Our Japan experiences will come to a regretful end with visits to Kyoto and Hiroshima. Each of our adventures has been so unique and I was sure we’d add to the wealth of experiences in these two cities.
Kyoto was the Imperial capital from the 8th to 19th centuries. Join us in Kyoto as we visit Arashiyama Bamboo Groove, Kinkakuji Temple, Matcha Tea factory and more!
Field trips galore!
Bob continues to make friends!
Todaiji Temple in Nara, Japan
The Daibutsu a 52 foot Buddha statue.
Learn more: https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4100.html
Matcha Tea Time!
Kitty alert!
Kyoto Tower and yes another field trip!
Time for a bathroom break? Bring your reading glasses because there are buttons to choose!
I’m not sure but I think this toilet/sink combo is a water saving effort. The faucet automatically dispenses water when toilet is flushed.
One bathroom had slippers just for toilet area!
Our stand up sake bar bartender recommended a restaurant in the Gion neighborhood. We were going to this Geisha district (Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gion) for a show and decided to find the restaurant. What a find!
This restaurant is chef-owned and one of the oldest in Kyoto. We knew we were in for a treat when we walked in and were enthusiastically welcomed by the chef, staff and guests. There was a counter surrounded by ten stools. Our host was busy cooking and motioned for us to take seat. Through some creative sign language we ordered and enjoyed a very unique evening. We love rubbing elbows with the locals and we were literally doing that at this fun place!
The menu!
Bob continues to make friends! He posed with them while they were trying to take a group photo. When I snuck up to take a photo and Bob explained I was his girlfriend they all giggled. Then they used Google translates and fired questions for Bob. It was a fun exchange.
Time to learn how to make sushi!
Two Georgia Tech Rambling Wrecks happen to meet in Japan!
Goodbye Kyoto.
Hello to Hiroshima: City of Peace
While traveling by bullet train to Hiroshima our origami lessons continued with paper crane creations.
near the center of the August 6, 1945 A-bomb blast.
What a fun, spontaneous exchange with these young mothers and children! It reminded me of a discussion with our guide about the position of females in Japanese society. Males are career centered and females are expected to support males and raise the family. She shared details of her experiences and also those of her daughter who is a young mother. We were told the culture is slowly changing but very slowly. During one of our demonstrations the person directing the workshop commented-in our society it is “men first” but we’ll have “ladies first” today when he started the activity.
Bob continues to make friends! This little one was sitting next to us on a ferry. He was absolutely mesmerized by Bob and offered a tiny smile at the end of our ride. His mother was proud to have is photo taken.
The ferry was our first of two expeditions to the “Islands of the Island”. We explored Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu and Miyajima. Each with their own history. The Hirayama Museum of Art was a highlight. It displays works by world famous Japanese painter Ikuo Hirayama.
Our paper cranes would be added to an ever growing memorial to Sadako Sasaki and all children who died after the blast.
Please learn more: https://www.city.hiroshima.lg.jp/site/english/158105.html
Next on our Peace Park schedule was a talk by a survivor. Before the session Bob and I took a break in the cafe. Two mothers and their young daughters were sitting near us and a game of “peek-a-boo” began! So sweet and fun. They asked where we were from and what areas of Japan we visited. We proudly listed the numerous cities we explored. After learning they were from Hiroshima and then them asking us our favorite Japanese city we quickly replied - your city - Hiroshima! That brought a laugh from everyone.
The survivor we met with was seven years old at the time of the blast. This would be the first time she shared her experience with an English speaking audience. Our guide was the interpreter.
We were in awe of her bravery and her spirit. As she wished us well she crossed her arms in an X and stated No More War!
The photo behind her is the quote written under the arch shaped memorial in the Peace Memorial Park.
“Please Rest In Peace for we shall not repeat the error.”
Activists were collecting signatures in support of banning nuclear weapons.
This place of such horror is now a place of peace and hope. Anticipating the experience I didn’t know how anything but grief could be displayed. After visiting Peace Memorial Park I know that the survivors have a strong message to convey to the rest of the world.
Hiroshima is a warm and welcoming city.
Learn more: https://hirayama-museum.or.jp/en/hirayama.html
The first island is also know as “Bunny Island”.
Photo credit; Bob Powell (above and below)
The island of Miyajima is home to the Itsukushima Shrine and the torri gate that depending on the tide seems to float in the water.
The scene at low tide.
Deer roam the island and they are considered secret messengers from the gods. They are protected by Japanese law.
Learn more; https://www.insider.com/japanese-deer-island-deer-miyajima-nara-park-shinto-2016-7
A second dinner of Okonomiyaki pancakes but this time Hiroshima style! This mom and daughter duo have been making these delicious creations for 47 years! It was a very fun night.
Japan is the home of “Hello Kitty” and we happen to be passengers on the only Hello Kitty bullet train in Japan. It has a shopping car! And photo op car! It is very popular!
We said goodbye to Hiroshima and to Japan at the Hiroshima castle. It is also known as the Carp Castle. It was built in 1590s but was destroyed by the atomic bomb in 1945. This replica was built in 1958.
Reminiscing about this adventure will create memories for years to come. We learned about Japanese culture and history. We learned that the calm and peaceful people are kind and eager to engage and help.
This experience has me curious about how their child rearing may differ from other cultures. How do they raise thoughtful, polite, kind people? Everyone is recognized. A few observations you might find interesting. No one is using their phone in public. Smoking or eating on sidewalks or common areas and littering is extremely rare.
We learned that there are two main beliefs practiced. Shinto and Buddhism.
Learn more about Shinto; https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2056.html
Learn more about Buddhism; https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2055.html
Although they are unique we learned that many Japanese practice both beliefs. We saw dedicated areas for both in homes we visited. Learning this brought a realization of the intensity of their faiths.
Our interaction with residents was probably the most of our travels to date. The engagement with the Japanese people definitely created a travel experience. Travel is learning about culture and history and it is hard work. We were beyond exhausted at the end of most adventure packed days. It was all worth it and we would do it all over again.
I encourage everyone to travel. Whether you explore an area near your home or adventure far and wide you’ll find it will enrich your life!
