A Leisurely Morning at the Markets interacting with the Locals

15 Tuesday Jan 2019

Posted by Lyn Douglas in Miyagawa Morning markets

Tags

Japan, kajibashi bridge, Miyagawa Markets, Miyagawa River, Photography, sake, Takayama, travel, Yayoi bashi bridge

I loved my experience in this market along the river.

There are 2 morning markets in Takayama. One is held in front of the Takayama Jinya, and the other at the Miyagawa River side. We went to both.

At the Miyagawa market, there are many shops and stalls open in approximately 350 meters from Kaji bashi Bridge to Yayoi bashi Bridge along the Miyagawa River which is in the centre of the town.

The shops open their doors and the other vendors set up their spots on the street. Located on the side of the river bank, the morning market is held from about 7 till noon and provides an opportunity to view, and even sample. The stands sell local crafts, souvenirs, snacks and farm products such as vegetables, pickles, flowers and so much more. The goods are displayed in a tidy and eye catching way. The merchants are not pushy. And, there is No trash in sight as is usual in Japan.

We so enjoyed the morning market. What a treat, we were able to sample many different types of food and also had some great treats along the way from the food vendors. It was a very nice walking pace and it took about 1.5 hours to go through the market. It was such an enjoyable atmosphere sauntering from stall to stall alongside the locals, purchasing and sampling different foods and talking with the vendors. The stall holders were obviously used to tourists and were keen to answer any questions which we put to them via our guide.

We stopped for a Sake sampling at an old Sake Brewery which was towards the far end of the river side markets. Although I have had sake on several occasions I was never aware of the so very many varieties and tastes that are available. I guess like wine in a way. There were a few I tasted that I really did enjoy.

All of this, while following the banks of a beautifully clean, flowing river. The river is so clean that huge koi are in abundance, alongside ducks and even the odd crane.

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This was a great way to spend a morning in Takayama

A Lovely Walk in the Forest but no Monkeys

03 Thursday Jan 2019

Posted by Lyn Douglas in Snow Monkey Park, Japan

≈ 29 Comments

Tags

Japan, Jigokudani Yaen Koen, Joshinestu Kogen National Park, Natural Hot springs, Onsens, Photo, Photography, Snow Monkey Park, travel

The area is lovely, the walk was a pleasure but alas there were no monkeys when we visited Snow Monkey Park.

However this is what we could have seen if the monkeys were in fact out and about. These are photos I took of the posters in the park.

There are two approaches to the Monkey Park: one requires a 25-40 minute walk through the forest, while the other requires a 10-15 minute walk from the nearest parking lot.

The hike up was absolutely breathtaking. We enjoyed the beautiful walk up the hill to the monkey park, which took about 30 mins. It was such a refreshing change to be amongst the beautiful forest and plain natural beauty.

Although the park is open all year round, the bathing monkeys are particularly photogenic when the area is covered in snow. There is usually snow in the region from December to March, and the best timing for a visit is January and February.

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Located near the base of the Joshinestu Kogen National Park, the Jigokudani Yaen Koen (otherwise known as the Snow Monkey Park) is home to a very special troop of monkeys.
The Snow Monkey Park is a unique place where you can observe the wild monkeys going about their daily lives including the unique behaviour of bathing in onsens (natural hot springs).

The park has one man-made pool around which the monkeys gather, located a few minutes walk from the park entrance where there is a small information centre with information mostly in Japanese, souvenirs and lots of photos.

So, although there were no monkeys on the day we visited, it was still a wonderful experience walking in the lovely natural forest where the monkeys live their interesting and unique lives. I have read many stories by folks who did in fact see the monkeys on their visits which only encourages me to return some day so I can really get to live the experience.

Picturesque Village in the Mountains – Shirakawa-go

11 Tuesday Dec 2018

Posted by Lyn Douglas in Japan, Shirakawa-Go

≈ 26 Comments

Tags

Gassho-zukuri, Japan, Photography, Shirakawa, Shirakawa-Go, Takayama, Tokyo, travel

Driving from Kanazawa to Takayama we stopped by the lovely village of Shirakawa-go. Shirakawa-go is a designated UNESCO World Heritage and a must see if you are in the Takayama area.

Before arriving at the village, we stopped at the top at the observation point where we were thrilled to see the lovely view of the village layout and the surrounding mountains. We went in autumn so the leaves had well and truly started to turn, making the whole scene very picturesque.

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Upon arrival we crossed over the suspension bridge from the parking lot (outside the village), across a beautiful river to the torii gate which marks the village’s entrance.

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The initial streets are filled with souvenir shops as well as full of tourist. We wandered down this street before taking a turn at the end and walked towards the less crowded areas of the village to experience calm.

The village is famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old. Gassho-zukuri means “constructed like hands in prayer”, as the farmhouses’ steep thatched roofs resemble the hands of Buddhist monks pressed together in prayer. The architectural style developed over many generations is designed to withstand the large amounts of heavy snow that falls in the region during winter. The roofs, made without nails, provided a large attic space used for cultivating silkworms. Shirakawa-go is a unique site and unlike any other area we visited in Japan. Some of the villagers make silk, so they grow the silkworms and then spin the cocoons into silk thread and make fabric.

We entered some of the houses to see what life is like here. Generally, the living area is on the ground floor and the upper floors are devoted to work.

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The village is pretty much closed off over the winter when the snow comes so we were delighted to see it before winter hit. I would imagine it will be very beautiful in December when the houses are all covered by snow

A stunning location surrounded by views within a beautiful landscape. The houses and gardens are lovely. The main street running through this small town has all the facilities, toilets, shops and places to eat.

Leisurely walking through Shirakawa-go Village was a step back in time; there are still people living in the gassho-zukuri farmhouses.

I definitely recommend a visit to The Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go, I am sure you won’t be disappointed.

Beautiful Lake Surrounded by Woods and Mountains

02 Sunday Dec 2018

Posted by Lyn Douglas in Lake Ashi, Hakone

≈ 34 Comments

Tags

Hakone, Hakone national Park, Hakone-machi, Japan, Lake Ashi, Mt Fuji, Photography, Tokyo, travel

After leaving Tokyo we drove to the national park region of Hakone which is about 97 kilometres from Tokyo. Our drive through the most scenic countryside included several stops along the way.

I can see why for the locals this is such a popular weekend getaway from Tokyo. This onsen town with its great views of Mt Fuji, (on a clear day) and diverse landscape has so much to see, do and offer. Certainly taking the train would be a much better option than driving and far more relaxing. After taking the bullet train while I was in Japan this would definitely be my preferred option.

We stopped at Lake Ashi, which is a scenic lake in the crater of Mount Hakone and is famous for its views of Mt Fuji. However, Mt Fuji was covered in clouds while we were there. In fact it was quite an overcast and rainy day but the weather did not take from the beautiful scenery around the lake. The lake’s shores are mostly undeveloped except for small towns in the east and north and a couple of lakeside resort hotels.

We took a sightseeing cruise on Lake Ashi, and enjoyed the peaceful autumn scenery. Lake Ashi itself is lovely. It is a caldera lake which is surrounded by steep mountains that are thickly wooded. The air was fresh and cool. The water was calm and very clean and the surrounding areas looked fabulous.

Torii Gate to the Hakone Shrine

A number of pleasure boats and ferries traverse the lake, providing scenic views for tourists and passengers. Several of the boats on the lake are inspired by the design of western warships.

The picturesque forested region surrounding Lake Ashi has been popular for hikers and sightseers for centuries.

We had time to spend in the gift shop at the boat and ferry terminal which worked out well as they have a great variety of gifts and goodies, including souvenirs, wooden charms, candies, cookies etc. The packaging of the cookies and candies is exquisite. Many of these items looked like they were exclusive to the Hakone area. I was able to purchase several nice gifts to take back to Australia.

The boats operating the trips are very impressive and the views across the lake, the woodland and the magnificent properties along the lake’s shore made for a great trip.

A Little Taste of “Old” Japan in this Vibrant Neighbourhood.

21 Wednesday Nov 2018

Posted by Lyn Douglas in Asakusa, Tokyo

≈ 25 Comments

Tags

Asakusa, Buddhist temple, Japan, Japanese gardens, Photography, Senso-ji, Tokyo, travel

The Asakusa neighbourhood, famous for the Senso-ji, Buddhist temple, is one of the most popular sightseeing areas in Tokyo. Asakusa offers the sights, sounds and smells of old, historical Tokyo like nowhere else in the metropolis.

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One of the wonderful things about Japan is the contrast of the rich tapestry of the past with the great modernity of Tokyo. In some ways though, especially around the temple, Asakusa does the opposite and contrasts modernity. It is impossible to gain any real understanding of Japan without understanding that the existence of Buddhism and Shintoism side by side have shaped the country. In many ways Japan is neither really ‘Eastern’ or really ‘Western’ and Asakusa shows us clearly that elements of both coexist and create a culture which is both complex and distinctive

Asakusa is not just for visitors, but it is also for the locals and offers many shops and stalls, places to rest and many great eating places.

We slowly made our way down to the Senso-ji temple. Here you can visit one of the many good luck stalls to see what your future holds. The costs range from 100 to 300 yen (about $2-$4 AUD). You put your yen in and then shake the tumbler until a chop stick falls out. On it will be a number and you match it to a draw. Once you read your fortune you fold your paper and tie it to the stand.

We walked up to the temple to a smoking urn, where we leaned in to wave the fumes over our head to improve our health then walked over to the next section which is where you wash your hands. Finally we walked up the stairs and to place some coins into the stand to make a wish.

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On the approach to Senso-ji is Nakamise Shopping Street, a centuries-old promenade of shops selling traditional snacks and souvenirs like kimonos and bottles of saké. The streets zigzag with different stalls and artisan shops.

We spent hours walking around the shops and stalls, and then the temple with its grounds. There are garden areas with stone tablets with Buddhist writings carved into them, some are 7′ tall and many small and interesting statues with the history posted next to them. There are several peaceful places of beauty to sit and just enjoy being there.

For me Asakusa is a small representation of Tokyo. It encapsulates Tokyo’s transformation from old to modern. As well it also encapsulates the Japanese culture as this place is where you can find festivals, foods, markets and of course history and traditions and all within a few blocks. A must visit also if you are looking for authentic Japanese Souvenirs and Mementos. It was great shopping.

Residential Part of Asakusa

Life is still very much lived on the streets of Asakusa. A visit to this part of Tokyo is essential to get a glimmer of understanding this wonderful country.

A very lively place.

An Oasis of Calm in Tokyo – Meiji Jingu Shrine

13 Tuesday Nov 2018

Posted by Lyn Douglas in Meiji Jingu Shrine

≈ 24 Comments

Tags

Japan, Japanese, Japanese Garden, Meiji Jingu Shrine, Photography, shinto shrine, Tokyo, travel

Only a short coach ride from our hotel in Shinigawa was the breathtakingly beautiful Shinto Shrine, Meiji Jingu. Located in a 170 acre forest of 100,000 trees, in the heart of Tokyo, this shrine, constructed of cypress wood and copper is dedicated to the souls of the Emperor Shoken and Empress Shoken. This very historic shrine is important to the history of Tokyo.

The parking for coaches is located on the outside of the grounds and it was then quite a long walk to the shrine itself. Along the path to the shrine I enjoyed the rows of brightly decorated sake barrels. Upon reaching the shrine, we were greeted by another large gate and a wall of wishes. This area is very busy but as soon as you walk through the gate, onto the tree lined path, it feels as if you have been transported out of the city.

I was grateful that we had a guide with us who was able to tell us about the history and traditions of the shrine so we could understand the full experience. She explained some of the traditions and the need to be respectful at all times. She taught us the correct way to wash our hands at the entrance before entering the grounds.

Located in a large forested park, the shrine offers a place of refuge from the bustling city. The massive gates, simple side buildings, and the shrine itself are great examples of Japanese architecture. The buildings are decorated with intricate woodwork and carvings. The shrine sits at one end of a large courtyard with a large gate building at the other end.

For train travel, this gem in the heart of Tokyo is an easy walk from the metro train station. I believe it is only a short walk from Harajuku station to the shrine.

We were very fortunate on the day we were there to see a traditional wedding ceremony. It was very elegant, beautiful and spiritual. We asked permission to take photos which they gracefully allowed. Actually they were quite happy to pose for photos.

This oasis of green can almost make you forget that you are in the midst of busy Tokyo. The beautiful trees surrounding this shrine make it truly a place of tranquillity.

My Wonderful Trip to Japan

02 Friday Nov 2018

Posted by Lyn Douglas in Japan - The Timeless Country

≈ 57 Comments

Tags

Castles, Gardens, Hiroshima, Japan, Jigokudani, Kanazawa, Kawaguchiko, Kyoto, Matsumoto, Mt Fuji, Nagano, Nikko, Onsen, Osaka, Osaka and Hiroshima, Photography, Shines, Shirakawago, Takayama, temples, Tokyo, travel

Nothing could have prepared me for this exquisite and pristine country with the most humble, gracious and polite people I have ever encountered.

We flew into Tokyo from Brisbane and after staying for 4 nights in this city, we made our way south zig zagging across the island of Honshu towards Osaka. Our main places visited include: Tokyo, Nikko, Mt Fuji, Kawaguchiko, Matsumoto, Jigokudani, Nagano, Takayama, Shirakawago, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima

This timeless country is a place where ancient traditions are fused with modern life as if it is totally natural. Japan, with its beautiful natural landscape from mystical mountains to dramatic coastlines and everything in between enthralled us each and every day. We visited temples, shrines, castles, onsens (natural hot springs baths), gardens and had the pleasure of shopping in many amazing towns and cities.

On the surface, Japan appears exceedingly modern, but travelling around we experienced numerous opportunities to connect with the country’s traditional culture. This place of many faces, left us feeling at times as though we were in a modern city anywhere in the world, then we were in old towns with structures many hundreds of years old and then we were out in the country in an area that looked like it could have been Switzerland.

We enjoyed the food and soon learned that each area usually have their own specialised dishes. Wherever you are in Japan, you are never far from a great meal with small restaurants everywhere. Although we were tourists/visitors to this amazing country we always managed to find places to eat where the locals were eating. We enjoyed some wonderful experiences. In the Dotonbori area of Osaka, we were introduced to the ordering of meals using a vending machine. The vending machines (similar to cigarette vending machines) are placed near the entrance of the restaurant. With the help of pictures, we chose our meal, inserted out money and received our receipt. Then proceeded in to the tiny restaurant where we were seated at a bench and enjoyed our meal with fellow diners. It is such an efficient and different way of ordering. There is no exchange of money with any staff and your meal is ready very quickly. A really great experience. This was one of many unique and wonderful experiences during our time here.

A few more photos to share with you.

Castles

Gardens

Shrines

Temples

My 17 days in this timeless country was far beyond any of my expectations, it was insanely exceptional.

PS Sorry there are no photos of the Onsen.

Till next time

Sayanara

Snapshot of Hiroshima

27 Saturday Oct 2018

Posted by Lyn Douglas in Hiroshima, Japan

≈ 38 Comments

Tags

Hiroshima, Japan, Japanese gardens, miyajima Island, Photography, shukkeien Gardens, travel

From Osaka, we took the bullet train and after about 90 mins, we arrived in Hiroshima. This is such a great way to travel. It is almost better than flying with much more leg room, comfortable seats, great views and you can walk around easily and often.

Visiting Miyajima Island was one of the highlights of my trip so far. The island is simply beautiful and the weather so perfect.

Miyajima Island

A-Bomb Dome, Hiroshima Peace Park

Shukkeien Gardens

Just a little fun sign

Until next time

Sayanara from Japan

Hello Again from Japan

22 Monday Oct 2018

Posted by Lyn Douglas in hello from Japan

≈ 48 Comments

Tags

Golden pavilion, higashiyama district, himeji castle, Japan, Japanese, Kyoto, Nara Gardens, Osaka, Photography, travel

We have now arrived in Osaka after travelling through many interesting and wonderful towns. Japan is an exquisite country, with friendly gracious folks and fabulous food. The cities are large and modern and the regional areas are picturesque and so very serene.

I will have so many stories to share with you but in the meantime here are a few more photos.