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Published: March 25th 2024
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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 always expect the unexpected!
Mike is a big foodie, so you know we will hit some Michelin places, most likely for lunch, as it is more affordable. Though shopping is not high on our agenda, it is still a unique experience here. He also has a teenage granddaughter back home who will obviously delight in some of the Japanese fashion and electronics.
For me, we are attending a professional baseball game with the Yomiuri (Tokyo) Giants. I am told it is quite the event, with cheerleaders, bands, organized yells, and much ballyhoo. And it is the opening weekend for baseball season. I can't wait!
A lesser desire is to see the sumo wrestlers, though it is off season in April. There may be a chance to see a practice, or some type of preparation for the upcoming season. I was once told by my Father that someone in the family was an amateur sumo wrestler. Would you believe I saw the remnants of a sumo ring when I visited the Gila River War Relocation Center in Arizona last March? The tradition must be strong!
Though this is not a family visit, due to my poor language skills, I do have some relatives in Japan. My late Uncle Sus married a woman from Japan, with a large family of brothers and sisters. I have met them before on their visits here. But I am afraid my language skills prevent a meaningful visit. And my Mom has some cousins out in the countryside, not sure exactly where, or how to get there.
The most adventurous event may be trying to find my Great Grandfather's (my Grandfather came to the US in 1897) Buddhist temple in Nagoya. I have enlisted a man in Japan to help me, so we will see what happens. My meager effort to find the temple on a previous trip was almost laughable! However, I learned that Nagoya has more Buddhists temples than any large city in Japan!!!
April is high season, and hotels are pricey. Why? It is cherry blossom or Sakura season. I would compare it to a religious experience. My Japanese language skills are minimal at best. I did benefit from growing up across the street from my grandparents. So, I can understand some conversational Japanese, but cannot put together a sentence. But I do know the correct pronunciation of most words, how to say the vowels properly, and just bow often when spoken to!
This also might be my last trip to Japan, in fact, my last big trip. Maybe one more trip to Europe, and one to South America before I hang up my great Hoka walking shoes.
What I will do is share some of my research in the days preceding the trip. Then I can just bore you with the great food when we are there!!!
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