Japan

Japan Group Tour–Part II

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Nanzen-ji Temple

Day 8 – Kyoto:  For this free day in the itinerary, we started with a city bus ride to Ginkaku-ji Temple at the start of the Philosopher’s Path, a stone pathway through the northern part of Kyoto’s Higashiyama district which passes by several beautiful temples.  Along the path, we stopped to see Ginkaku-ji Temple, Honen-in Temple, Anraku-ji, Otoyo Jinja and Nanzen-ji Temple.  From there we visited the Gion district, a collection of traditional wooden merchant houses that is Kyoto’s most famous geisha area with its teahouses and exclusive dining establishments. Continue reading →

Sakura

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That’s the Japanese word for “cherry blossom” or for the tree that sprouts the cherry blossom, sakura.  When we planned this trip, of course, our expectation was to be able to view the spectacle of the cherry trees in bloom.  As we got into late March, we began to occasionally see a single tree with a few blooms.

On March 24th, we spotted a few trees with some sparse blooms in Matsumoto.  On March 28th, we saw a few standalone trees in bloom in various locations around Kyoto.  Encouraging, but we began to be concerned that perhaps we would not have the full cherry blossom experience prior to our departure on April 3rd.  Then on April 1st, following 3 or 4 days of much warmer days with sunshine, we went to Miyajima Island to see the “floating torii gate” of the Itsukushima Shrine.  As we were approaching the island, from the ferry we spotted a cluster of cherry blossoms just on the other side of the village.  Once we got onto the island, we set out to find them.

Miyajima Island

What we found was a spectacular display of 15 to 20 older trees in what appeared to be full bloom.  This was just what we were hoping to see.  Click on the link below the title to see more of these beautiful trees.

Japanese Kaiseki

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Certainly, one of the important aspects of our trip to Japan has been the food.  Of course, Valerie has had many Japanese dishes during her life, either prepared by her mother or from other sources in Southern California.  But having them in Japan was an important part of our trip.  We’ve enjoyed a variety of sushi, sashimi, ramen, yakisoba, takoyaki, mochi, okonomiyaki, gobo, Japanese curry, and even a taste of Japan’s famous Wagyu beef.

But the highlight of our food journey was to experience the Japanese kaiseki, which is a traditional Japanese multi-course meal that sometimes is referred to Japanese haute cuisine.

In the present day, kaiseki is a type of art form that balances the taste, texture, appearance, and colors of food.  To this end, only fresh seasonal ingredients are used and are prepared in ways that aim to enhance their flavor.  Local ingredients are often included as well. Finished dishes are carefully presented on plates that are chosen to enhance both the appearance and the seasonal theme of the meal.  Dishes are beautifully arranged and garnished, often with real leaves and flowers, as well as edible garnishes designed to resemble natural plants and animals.  With the help of the hotel staff, we got a reservation for kaiseki in Kyoto at Hanasaki Nishikiten.

Kaiseki - appetizers Continue reading →

Japan Group Tour–Part I

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Day 1 – Tokyo:  On this day we began our group tour with a stop at Meiji Shrine, a Shinto shrine to honor the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji who reined over the period referred to as the Meiji Restoration, a series of rapid changes during which Japan transformed from an isolationist, feudal state to an industrialized world power.

From there we went to the Tokyo Skytree, a broadcasting and observation tower that is the third tallest structure in the world at 634 meters or 2,080 feet.  We went up to the main observation deck which is at 350 meters and had nice views across Tokyo on this clear and sunny day.

Sensoji Temple - Tokyo Continue reading →