture. Established in 782 by Shodo Shonin, Rinno -Ji is the oldest temple in all of Nikko. Nikko itself is a vast natural landscape housing some of the oldest and most famous temples in Japan. One of the largest attractions for temple aficionados is the Nikko Tosho-Gu, the tomb of the Shogun Tokugawa. What really sets Nikko apart from other World Heritage Sites is it's seemingly effortless blending of architecture and nature. The Japanese venerate nature as much as any organized religion. So it is no surprise that Nikko blends both the natural and the manmade with such impressive resonance. Nikko's temple system is also one of the few that incorporates both Shinto and Buddhist temples constructed side by side. Kegon Falls and Lake Chūzenji are two of Nikko's most brilliant natural attractions. Kegon Falls is one of the three most famous waterfalls in Japan. Lake Chūzenji feeds the falls as well as provide Nikko with a hydro-electric power source. Nikko is the third largest city in Japan, in terms of sheer area. Nikko is a day trip, but be prepared for an all day excursion. Nikko is as beautiful as it is vast.Taking all of this into consideration as well as Nikko's infamous wild monkey and deer population should be reason enough for a visit. Also, bring a jacket. Nikko's elevation lends itself to a climate similar to that of Hokkaido. Enjoy.]]> tag:sightseeing.in-japan.jp,2007://5.290 2007-10-29T20:01:44Z 2007-10-30T22:45:06Z

Yumi looked at me head on - her dark brown eyes glistened in the overhead florescent lighting. She stirred my drink ever so slowly, ever so gently, in a clockwise motion. Once around…twice…now three times. She bends my straw…she removes the covering…

Ben Whaley bwhaleyjapan.blogspot.com It started out as a trip with Doshisha University students to Osaka Castle and other sightseeing areas around the city. I enjoy these joint sightseeing trips because they are a great opportunity to speak Japanese; however, walking around a crowded city with a group of indecisive students always proves to be trouble. A group of us went to the “electric town” area of Osaka, but didn’t manage to make it into a single electronics shop due to inter-group indecision. We finally ended up at the technologically innovative McDonald’s and ate special edition fries flavored with spicy basil. At least the fries were spot on. The Doshisha University students (probably the male ones) decided that we should all go to a maid café after our sightseeing was done. However, since our group was entirely too big to fit into one small café, we played simultaneous sudden death matches of “jan-ken-pon” (rock-paper-scissors) to decide who would go to which café (there were several in our immediate vicinity, since we were knee-deep in Osaka’s pervert district). I remember the Japanese jan-ken-pon method for deciding things from my first trip to Japan way back when I was a middle-schooler. My opinion on the subject has not changed since then, namely, for my money, Rock-paper-scissors ties with ancient Chinese oracle bone divination as the most idiotic way to decide something. No matter who you are with, it always goes something like this: Everyone huddles around in a circle and throws their choice. If you win, you keep playing – if you lose, you keep playing. After about 10 rounds, to see all the different permutations that can arise between rock, paper, and scissors in a circle of 12, everyone wears stupefied looks on their faces until someone arbitrarily numbers the group members off into smaller sections. Our jan-ken-pon decision making had us standing in a circle in front of a Chinese grocery store for 15 minutes. My group ascended a staircase to the second floor of a nearby building and entered our maid café. You can best imagine a maid café by first picturing a Starbucks where, instead of the green apron-clad baristas, you have young, attractive Japanese females who wear revealing, doily-laden, black and white maid costumes. Also, instead of Starbucks’s signature compilation CDs and wireless hotspots, you can peruse picture books and hand written diaries in sparkly pink and purple colors that feature candid photos and writings from the 20-something year old maids designed to tempt to hearts of socially awkward men. Our maid’s name was Yumi, and according to her sparkly pink picture and profile on the wall, she liked shopping and puppy dogs. Some other Stanford Center kids said they were hit by a "wave of perversion" upon entering the café and started to feel sick to their stomachs, but honestly, I didn’t really want to leave. How can you not love a place where, upon entering, your own personal maid puts her arm around you and escorts you to a table, all the while making small talk in that high pitched squeaky Japanese schoolgirl voice? Just like Cheers – where everybody knows your name! My iced café ole cost six dollars – a small price to pay when you consider that it was personally delivered and prepared by a maid. I rang a tiny green plastic bell and Yumi came over to serve me. She bent down to meet me at eye-level (a difficult task because I was seated in between two other students). “Say stop.” The words fluttered from her puffy, pink lips as she began to pour the sugar syrup into my drink. I heard myself say “stop,” when I yearned to say, “Longer, longer, don’t stop Yumi, don’t stop, more, more, MORE!!!” Yumi looked at me head on - her dark brown eyes glistened in the overhead florescent lighting. She stirred my drink ever so slowly, ever so gently, in a clockwise motion. Once around…twice…now three times. She bends my straw…she removes the covering…I'm done. I was already coming down from my high when Yumi started with the student seated to my left. Then – heartbreak! A middle-aged man on the other side of the café orders some sort of huge ice cream banana parfait. Yumi winks at him slyly with one leg raised as she puts her hands together with index fingers extended. “Bishoooo” she squeals as she shoots an invisible charm from her fingertips across the café towards the banana parfait man. The banana parfait man catches the invisible bolt in his fist and says “Arigato.” What was that!? I clench my fists. Yumi, I thought we had something special babe, I thought we made a connection. I could be wrong, but that clockwise stirring thing went beyond the simple call of the job, the textbook training in how to prepare a caffeinated beverage. That stirring touched me, and now I can’t rid myself of your spell. I watched Yumi deliver the mountainous parfait to the middle-aged man as I sipped my café ole. I finished the drink, but at that point, I couldn’t even taste the sugar syrup anymore. B.E.W.]]> tag:sightseeing.in-japan.jp,2007://5.286 2007-10-15T12:45:41Z 2007-10-16T01:21:08Z

Senso-Ji temple is a perfect example. Tucked away in a sedate corner of Taito, the temple perfectly encapsulates all that is modern day Japan.

Hanuman Welch Seriously. I have been to Tokyo enough times to feel comfortable finding my way on the JR and the local subway lines. I know which spots in Shinjuku to avoid and where to go to get an amazing bowl of ramen. This city, though, always finds a way to leave me stunned and gawking; with my mouth hanging open like a fresh off the plane gaijin. Senso-Ji temple is a perfect example. Tucked away in a sedate corner of Taito, the temple perfectly encapsulates all that is modern day Japan. The temple is nestled in the neighborhood of Asakusa, and it is sometimes erroneously referred to as Asakusa temple, as opposed to Senso-ji. The temple is the oldest in all of Tokyo and one of it's most significant. The temple is devoted to the bodhisattva Kannon, as well as being attached to an adjacent Shinto shrine. The temple was almost completely destroyed during WWII and was rebuilt after the war. This subsequent rebuilding had come to symbolize Japan's rebirth in the post-war era. Serving to further the temple's symbolic relevance; a tree that was devastated during a bombing raid in WWII; has since had a new tree grow in its place, using the burned out husk as a new home. Probably the most famous image associated with the temple is the "thunder gate". The tremendous paper lantern that ornaments Senso-Ji's main gate is about as post-card worthy as you can get. The dramatic contrast of black ink on red paper is meant to represent the heavenly spectacle of lightening ripping through thunder-clouds. Kaminari-mon can not be missed by anyone visiting the temple. After passing through the main thunder gate, visitors are faced with teeming vendor stalls. Selling everything from kimonos, toys, daruma figures, tempura, soba, and virtually every other form of Omiyage known to man. These stalls have been doing exactly this type of business for centuries. The temple also houses the ever ubiquitous omikuji stalls. For a small price tourists can consult the gods for advice, fortune, and luck. A visit to any temple is never complete without a detour to one of these. Senso-ji perfectly defines the present state of Japan. An emotioanlly stirring juxtaposition of old and new. Ancientness and modernity existing in perfect harmony. The centuries of yesterday slowly baking in the neon glow of the Tokyo of tomorrow. An amazing temple and an easy, welcome pit stop in the tangle of Tokyo. Enjoy.]]> tag:sightseeing.in-japan.jp,2007://5.280 2007-09-04T03:00:48Z 2007-09-05T02:54:34Z

Going from Toon City (Shikoku) to Maizuru City (Kyoto-ken) for the ferry to Otaru City (Hokkaido) was my first challenge. Roughly 450 kilometers with a fully loaded bike.

Klaus D. Orth http://virtulanguage.com 12 days Hokkaido motorcycle touring are over - lots of memories remain. Let me share some of them with you. Going from Toon City (Shikoku) to Maizuru City (Kyoto-ken) for the ferry to Otaru City (Hokkaido) was my first challenge. Roughly 450 kilometers with a fully loaded bike. At Otaru I stayed at a friend's place, who is a log house builder. From there I went to Wakkanai, my home for two nights, enjoying the nature, great food, talking to other bikers and visiting places like Cape Soya, with Russia's Sakhalin island 43 kilometers away. Wakkanai to Shiretoko National Park past Lake Saroma was next. Long, straight roads with little traffic, along the coastline everything that makes a biker's heart beat faster. Two nights at the Raussu camp ground, watching wildlife, enjoying the Aidomari Onsen, and meeting more biker friends. From Raussu to Nemuro and Cape Nossapu on my way to Lake Akan. Meeting and talking with native Japanese, the Ainu - another great experience - less great the stay at the Biker's House! Lake Akan covered in clouds but I did see "Marimo", many of them sold to tourists are imported from Russia or "handmade". The next morning I left for Kushiro, spending two days there because of a typhoon. Visiting the city, seeing the Shitsugen Marsh, eating crab and departing for Kamifurano. Another 2 nights at a very nice campground, looking at lavender and sunflowers fields, and talking to more bikers from all parts of Japan. One more day left, so I went from Kamifurano past Sapporo to the Shakotan Peninsula. Eating "Uni-domburi", sleeping at a parking area and finally going back to Otaru to catch the ferry to Maizuru concluded my Hokkaido trip. After roughly 3.500 kilometers of touring I arrived at home, without any problems but lots of great impressions. Click here to see some pictures from the trip.]]> tag:sightseeing.in-japan.jp,2007://5.279 2007-08-21T15:12:24Z 2007-08-23T03:23:56Z

The not quite noon day sun had already begun baking my skin into a terra cotta shell. Thanks to the terrifying amount of Western European genes afforded to my DNA, this baking would begin a painful week long molting process. Climaxing, when my normally skim milk hued skin, would begin flaking off in sheets. Leaving behind a shiny pink surface that radiates an almost constant sheen of agony. Thanks again genetics, thanks again.

Hanuman Welch The not quite noon day sun had already begun baking my skin into a terra cotta shell. Thanks to the terrifying amount of Western European genes afforded to my DNA, this baking would begin a painful week long molting process. Climaxing, when my normally skim milk hued skin, would begin flaking off in sheets. Leaving behind a shiny pink surface that radiates an almost constant sheen of agony. Thanks again genetics, thanks again. This brings me to my first Do of tackling Fujisan in the summer, the only time of the year that it is safe for the amateur trekker to tackle the mountain, start your descent earlier then you think, even then bring sun block. Eleven a.m. sunshine, at ten thousand feet, in the middle of August, is nothing to be trifled with. Before altitude, heat, dehydration, and long lines of guided tour groups all combine to make your experience truly your own, some things to take into consideration. First, one needs to decide whether or not they want to be part of the aforementioned 'guided' tour groups. This essentially means that your ascent, and descent, will only be as expeditious as your slowest member. I strongly advise against this. Create your own group of three to four friends and hustle at your own pace. Secondly, now that your group has been assembled you must choose which prefecture to begin and end in. There are two ascent and descent trails that straddle the mountain. They will take you into either the Yamanashi prefecture or the Shizuoka prefecture. My experience was of the former. Now that you have your group and your trail set up, the last thing to do is book accommodations. There are a vast number of huts that dot Fuji's face. These huts provide essentials; water, snacks, oxygen, and the like. Interspersed between these huts are stations. These are larger and better stocked. These stations are also where the prepared climber will have reserved a cot and a meal. Stations seven and eight are the most popular to rest and mingle with your fellow climbers. I strongly recommend resting for at least seven hours at one of these two stations. Not only to combat the effects of altitude sickness, but to also resupply and get changed into your warmer climbing gear. Yes you need a change of warmer climbing gear. It might be a sweltering August day at sea level but it's below freezing at thirteen thousand feet above sea level. Fed, rested, and layered after some hours of sleep, you are now prepared for the big push to the summit to catch the sunrise. I began my final ascent at eleven p.m. and reached the top at four thirty a.m.,just to give you a loose window. The final uphill slog is aided immensely by the use of a head lamp, twenty bucks at any outdoor store. Since the thousands of people on the mountian are all headed to the top for the same reason as you, things can get a little cut throat on the way up. Wheezy puffs of 'Dozo' and 'Su Mi Ma Sen' can be heard everywhere. Just watch your shoulders so your not bowled over by some geriatric tour group. Finally as the first whispers of pink and violet begin lighting the night sky, the lines start moving a little quicker. Hopefully you make it to the top to experience the full thirty minute sunrise, complete with the raising of the Japanese flag and singing of the national anthem. Any attempt on my part to desribe the sunrise will fall miserably short compared to viewing it for yourself. Suffice to say it was worth any small discomfort I might have suffered at the hands of Fujisan. This has been, hands down, the most memorable moment of my stay thus far. Reservations for the station packages are easy to find online. I booked mine through a company called Top Tour if it helps. I can't put into words how amazing the experience was. If you are here and you have the resources, you must take it upon yourself to climb Mt. Fuji.]]> tag:sightseeing.in-japan.jp,2007://5.278 2007-08-21T06:58:36Z 2007-08-21T08:28:18Z

While Mt Fuji does not even reach half the height of Mt Everest in the Himalayas, its striking symmetry standing on its own beckoning more than 200,000 climbers annually exemplifies the magnetic pull the majestic peak has over those wishing to make the pilgrimage.

Maria Cohrs Jonckheere Recently I led a group of military families on an expedition up Mt Fuji, Japan’s highest peak standing at 12,388 feet (3,776 meters) high. This grandiose mountain, located between Shizuoka and Yamanashi Prefectures, is one of the country’s most famous symbols. Also known as Fuji-san, both travelers and residents of Japan climb this sacred mountain, also a dormant volcano which has not erupted since 1708. Our group of 17 which consisted of children, marathoners and amateur climbers complete with camelbacks in tow, started the endeavor just before Kawaguchiko 5th Station at approximately 0445 in order to get an early start and view the picturesque sunrise. While another option is to climb at night and spend the evening at one of the rustic mountain huts, our plan entailed an early morning launch to finish in the afternoon or early evening for some. Significant numbers of people venture to Fuji-san in mid August during the Japanese holiday season of “obon” though we were fortunate to avoid the large crowds aside of the usual crowding which occurs along the pathway right near to the summit. The Yoshidaguchi Trail ranged from simple climbing along dirt paths to more challenging rocky trails requiring balance, endurance and physical stamina. Yet, climbers include everyone from young school children to seniors who have the ambition to brave the mountain which was once considered and still is by many, a religious pilgrimage which must be completed in one’s lifetime. While the final hour to the summit can take its toll, the shrine at the summit was a welcoming sign where we also received the final stamps on our walking sticks, one of the symbols of our achievement. Along the summit, climbers will also find small eateries providing soba and other nourishment, benches for resting, a post office and of course oxygen for those requiring additional assistance in the higher altitude. Though the treck down was a much quicker journey, we were faced with brief thunderstorms coupled with rain, hail and clouds which prevented us from seeing just a few feet ahead. The views of the huts on the way down however - particularly of the fifth station - prompted many of us to quicken our steps as we realized we were nearing the finish line. While Mt Fuji does not even reach half the height of Mt Everest in the Himalayas, its striking symmetry standing on its own beckoning more than 200,000 climbers annually exemplifies the magnetic pull the majestic peak has over those wishing to make the pilgrimage. “Aspire to be like Mt. Fuji, with such a broad and solid foundation that the strongest earthquake cannot move you, and so tall that the greatest enterprises of common men seem insignificant from your lofty perspective. With your mind as high as Mt Fuji you can see all things clearly. And you can see all the forces that shape events; not just the things happening near to you.” – Miyamoto Musashi ]]> tag:sightseeing.in-japan.jp,2007://5.275 2007-07-26T00:41:11Z 2007-07-26T01:19:25Z

The Bon Dance in today’s view has many things to make this modern day memorial festival more of a happy than solemn event. The Bon dance is usually jumping and alive with yukata wearing dancers moving in unison to the large Taiko drums around a large raised platform called a Yagura.

Brenton S. http://www.myspace.com/bumblebblunt Spiritual recognition and communication with one’s ancestors has been practiced by many cultures throughout the ages. Japan, having an amalgamation of different religions blending into their culture, celebrate and practice different rituals. Obon is a Buddhist celebration commemorating the deceased and one’s ancestral spirits. Usually held from July throughout mid-August, Obon is a one of the largest religious events to take place in Japan. Obon is a time for reflection and remembrance of all the ancestors and friends lost over the years. Obon is a memorial celebration in which food and prayers are offered and presented at gravesites and family altars. Such offerings include fruits and other foods that one may have known the former person to enjoy. Traditionally the members of each household would go to the cemetery and pray for the souls to come and join them for a night of merriment and communion, for keeping good relations with ones ancestors would not only increase your luck but your family's spiritual strength. It is almost a universal pre-Christ idea that one's ancestors, depending on their treatment, have a direct result on how prosperous one becomes as well as positive everyday occurrences. During the Obon season there are many festivals and carnivals that spring up at all the major Buddhist temples. A good place for the gaijin to experience these cultural phenomena is the Bon Odori or “Bon Dance”. Usually held about the same time as Obon, the Bon Odori is usually a joint production by the Buddhist temple and the community. There are many lanterns or “chou-chin” that are supposed to guide the spirits from the netherworld to the family’s homes. However in today’s modern Japan, one will see the lanterns mostly strung up in large amounts at the Bon Odori. The Bon Dance in today’s view has many things to make this modern day memorial festival more of a happy than solemn event. The Bon dance is usually jumping and alive with yukata wearing dancers moving in unison to the large Taiko drums around a large raised platform called a Yagura. There are no real heavy religious undertones in the music and everything from Enka and folk songs to new pop hits are played for the crowd’s enjoyment. These days the youth of Japan may not grasp the whole concept of Obon, and it is surely becoming more commercialized like Christmas. However the main goals are met if everyone especially the entire family unit enjoys himself or herself, which is key. There are many festival foods and delicacies to be had such as tako yaki, bean pies, candy apples, dango, squid sticks and the like just follow your nose to the odors wafting through the humid summer air. There are many games and things for the children to do such as scooping goldfish or throwing rings on pegs and other standard carnival amusement. On the nights of these large festivals entire areas are usually shut down so that the entire community can come and make merry with one another. So if you are planning to make a trip of it do it in advance as many country hotels and such will not be open. City dwellers need to worry as it is more commercialized and area shops prosper during the large influx of festival patrons. This is definitely one of the festivals a gaijin must experience if they are in Japan at this time of year. Just contact your local Buddhist temple or taxi driver and get the information pertaining to the Bon Odori. All in all, Obon season will generally leave you in good spirits, which is better than leaving with a “grudge” just kidding. Take time to practice the underlying Buddhist laws incorporated with Obon such as selfless giving and you may feel more in spirit. Obon is a time of reflection for everyone and a way or remembering one's past relations… ]]> tag:sightseeing.in-japan.jp,2007://5.274 2007-07-18T01:47:14Z 2007-07-18T03:00:26Z

Historically it’s a rich city. Nagasaki’s port was for many years the main contact to the outside world including Holland, Portugal, China, and Korea. During Japan’s closed century Nagasaki was the only city where foreigners were allowed, and their numbers were kept low. That changed, though, by 1853 when Matthew Perry came knocking with a few war ships.

tbell http://www.tylerbell.net/ Located on the southern island of Kyushu, Nagasaki-ken has an illustrious history and beautiful scenery. It is home to the best natural harbor on the island, making it a center of trade and exchange for hundreds of years. Nagasaki City itself is quite tame for half a million people. It is nestled in a scenic valley that opens around its famous harbor. Buildings and temples line the mountain sides, lending the feeling the city is looming over you. Cobblestone streets and a public tram add likable character to the otherwise cookie cutter gray concrete buildings Japanese cities are known for. Between the hills and tram, it is a bit like an Asian San Francisco. Historically it’s a rich city. Nagasaki’s port was for many years the main contact to the outside world including Holland, Portugal, China, and Korea. During Japan’s closed century Nagasaki was the only city where foreigners were allowed, and their numbers were kept low. That changed, though, by 1853 when Matthew Perry came knocking with a few war ships. An ultimatum was set and Perry returned several years later of an answer. Nagasaki and Japan as a whole decided to open up to the rest of the world and by the 1860’s the Meji Restoration was well under way. Today Christian churches, Dutch houses, and a Chinatown are reminiscent to these connections. But, all of this is drastically overshadowed by the events of August 9, 1945 when Nagasaki suffered the world’s second atomic bomb attack. Today, a peace park and museum commemorate the nearly 74,000 people who died. The Peace Park is home to a famous statue. The right hand points up to warn of the threat of nuclear weapons and the left outstretched to convey peace. Of the main attractions, several struck my interest. The site of the 26 Martyrs of Japan marks the hill where 26 foreign and local Christians (including two children) were crucified in an effort to ban Christianity. The immense metal statue of Kannon riding a turtle was a pleasant surprise overlooking the city. (I’m a sucker for giant Buddha statues, they are so photogenic.) The ropeway up Mt. Inasa yielded an amazing view of the city. Finally, the Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Park were well done. Sobering images, melted bottles, bloodied military uniforms, and archival footage all lent an understanding of the tragedy. Nightlife is not big draw for Nagasaki, but in terms of historical significance and scenic beauty few cities rival this one. Its long history of trade means a variety of culinary dishes and material goods can be sought out. Quite and relaxing, Nagasaki should not be missed. ]]> tag:sightseeing.in-japan.jp,2007://5.269 2007-06-29T08:40:57Z 2007-06-29T09:08:26Z

An island of shines and temples, Miyajima is home to Itsukushima, which is considered the island's most important Shinto shrine and in 1996, was inscribed on the World Heritage List. The shrine was originally built in the 6th century by Saeki Kuramoto though rebuilt many times over since then.

Maria Cohrs Jonckheere During a recent trip to Hiroshima, I had the opportunity to visit the intriguing island of Miyajima (means “Shrine Island”) located just a short distance by ferry between Iwakuni and Hiroshima in western Honshu. Home to the well known floating Torii gate and the Itsukushima-jinja shrine, this island is considered one of the most captivating places in the country as well as officially one of the most beautiful. So much so that Confucian scholar named Shunsai Hayashi made it official in 1643. Any day or a few days spent on this historical 12 square mile island will be well worth your time. A simple train ride from Iwakuni brought me to the small town of Miyashimaguchi where I was able to catch the ferry to the island in about ten minutes. While only a quick jaunt to reach the island, the ferry ride also provided scenic views of both mainland and the island. The Torii gate can be seen as you approach Miyajima and marks the entrance to this sacred island. One of the many interesting aspects of the island is that it is home to wild deer which walk around or can even be seen wandering into shops on some attempts, also allowing visitors to pet them. An island of shines and temples, Miyajima is home to Itsukushima, which is considered the island's most important Shinto shrine and in 1996, was inscribed on the World Heritage List. The shrine was originally built in the 6th century by Saeki Kuramoto though rebuilt many times over since then. It was regarded as a favorite by the Taira clan, a well known family in Japan who also declared Miyajima a holy island. Also located on Miyajima is Misen San (Mt. Misen) which reaches 530 meters (1739 feet) and provides splendid views of islands in the vicinity. At Misen San’s summit, you find a few small temples and a restaurant. For those of you enthusiasts, there are paths to follow through the forest though a cable car also provides efficient transport to the top. This captivating island is definitely a must-see not only for its history, culture and architecture but also for its peaceful serenity. The physical beauty alone allures many visitors to Miyajima and once there, the island provides a plethora of sites which should not be missed. ]]> tag:sightseeing.in-japan.jp,2007://5.266 2007-06-27T02:33:51Z 2007-06-28T01:35:25Z

As we walked down the street, we found Yokohama’s popular group of ‘Taiko’ drummers, performing at the side of the street. The group consists of 8 members, two of them were women. A taiko drum a is stick percussion instrument. As I watched them perform, I noticed that they seemed to beat the drum in full force.

Nene May 12-13, 2007, Saturday and Sunday, Wakaba Matsuri or New Leaf Festival was held in Sagamihara City. On Saturday, at 9am, we went to Citizen’s Hall or ‘Shiminkaikan’. As we passed Nishimon Street, I noticed there were people preparing stalls of different kinds such as foods, flowers, toys, etc. When we arrived at Citizen’s Hall, we proceeded to 2nd floor of the building, while my husband was carrying my two paintings. We set up my paintings together with some of my Japanese co-artist. There were many paintings displayed and in other rooms there were photography and colored pencil drawing exhibits. As I looked at my paintings hanging on the wall, I felt delighted because I would become part of the Festival. On Sunday, we went back to Nishimon Street where the Festival was being held. The street was closed to vehicles. There were only people walking to and fro on the street, flocking to every stall like bees. As we walked down the street, we found Yokohama’s popular group of ‘Taiko’ drummers, performing at the side of the street. The group consists of 8 members, two of them were women. A taiko drum a is stick percussion instrument. As I watched them perform, I noticed that they seemed to beat the drum in full force. They raised their two wooden sticks right above them and beat the drum either at the center (red beats) or edge (blue beats). I was blown away by their perfect performance. I witnessed that it was a tiring exhibition. After that, we saw a float which was carried by men parading on the street. There were many food booths representing the food specialties from different parts of Japan and foods from foreign countries. Because it was already lunch time, we bought foods from the Philippines booth and ate it in the parking lot where many people laid their picnic blankets to have their lunch. After getting full we went to buy flowers from one of the flower stalls there. Finally, we went to Citizen’s hall to see once again my paintings and other paintings hanging on the wall for the exhibit. There were many people looking at our paintings and looked impressed. At 5pm, the festival was done and the number of people is slowly dwindling. We went home with my two paintings. It was my first time to witness festival in Japan and I was shocked of the number of people gathered in the place. ]]> tag:sightseeing.in-japan.jp,2007://5.265 2007-06-26T22:48:06Z 2007-06-27T06:41:51Z

This small part of Japan has not only become the biggest hang out for Japanese people, but lots of people from all over the world come to Japan just for the fact of Harajuku. To some, like myself I see it as a art show.

Yume Many people of the world know what Harajuku is, but why is this part of Tokyo so well known? This part of Tokyo is unlike any other part of Japan. It has a style and a kind of class all of its own. It's known to most as a hang out spot and a place to have fun, but why is this one hang out spot of Japan so hot? Well, Harajuku was mostly made by the outcasts and the odd people, as most Japanese people see them. They make their own fashion and show it off. The streets of Harajuku are like a cat walk for the lolitas and the Japanese gothic crew. They spend hours everyday to come out and show the whole town what they got. Some believe that Harajuku was made to show all of Japan that they were done with the old fashion and ways of Japan. It was seen to some as a way to anger those who didn't want Japan to change or to show the rest of the world that they were who they wanted to be. Few people really know why it really started, but we do know that the people of Harajuku have shown that they have their own style and their own class. What becomes of it is up to the lolitas and the gothic lovers. This small part of Japan has not only become the biggest hang out for Japanese people, but lots of people from all over the world come to Japan just for the fact of Harajuku. To some, like myself I see it as a art show. A place where the crazier you look the more you are liked. It shows that many people take the time to make outfits and to make themselves a walking work of art. So, for many years to come we can only hope that they keep up with their style and class. To show the children of tomorrow that it's alright to be who you want to be.]]> tag:sightseeing.in-japan.jp,2007://5.260 2007-06-25T13:20:22Z 2007-06-25T22:14:59Z

Osaka is the kind of city that warrants return trips. It beckons to the late night reveler. Given enough time, resources, and money one would still have plenty to discover in this neon lit burg.

Hanuman Welch If memory serves correctly, I believe that Pinocchio's first stop, after trading in his oaken husk for that of a 'real boys', was a little place called Pleasure Island. It was here that Pinocchio got to indulge in all of the most appetizing of vices, those of which that had been previously denied to our wooden hero. Osaka, as it were, would have made a more than suitable substitution, if the story had been but set a few thousand miles east. Osaka is universally renowned for it's salt of the earth citizens, almost as much as it is for its Tako Yaki. Osaka is the working class soul of the Kansai region. The city's people are friendly to an almost uncanny degree. The citizens are an almost consummate paradox to the denizens of Tokyo. Most of whom wouldn't waste the spit to put you out if you were on fire. Osakans are the kind of people that go out of their way to make sure a good time is had by all. Osaka is the kind of city that warrants return trips. It beckons to the late night reveler. Given enough time, resources, and money one would still have plenty to discover in this neon lit burg. The city itself was almost flattened during WWII, this lends to the industrial vibe given off from Osaka during the daylight hours. Thankfully all of your time in Osaka, hopefully, will be spent by the light of a billion watts of artificial light. The city is easy enough to naviagte. Get off at either the JR Namba or th JR Nankai Namba station to enter directly into the city's night life areas, Namba and Shinsaibashi respectively. Eventually you will wash up in Dotombori. This is the Japanese equivalent of the Vegas strip. This central drag is where the city truly shines. There are countless restaurants and bars in this area. It's hard to narrow down a personal favorite. One comes to mind though. A little hole in the wall bar called 'Tako Tako King' or 'Ebe's Bar'. It was inhabited by some of the nicest people I've ever run into, Japanese or otherwise. The cozy interior was the domain of Ebe, an Osaka native who opened up a small bar that served as a calm port in an otherwise tumultuous neon storm. We were treated to homemade blues mix tapes and awomaroi. Ebe shared his tales of traveling to Memphis and Graceland while we rested our feet and slaked our thirst. It was one of the most poignant Japan moments thus far. Dotombori was pretty sweet, as long as you avoid the most obvious of tourist traps. Osaka rules. Partying aside, the pride that Osakans take in preparing food is worth the trip alone. Enjoy]]> tag:sightseeing.in-japan.jp,2007://5.259 2007-06-25T09:51:09Z 2007-06-25T10:24:33Z

With a population of approximately 1.5 million, Hiroshima has come a long way, offering a unique mixture of history and modern architecture. Here you will find not only the Peace Memorial Park and all of its marvels, but also the Hiroshima castle, a number of museums, and the Fudoin and Mitaki temples.

Maria Cohrs Jonckheere Recently I took advantage of my newfound military spouse benefits and managed to hop a space available flight to Iwakuni on mainland Japan. I was fortunate to obtain a seat on an eight passenger C-12 plane for the 2 hour flight from Okinawa to Iwakuni, located on Honshu Island, the largest of Japan's four main islands. While Iwakuni may not ring a bell for some of you, it is less than a 40 minute train ride to Hiroshima, one of the many historical “must see” cities in Japan. Though Iwakuni has a few wonderful sites – including the Kintai Bridge, first built by Hiroyoshi Kikawa (third feudal lord of the Kikawa clan) in 1673 - and is near to a number of other historical areas, many of us are all too familiar from history what Hiroshima has endured from its beginning in 1589. However, much has changed and today it is a vibrant city and well known to both residents and tourists. With a population of approximately 1.5 million, Hiroshima has come a long way, offering a unique mixture of history and modern architecture. Here you will find not only the Peace Memorial Park and all of its marvels, but also the Hiroshima castle, a number of museums, and the Fudoin and Mitaki temples. Within the Peace Prayer Park, lies the Cenotaph engraved for A-bomb victims, the Atomic Bomb Dome and the Children’s Peace Monument – also known as the “Tower of a Thousand Cranes”. This monument was built in honor of Sadako Sasaki, a young girl who was exposed to the bombing at age two, contracted leukemia ten years later and died. Adhering to an old Japanese legend which stated that anyone who folded a thousand paper cranes would be granted a wish, Sadako completed over 1000 before she eventually succumbed to the disease in 1955. Her memory lives on as today people all over the world send paper cranes to Sadako's monument in Hiroshima. At the end of my stay in Hiroshima, I was befriended by a kind Japanese woman who introduced herself in a café where both of us had ventured at the end of a long day. We talked about her home of Hiroshima and our very different lives which we discovered ran parallel when we discussed our previous traveling adventures in Europe. This was yet again one of the many examples of Japanese kindness and hospitality which I have experienced – and to see it in Hiroshima further exemplifies the peaceful qualities which I believe many of the locals possess. My trip to Hiroshima was perfect having included culture, history and time spent with a lovely Japanese woman who welcomed me to her home city. And the ride home in the back of a C-130 amongst U.S. Marines was all the more interesting to wrap up my adventure. ]]>