Japan - February 2013
My first trip to Japan and I was excited on so many levels - the food, the culture, the civility of the local people and the attention to detail. I visited Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe with also a visit to a mountain hot springs resort, Aroma Onsen.
It is a country full of contrasts and sensory experiences. One minute you will see the ultimate in modernity and high tech and then you will see an aspect of life that is traditional and simple. The food and food service to me exemplifies these qualities but also the Japanese are adventurous in their tastes and these shows in the sheer size and scope of culinery options: from Bento lunch boxes, hot pots, Teppenyaki, Sukiyaki and even Wasabi Kitkats!
Tokyo was an exciting city and I would recommend a visit but it was in Kyoto that I felt the culture more closely as it is historically an interesting city. A walk through Sannenzaka a small cobble stoned village is highly recommended as well as visits to the many temples, in particular the Kiyomizu-dera Temple which was built in 778AD. It was here in Kyoto in the Gion district that we were able to witness the performance of a young “Maiko” who is a Geisha (or Geiko) in training. We were treated to a tea ceremony, followed by a dance and musical performance and a game. It is worth considering staying at the more traditional “Ryokans” for accommodation. Often these are family run, “Hiiragiya” has been in the same family for 6 generations since the late 1800s and the rooms are full of family artefacts and heirlooms. Other highlights of the journey included visiting the Nada Shuzo Sake brewery on our way to Osaka. The production of sake in the old days was very labour intensive and their museum shows traditional wooden vats and barrels used. These days production is with steel vats and is a computer controlled operation.
Kobe is a beautiful seaside city which looks relatively new. This is because most of the city was rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in 1995. In the mountains behind Kobe we visited the Arima Onsen, a little village renowned for its hot springs. This is hugely popular for the Japanese for short breaks, bathing is a very important part of their culture and the springs are renowned for their health reviving properties. Special tip for travelling in Japan.
If you want to travel by rail there is an excellent baggage despatch system in Japan. You can send your main luggage ahead which will be delivered to your accommodation. Cost is usually around $20-30.00 per bag depending on destination. Even when locals arrive back at the main airports there are counters where they can despatch their bags separately and then they can travel home via coach or rail. It is also possible to purchase a mobile internet service for around $10.00 a day, I pre-ordered this before I left Australia and then picked up the unit at Narita airport in Tokyo on arrival.