Japan, the land of great contrasts, centuries-old traditions and great metropolises and one of our new destinations this year. Joseph made an exploratory journey through the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’ and wrote about it.
I look forward to my first visit to the country of Akira Kurosawa, samourai’s, geishas but also a top cuisine. And saké, in all kinds, from dry to fresh/fruity, like a sauvignon blanc-semillion.
My journey begins in Tokyo, the capital, a multimillion-dollar metropolis. Everything is different, I want to find out. A few excursions are booked. Starting with a sumo wrestling warming up. I do these in the morning because there are no other tourists. Many rules; There must be no talk and japanese squatting. (Sore feet and legs!) Fortunately, there is a championship, the practice stand does not last long. The Mongols make up the service and have been the champions for years. All are incredibly respected. They are tanks, extremely fast and nimble.
The second excursion I look forward to is martial arts. Tetsuro Shimaguchi and his ladies hit it off for two hours. Gun clatter! I learn different poses and imagine myself a real samurai. It is a combination of kendo, kung fu and Japanese philosophy. A great experience. We play a game and pretend it’s real…
Kanazawa is my next destination, by bullet train that really looks like a bullet. Like a bullet, we’re going to pop from the East to the West of Japan.
Kanazawa was once Japan’s second largest city. It still houses many old houses that have been spared from the numerous bombings in World War 2.
The beautiful castle and surrounding Kenrokuen gardens are world famous, a feast for the eyes.
Out of the box is the D.T. Suzuki museum, zen in combination with top design.
Also visit Omi-cho market, with a variety of fresh fish, shellfish, herbs, unknown vegetables. Everything within walking distance.
In Yamashiro Onsen – in the countryside 45 km from Kanazawa – on the edge of a large primeval forest with cypress trees and Japanese maples I spot my first game, a serow (bosgems). Kind of crossing between a small cow and a mountain goat. Wow!
I stay in an authentic ryokan with hotsprings. I am taught how to put on a kimono, not shoes, how to use the hotsprings, private dinner and breakfast and many more rules. They make the whole stay even more mystical. People are very friendly and dressed in authentic clothing but with WiFi and a top bar and, out of hand.
Kyoto is my last stop. When visiting Japan, a tea ceremony can not be missed. I am accompanied by two nice ladies who explain to me the whole process, great interaction. How important it is that you can communicate with each other! The English language is indispensable.
My last night I stay half an hour from downtown Kyoto, in Hoshinoya ryokan. Wow, deer on the doorstep. I feel like I’m back in the Middle Ages.
I need time to let everything sink in; have met very enthusiastic people. What a country. Important are the quality and choice of excursions. You need good guides who will take you by the hand and also understand our world. Interaction. Also important is the choice of ryokans. If you don’t speak English, you don’t get into their culture and you’re not understood. And some ryokans are ‘basic’, with shared bathrooms, sleeping on the floor and very low ceilings. Not very comfortable.
Japan, I’ll be back. Especially since I want to see even more of the unspoilt nature of Hokkaido, the brown bear and stellar eagle, Blakiston’s fish owl, kitsune and the macaques. From the hot water springs of Yamaouchi at a good hour from Tokyo. And from the far south with tropical rainforest, and especially Ogasawara and the Nasei Shoto archipelago.
Japan Arigato! I really enjoyed it and learned it.
