Showing posts with label Japan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Japan. Show all posts
Monday, July 11, 2011
Japanese Obon Festival
This past weekend we immersed ourselves in Japanese culture while dancing in the annual Obon Festival. My grandmother and mom flew into town just for the event and all my sisters didn't dare miss out. It was such a great experience learning the folk dances and sharing that piece of history with my grandma. My grandma loves Japanese dancing and some of the dances were even from our "home" island of Kyushu. What a great way to remember our ancestors, celebrate their lives and traditions, and pass on family heritage. Besides, after going to Japan and buying yucatas (summer kimonos), we couldn't resist the chance to dress up and learn the art of tying an Obi. Here are some pictures and highlights of the night.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Sasebo: May 19 - 21
The whole purpose for our trip to Japan was to see where my grandmother grew up and to learn about her history. Our travels finally took us to her hometown of Sasebo where we were warmly greeted by close friends who treated us to a wonderful time in Sasebo. As a harbor city Sasebo is now home to a US military base and we could easily see the American influences in the city. It didn't take away from the historic aspects of the city although everything from the city hall to the train station was burnt to the ground during the US raid on Sasebo during WWII. During our walking tour of the city, my grandmother recountered her experiences that day and got to learn a lot more about her childhood while she gave us a tour of where her home once stood and where she went to school.
A good portion of our time was also spent shopping. My grandmother raved about the shopping Sasebo and she was right - she got all sorts of cute clothes and we all ended up spending far too much money on souveniers, but it is a once in a lifetime trip after all so we've justified the expenditures. Hopefully our husband's will understand :).
Here are some of the highlights of Sasebo:
1. Tour of where Grandma Michiko grew up
2. Karioke - Japanese take their karioke very serious and we found countless bars around the city so we spent the evening out with my grandmothers friends singing the night away.
3. Harbor cruise & city overlook - Sasebo is know for its 200+ islands. I have no idea how any ship can navigate the harbor we were getting so confused but it's a beautiful city.
4. Dinner with friends - we had Japanese style Chinese food and a traditional Japanese meal the other day. It was so much fun spending the days and evenings with my grandmothers friends and seeing her have such a great time. Her best friend from her childhood was amoung the group and they have known each other since elementary school.
5. Shopping - we have shopped our entire way through Japan and our large suitcases and extended duffle bags are proof of that.
6. Sasebo Burgers & Tonkatsu: both are amazing and so delicious here.
7. Church: we visited the local military branch and I always love knowing that you can go to Church anywhere in the world and count on it to fill just like home.
8. Visiting a local junior high with Shinobu (my grandmother's best friend's son). We got to see what Japanese school was like and meet a few of the students.
Here are some of the pictures from our three days here:
My grandmother's first elementary school from before WWII.
Hachinoya: the same pastry shop where my grandma and her friends would get treats during high school.
Proof I made it to Sasebo.
The property where my great grandmother lived with my grandmother following WWII. The building was rebuilt twice I belive and served as a boarding house that my great grandmother ran before it was sold and repurposed as a parking lot. I wish the house were still there and we could see it, but we'll just have to imagine the old Japanese architecture.
My grandmother's friends. Her best friend from high school, Fukiko, is shown on the right side. She along with Miyoko (pictured on the far left) drove us all around Sasebo and we couldn't be more grateful for treating us so kindly. It was wonderful getting to know them.
The overlook over Sasebo harbor.
Karioke bar.
Grandma Michiko dancing and singing the night away.
Sasebo Harbor Cruise.
A good portion of our time was also spent shopping. My grandmother raved about the shopping Sasebo and she was right - she got all sorts of cute clothes and we all ended up spending far too much money on souveniers, but it is a once in a lifetime trip after all so we've justified the expenditures. Hopefully our husband's will understand :).
Here are some of the highlights of Sasebo:
1. Tour of where Grandma Michiko grew up
2. Karioke - Japanese take their karioke very serious and we found countless bars around the city so we spent the evening out with my grandmothers friends singing the night away.
3. Harbor cruise & city overlook - Sasebo is know for its 200+ islands. I have no idea how any ship can navigate the harbor we were getting so confused but it's a beautiful city.
4. Dinner with friends - we had Japanese style Chinese food and a traditional Japanese meal the other day. It was so much fun spending the days and evenings with my grandmothers friends and seeing her have such a great time. Her best friend from her childhood was amoung the group and they have known each other since elementary school.
5. Shopping - we have shopped our entire way through Japan and our large suitcases and extended duffle bags are proof of that.
6. Sasebo Burgers & Tonkatsu: both are amazing and so delicious here.
7. Church: we visited the local military branch and I always love knowing that you can go to Church anywhere in the world and count on it to fill just like home.
8. Visiting a local junior high with Shinobu (my grandmother's best friend's son). We got to see what Japanese school was like and meet a few of the students.
Here are some of the pictures from our three days here:
My grandmother's first elementary school from before WWII.
Hachinoya: the same pastry shop where my grandma and her friends would get treats during high school.
Proof I made it to Sasebo.
The property where my great grandmother lived with my grandmother following WWII. The building was rebuilt twice I belive and served as a boarding house that my great grandmother ran before it was sold and repurposed as a parking lot. I wish the house were still there and we could see it, but we'll just have to imagine the old Japanese architecture. 
My grandmother's friends. Her best friend from high school, Fukiko, is shown on the right side. She along with Miyoko (pictured on the far left) drove us all around Sasebo and we couldn't be more grateful for treating us so kindly. It was wonderful getting to know them.
The overlook over Sasebo harbor.
Karioke bar.
Grandma Michiko dancing and singing the night away.
Sasebo Harbor Cruise.
Hiroshima & Miyajima: May 18
We left Kyoto Wednesday morning for Hiroshima. Alisha was in charge of planning our itinerary for the day and we started by taking a ferry to Miyajima. The island is known for its shrine whose Torii gate sits out in the water and during high tide it appears as though it is floating. We got there when it was low tide though which meant we could walk out to the gate and get a closer look. Alisha, Katrina and I also spent a couple hours exploring the island by bicycle. It was so relaxing riding around the small village, stopping at the shops, eating fried Oysters (delicious) and wandering along the sea shore.
After Miyajima we went to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. The museum and its surrounding park are located within a few hundred meters from where the atomic bomb struck the city. All of the buildings and individuals within the property were immediately vaporized. Walking through the museum we learned about the effects of the bomb, the lifestyle of those living in the city, saw old clothing and photographs, and gained a greated understanding and appreciation for the world we live in now - particularly as my grandmother recountered her personal experiences during the war.
The building shown in the picture below is called the Hiroshima Dome and when the bomb hit, the dome and the remaining metal/structural portions of the building survived while everything else was destroyed. The peace memorial stands as a reminder to the world about the destructions of nuclear weapons and the grounds also includes an eternal flame that will always stay lit until there are no more nuclear weapons in the world.
After Miyajima we went to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. The museum and its surrounding park are located within a few hundred meters from where the atomic bomb struck the city. All of the buildings and individuals within the property were immediately vaporized. Walking through the museum we learned about the effects of the bomb, the lifestyle of those living in the city, saw old clothing and photographs, and gained a greated understanding and appreciation for the world we live in now - particularly as my grandmother recountered her personal experiences during the war.
The building shown in the picture below is called the Hiroshima Dome and when the bomb hit, the dome and the remaining metal/structural portions of the building survived while everything else was destroyed. The peace memorial stands as a reminder to the world about the destructions of nuclear weapons and the grounds also includes an eternal flame that will always stay lit until there are no more nuclear weapons in the world.
Kyoto & Nara: May 17
Today was day two with our own personal drivers and tour guides around Kyoto. We've decided that this is the one and only way to travel where you get private tours, are dropped off and picked up right at the entrance and they patiently wait while you shop as long as you want. We were quite spoiled in Kyoto.
For day two we left early in the morning for Nara which is about 100 years older than Kyoto. We started our morning at the Joruriji Temple.
We then made our way to the Todaiji Temple where we first walked through a park with wild deer wandering around. I think it was a natural preserve and we spent a couple minutes feeding them. You had to be careful though. Once you ran out of food they started following you around and would try to nibble on your shirt.
Now about Todaiji Temple - this structure is the largest all wooden building in the world and also houses the largest bronze gilded statue of buddha. It was quite impressive. While walking around the grounds we saw the cutest school children on field trips. Each class has a different color hat - what a great idea for keeping track of the children and they looked so adorable.
Our taxi drivers then recommended a delicious place for lunch. We took pictures outside so that we'd know where to find it when we return because the food was so good. Here's what my plate looked like.
After lunch our next stop was Kiyomizu Temple which also included a shrine known as the love shrine. Here it is believed that if you can walk from one stone to another housed on the property of the shrine you will be blessed with love. We also learned about Shinto prayers and our taxi drivers aka private tour guides walked us through the rituals. It was a great learning experience.
We met some college students while we were there as well who were spending the day dressed up out on the town. Hopefully we'll find an excuse this year to wear the Yucatas (summer kimonos) we're bringing home with us.
There was also an old cemetery by the temple that crept up the entire hillside. It was amazing how large the cemetery was and how many stones lined the hillside. This is common across Japan and we've seen numerous cemeteries in local towns, but none as large as this one.
For day two we left early in the morning for Nara which is about 100 years older than Kyoto. We started our morning at the Joruriji Temple.
We then made our way to the Todaiji Temple where we first walked through a park with wild deer wandering around. I think it was a natural preserve and we spent a couple minutes feeding them. You had to be careful though. Once you ran out of food they started following you around and would try to nibble on your shirt.
Now about Todaiji Temple - this structure is the largest all wooden building in the world and also houses the largest bronze gilded statue of buddha. It was quite impressive. While walking around the grounds we saw the cutest school children on field trips. Each class has a different color hat - what a great idea for keeping track of the children and they looked so adorable.
Our taxi drivers then recommended a delicious place for lunch. We took pictures outside so that we'd know where to find it when we return because the food was so good. Here's what my plate looked like.
After lunch our next stop was Kiyomizu Temple which also included a shrine known as the love shrine. Here it is believed that if you can walk from one stone to another housed on the property of the shrine you will be blessed with love. We also learned about Shinto prayers and our taxi drivers aka private tour guides walked us through the rituals. It was a great learning experience.
We met some college students while we were there as well who were spending the day dressed up out on the town. Hopefully we'll find an excuse this year to wear the Yucatas (summer kimonos) we're bringing home with us.
There was also an old cemetery by the temple that crept up the entire hillside. It was amazing how large the cemetery was and how many stones lined the hillside. This is common across Japan and we've seen numerous cemeteries in local towns, but none as large as this one.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Tokyo Day 2: May 13
Mt Fuji & Hakone Tour:
We started our tour going to Mt. Fuji where we stopped at the 5th station which is the highest point you can drive up the mountain. I think it's about 7000 ft in elevation. We learned that you can only climb Mt. Fuji in the summer months from July through August, but the climb only takes about 6 to 8 hours and can be completed in one day unless you want to see the sunrise which you would need two days.
Traditional Japanese lunch with our suprise box full of an assortment of Japanese delicacies. Here we tried jelly fish for the first time and it wasn't bad. A bit crunchy and I thought it was cabbage at first.
After lunch we took a cable car up to the hot springs to see the current volcanic activity in the area. The springs are heated by the steam from the active volcano.
Boat ride to Hakone on Lake Ashi. We saw a Shinto Shrine on the waters edge and enjoyed the scenic ride across the lake.
From Hakone we took a Shinkasen or bullet train back to Tokyo and finished the night in the Harajuku District. This is where you'll find all the young people of Japan shopping and hanging out late at night. It was a great place to people watch and you'll find girls dressed up in all sorts of Harajuku costumes.
We started our tour going to Mt. Fuji where we stopped at the 5th station which is the highest point you can drive up the mountain. I think it's about 7000 ft in elevation. We learned that you can only climb Mt. Fuji in the summer months from July through August, but the climb only takes about 6 to 8 hours and can be completed in one day unless you want to see the sunrise which you would need two days.
Traditional Japanese lunch with our suprise box full of an assortment of Japanese delicacies. Here we tried jelly fish for the first time and it wasn't bad. A bit crunchy and I thought it was cabbage at first.
After lunch we took a cable car up to the hot springs to see the current volcanic activity in the area. The springs are heated by the steam from the active volcano.
Boat ride to Hakone on Lake Ashi. We saw a Shinto Shrine on the waters edge and enjoyed the scenic ride across the lake.
From Hakone we took a Shinkasen or bullet train back to Tokyo and finished the night in the Harajuku District. This is where you'll find all the young people of Japan shopping and hanging out late at night. It was a great place to people watch and you'll find girls dressed up in all sorts of Harajuku costumes.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Tokyo Day 1: May 12
Tsujuki Fish Market:
We started our morning at Tsujuki Fish Market. A series of warehouses line the streets with alleys of shops, sushi and delicious food.
For breakfast we had an assortment of sushi including sea urchin, eel, scallops, shrimp, tuna and a few things we didn't know what they were but they were delicious none the less.
After the fish market we walked to the Hama Rikyu Gardens. They were once the Imperial gardens that also served as a vacation spot for the Shogun and his family during the Edo period in Japan.
The grounds of the garden was full of beautiful bridges, tea houses, a mini Mt Fuji, a 300 year old pine tree, cranes, and a moat. It was a nice place to stroll and enjoy a peaceful, relaxing part of Tokyo.
We finished our day on Ginza Street. This is like the Rodeo Drive or Chames Elysse of Tokyo with countless high-end clothing, jewelry, and accessories. It was a lot of fun, but after a day of non-stop walking we were exhausted.
We started our morning at Tsujuki Fish Market. A series of warehouses line the streets with alleys of shops, sushi and delicious food.
For breakfast we had an assortment of sushi including sea urchin, eel, scallops, shrimp, tuna and a few things we didn't know what they were but they were delicious none the less.
After the fish market we walked to the Hama Rikyu Gardens. They were once the Imperial gardens that also served as a vacation spot for the Shogun and his family during the Edo period in Japan.
The grounds of the garden was full of beautiful bridges, tea houses, a mini Mt Fuji, a 300 year old pine tree, cranes, and a moat. It was a nice place to stroll and enjoy a peaceful, relaxing part of Tokyo.
We finished our day on Ginza Street. This is like the Rodeo Drive or Chames Elysse of Tokyo with countless high-end clothing, jewelry, and accessories. It was a lot of fun, but after a day of non-stop walking we were exhausted.
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