MYSTICAL JAPAN

My first experience of the East! We visited Japan in the Spring of 2007 because our daughter was living and working there. After our flight was delayed for some 8 hours we eventually arrived in Tokyo. As you walk into the Haneda Airport Arrivals hall for baggage collection you are aware that you are in Japan, with no apologies. There was nothing I recognised. Nothing vaguely English. ..... This is going to be interesting! The calmness and order are what struck me straight away. I was awe struck! Our itinerary was detailed to the letter so next stop was to purchase a mobile phone; but how do we make ourselves understood. As we approached the kiosk as directed whether by luck or good fortune the lady, we met had some understanding of English so that experience passed off without any real issues. Let’s put another way - her English was far better than my Japanese was and is. Next challenge the taxi to our hotel (Hilton Tokyo) for our overnight stay followed by a flight to Fukuoka Kyushu. Such a spectral experience, the plane gliding over the snow-capped Mount Fuji. On arrival to Fukuoka, we were met by my daughter and checked into our hotel, Hakata Gion a simple hotel with easy access to the local temples and allowing us to be part of the cut and thrust of the local people go about their daily business; but more importantly we were there just in time to catch the last of the Sakura (Cherry blossom – month of April). Beautiful hues of pink and white. All you could smell in the air was the sweet scent of cherry blossoms! We visited the Shinto Temple with working monks, and people watched. The streets were active with students and men and women all dressed the same, black suits, white shirts, same style shoes and briefcase/handbags.... Very odd. Apparently around the Sakura season working people tend to either start new jobs or get promotions and the custom is to all dress uniformly, both men and women, down to the same bowl like hair cut for the men, and sharp bob for the women, you have to see it to believe it! After 3 days we went onto Kyoto via the “Shinkansen” – Bullet Train. What an experience. Coming from London where the public transport was not always pleasurable to use, the Bullet train was dead on time, and spotlessly clean. As you embark the train the cleaning staff join and make sure all the seats are turned in the correct way, and then onto their cleaning before we could board. On leaving the train they all turned and bowed, with such grace as they went. We visited wonderful Kyoto, and were fortunate to visit a Geisha Show, spectacular - spectacular. Whilst is Kyoto we stayed in a Ryokan hotel (traditional Japanese dwelling). From here we were taken to experience an amazing Geisha show! I highly recommend it. If you ever get the chance to just be in the presence of the Geisha, do, always respect their space and privacy. You cannot visit Japan without seeing a Geisha show. We moved onto Nara where we visited Todaji temple, one of Japan’s historically significant temples, which is also surrounded by beautifully peaceful Japanese gardens. As you enter the temple you are struck by the magnificence of the Great Bronze Buddha. We were then treated to a crazy experience of the local taxi service in Nara. Pure old Japanese charm with the drivers formally dressed, including white gloves and cap, yes indeed! Before our return home we were guests of a former Sumo Wrestler, where we were invited to have Nabe at a former Sumo Wrestling Ring were we were invited to experience in true Japanese style a meal of Nabe. Nabe is a Japanese dish comprised of various seafood and freshly caught fish, fresh vegetables of all kinds, best cuts of sliced beef all served in a Private room. We all sat on the Tatami (flooring made of rice straw). The room was surrounded by relics of Sumo wrestler’s artefacts. What an experience. One we always share with friends and family and happy to share with you if Japan is on your list of must-see places.