JAPAN
Japan is a lovely country, definitely worth a visit. The courtesies of the Japanese are incomparable to any other community I have interacted with so far. Cleanliness, design perfection, hard work, so much to learn from them.
Travel – Air Nippon has the best and fastest connection to Tokyo, flight timings are convenient both at the time of departure and arrival.
We planned an 8 days visit to Japan. If you plan to take the Shinkasen bullet trains in Japan, please do remember to buy the Japan Rail Pass (JRP – you can buy either a 7 days or 14 days JRP) voucher in India. You cannot buy it in Japan.
Day 1 - Arrival at Tokyo Narita airport. From the airport, you can either take the Narita express train (you can use your JRP) for that to city or take a return limousine bus ticket from the airport (which gives you 2 days of metro train pass free). We took the limousine bus which had a straight drop to our hotel Grand Hyatt (at Roppongi hills). The hotel is very central and conveniently located.
Day 2 - Since we were travelling around New Years and most of Japan is shut from Dec 30 to Jan 3, we decided to first cover destinations that were open. We headed to Disney Sea which is the only Disney theme park in the world by the sea. Our daughters had good fun and they recommend the caramel, chocolate and strawberry flavoured popcorn to all children who visit Disney Sea in Tokyo. The Big Bang Beat show was enjoyable and the “Journey to the centre of the earth” was a great ride.
Day 3 – We took the metro train to Nakamise street where we offered prayers at the Sensuji shrine, a typical Japanese custom (to offer prayers on New Year’s eve). You can also take your fortune paper out of boxes outside the shrine! At Nakamise street, don’t miss buying handmade chopsticks and fresh sponge cakes with cream filling. We also saw the Sony Building in Ginza area.
Day 4 – We took the Shinkansen bullet train to Odawara. From the Odawara station we bought the Hakone free (its not free but entitles you to a lot of freebies in Hakone) pass. We took a bus (under the free pass) to Hakonemachi and checked in to Yuugiriso, a Japanese Ryocan (inn). This was one of the highlights of the trip. We took a pirate ship (under free pass) to the other end of Lake Ashi from where we took a cable car to Owakudani. Enroute the views of Mount Fuji were beautiful. This is a volcanic activity area and one can smell sulphur in the air. A unique experience was black boiled eggs which are boiled in the hot spring water (which has sulphur). Back at the Ryocan, we were given Yukatas (Japanese cotton dress) to wear and then we went to the onsen (community hot spring bath). The onsen was a great experience.
Day 5- We went for the cedar tree walk from Hakonemachi to Motohakone, you do get the best views of Mount Fuji during your walk especially on a clear day. We then took a bus back to Odawara and a shinkansen from Odawara to Kyoto.
Day 6 – We stayed at Hyatt Regency, very comfortable, well located, great breakfast spread. We took a bus and went to Ginkakuji shrine. The Buddhist shrines have lavish architecture and natural beauty around them. From there we started our Philosopher’s walk (about 3 km) along a water body. In April, the walk is lined with blooming cherry blossom trees.
Day 7 – We took a full day tour with JTB tours and saw the scenic Nijo castle, Kinkaji shrine, Imperial palace, Kyoto Handicrafts (the full day tour includes a very good buffet lunch here, including good vegetarian options), Kiyomisu temple (the corner porcelain shop just next to the temple has an irresistible variety of Japanese porcelain - tea cups, vases, lamps). The Ippodo tea shop is an experience, must drink and buy green tea from there.
Day 8 – We took a shinkansen back to Tokyo for our return flight to Mumbai. Some shopping options – Matsuya mall, Takashimaya mall.
Tips for Visiting a Buddhist Temple in Japan
- Stop by the purification fountain in the temple grounds at first. Fill a hishaku ladle with water. Pour some water over each hand from the hishaku ladle. Put some water in your left palm and rinse your mouth with water.
- You might need to take off your shoes before you enter temple halls in some temples.
- Remember to take off your hat before you pray to the Buddhist images.
- Throw saisen (offering coins) into the offering box. Put your hands together in front of your chest and deeply bow once. Quietly make a prayer.
- Keep in mind that taking photographs might be forbidden in certain areas.
Tips for Visiting a Shinto Shrine in Japan
- Before you enter the torii (entrance gate) of a shrine, bow to it.
- Stop by the purification fountain. Fill a hishaku ladle with water. Pour some water over each hand from the hishaku ladle. Put some water in your left palm and rinse your mouth with water.
- When you pray to the Shinto deities, the followings are common steps.
1. Ring the bell if it's hung above the offering box.
2. Throw saisen (offering coins) into the offering box.
3. Deeply bow twice.
4. Clap your hands twice. Make a wish.
5. Deeply bow once. - Keep in mind that taking photographs might be forbidden in certain areas.
No comments:
Post a Comment