Blogs from Japan, Asia - page 6

Already I’m behind, so many pictures and so much we’ve seen. I’ll do a photo dump of the rest of the Shimanami Kaido and maybe add some more coherent words later. As expected, Stan hasn’t shown any inclination to do this so it’s just my waffling. Suffice to say we have loved the two days doing this ride, staying at WAKKA was just amazing, we’re slightly obsessed by bridges and the cycling infrastructure is brilliantly done. Yes we did use e-bikes but it’s a holiday thought I’d love to bring my trusty Orange on this ride the on ramps can be pretty steep as we easily overtook the Lycra gang but they catch us back on the downhills and straights. Now in Matsuyama where we have rain so taking it easy today. ... read more

I reached Nara after an journey involving multiple transfers and as I would learn later, in Japan, most travel includes multiple transfers. Having rested the first night, the next day I headed to the Hasadera Temple based on Mount Kamakura. Built in 736, the temple is famous for having one of the largest wooden statues in Japan, of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy. The sprawling temple complex has a beautiful garden and when I was there, the Cherry Blossoms were just beginning to open up. The monks in the temple blow the conch at specific times and also chant prayers, in the midst of the natural beauty, the prayers sound surreal. I spent many hours exploring the nooks and corners of the temple complex and enjoying it's natural beauty. Later, I also visited the nearby Yokitenma ... read more

When I was choosing an email name about 30 years ago, I almost decided on Dr. Samurai Traveler. But somehow, golfkat seemed easier. But I started thinking about the samurai class back in Japan, and probably have as many questions as you do. Here are some interesting facts about the samurai: url=https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.starsinsider.com%2Flifestyle%2F460387%2Fsamurai-stories-japans-elite-warriors&data=05%7C02%7C%7C80ca0c350a1d4846518808dc25f28a2e%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638426970852173896%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=wBP86KhaKoCHll6IiYQxbGRinjdYzwcDVdUMES1zrlU%3D&reserved=0Samurai are one of the most popular and recognizable types of warriors from history. Countless books, movies, and TV shows have been made around the hundreds of st... read more

As you are probably aware by now, I have so much information to share about my upcoming trip to Japan. My travel buddy, Mike and I will hit Tokyo, Nagoya (my grandparents' hometown), Kyoto, and back to Tokyo. We also hope to see a dear friend of ours, who studied in the US for many years, and has returned to corporate life in Tokyo. She will provide the "insider's" view and experience, I am certain. (Ironically, she will visit us here in the US next week, just before we leave for Tokyo!) I have researched much of the background information, covering a wide range of subjects, mostly food, but some history, culture, and perhaps unknown aspects of Japanese life. I have done the museum and temple tours, so that will be at a minimum here. But ... read more

Tokyo has more people than all of Texas, just no drawl or cowboy boots. Over 37 million people live here. And quite remarkably, Tokyo has more Michelin stars than London and Paris combined! On the sporting side, Tokyo is one of only ten cities to host the Olympics more than once. But the greater Tokyo area has FIVE major league baseball teams. And Shibuya Crossing is the world's busiest pedestrian intersection. And Shinjuku Station is the busiest train station. In fact, we start the trip by staying in Shinjuku, and end it by staying in Shibuya. Despite its modern or futuristic landscape, Tokyo has a 7th century temple, and some of the oldest shops on earth. Japan is home to more than 33,000 businesses that are over 100 years old, some dating back to the 6th ... read more