Monday, February 21, 2022

Revisiting Travel Photos: Japan

More from the digital photo file vault! This revisiting photo files has been a walk down memory lane for me. Today I'm delighted to share some photos from our February 1998 trip to Japan.

"Peace" - Created with thousands of paper cranes in Hiroshima

 This was my first (and only) visit to Japan and it was a fascinating, sometimes overwhelming experience, filled with friendship and new sights. 


Back then, Rick was still working for the Chamber of Commerce and he often dealt with companies from Japan that were interested in coming to our region. He always was active with Lansing's Sister City, Otsu, and for a time worked as director of our regional chapter of the Japan America Society. He had been to the country many times, even taking language classes at the community college. We had been fortunate in making a number of Japanese friends who had come to Michigan for a year from Otsu. In 1998, he took me with him on a business trip that was extended into a long vacation!

A pier in Chigasaki with Mt. Fuji in the background

We started with a few days in Tokyo and I confess, I wasn't a fan. I think it was culture shock -- everything was enormous and fast and because, unlike Rick, I couldn't read Japanese, I had a bit of terror about getting separated from him. I'm sure jet lag didn't help! There were places where one could offer prayers at the various shrines. You can bet that more than once I prayed to not lose Rick!

A shrine and cemetery at Yamagata

But after a day or so there, we met up with some of his Rotary friends for a delightful dinner at a restaurant in Chigasaki called "Apple Restaurant." The food didn't stop coming and neither did the smiles. They spoke a bit of English, too, which helped. I was going to eat everything they ordered, even if I didn't know what it was. The raw quail egg nearly did me in, but the sushi was terrific!

 

Yuka, who had been an interpreter on Rick's Rotary trip, took us to Kamakura where we saw the enormous Daibutsu or Great Buddha, a national treasure and one of the iconic images of Japan. The day was cold but sunny and the sky a dazzling blue. 


It was exciting to stand in the shadow of something so ancient. Weighing 103 tons, the statue was constructed of bronze in about 1252. It's hollow and we went into the interior, which was surprisingly warm despite the brisk February day. 

After exploring Tokyo for a few days, we went to Rick's business appointment in Yamagata prefecture in the North. Two of the people working at the company took us to several places while we were there including this beautiful shrine. It reminded me of Shangri-la in "Lost Horizon." 


We climbed the steep, icy steps high to the top of what seemed like an enormous mountain (probably not that enormous -- just icy!). Then we got to the top of the world!


We stayed in a beautiful ryokan where we enjoyed fabulous breakfasts. Equally fun was watching the hard-drinking breakfast crowd that I'm not sure had gone to bed!

 

Rick, meanwhile, loved sleeping on the comfy futon so much I thought he might get one when we got home!


I bought a Kokeshi doll from this fellow. These dolls, with no arms or legs, have been crafted for more than 150 years as a toy for children. Watching him was fascinating. I wish I could find it -- and probably will one day when I move!

From there it was off to Hiroshima to meet Kiyo, another interpreter from Rick's first trip. We stayed with her family forming a delightful friendship that extended to Rick's boys and Kiyo's sons, with Greg visiting Japan and Hiroko visiting us in America a few years later. They hosted a wonderful dinner with their friends filled with laughter and warmth (and very good okonomyiaki -- a Japanese egg dish -- for dinner!).


Kiyo took us to the powerful and moving Hiroshima Peace Museum and also to Miyajima, an island about an hour away with a magnificent torii gate. The Itsukushima shrine was built close by and both peaceful and beautiful.


I loved the very tame wild deer that wandered the streets of Miyajima. They were little foragers and we saw one take off after a fellow who had some recently purchased some fast food in his bag!


From there it was off to Otsu, Lansing's Sister City, to stay with old friends Naoki and Kanako and Naoki's parents. Little did I know that Naoki's mother was a shiatsu massage therapist. We were delighted when she gave us a well-needed massage!

The Matsumoto family was so gracious. We couldn't have had warmer, more welcoming hosts. 


Kanako took us to Kyoto where we enjoyed a walk about. I wish I could remember the name of this place. And thanks to Pamela, I do! It is Ginkaku-ji, or the "Temple of the Silver Pavilion." It was built in 1482 to serve as a place of rest and solitude for the Shōgun. There are so many shrines and castles in Japan and Pamela has recently done a castle tour. I encourage you to visit her blog, Hokkaido Kudasai, and check out her many posts on the castles of Japan. 


Our friend, Shoko, also lived in Otsu. She stayed with me during a Sister Cities exchange while another participant, Yamamoto, stayed with Rick. While there we saw them all (and even ran into an old friend of Rick's who was working at the hotel in Otsu!) It was wonderful to to renew many old friendships and celebrate new, good times. We had lunch with the Yamomoto family and then with Shoko and her family (below), both at their homes. What a treat. That day included a walk on Lake Biwa.


Before the Matsumoto's came to Lansing, Minoru Shirai was the delegate from Otsu. We visited his family as well. On one memorable day they took us to a place where we learned how to make soba noodles and then enjoyed the fruits of our labors in a delicious lunch. We also went to a traditional onsen or hot water spring. There are many of these in Japan due to the country's volcanic activity. 

Rick and I were in Japan for two weeks and for me it was an eye-opener. During that time, I sampled foods I'd never thought I'd be able to try. I met wonderful people and saw old friends. I was able to see the homes of people, seeing the differences and similarities in day-to-day living in our two cultures. I walked streets in February where pansies were blooming in big pots outside of homes and shops and visited several museums and shrines that made a powerful impact. 

 

More than anything else, I realized how important it is to step out of one's comfort zone. I wasn't always at ease in Japan -- primarily because of the language -- and that was very disconcerting. I wasn't comfortable in Tokyo, not because it felt unsafe. It didn't. It felt very safe. But I was nervous because I didn't know how to anchor myself. I don't like being attached to Rick -- or anyone -- at the hip and I felt I needed to be, because otherwise I would be horribly lost.

But I adjusted and I loved it. Mostly, thanks to Rick and to the wonderful people we met along the way. Old friends and new, all were warm and welcoming and delighted to share their country -- both the traditional sights and the more informal, delightful spots that perhaps most tourists don't see.

At the top of the world near Yamagata

Being with the people, seeing how they lived, what they enjoyed, what they thought was worth visiting in their country was a real gift. We probably won't get back. But I'd love to. 


Where shall we go next in the journey back in time through my old photos? Even I don't know yet!

Sharing with:      Pink Saturday   / Share Your Style 

53 comments:

Pamela said...

Jeanie,
I love your post today!!! I feel very nostalgic for when I first moved here and didn't know where to go or what people were saying, but also I remember how kind everyone was.

The signage in English has greatly increased since I came here ten years ago and you would probably be able to find your way around just fine now.

The place in Kyoto is called Ginkaku-ji or the Silver Pavillion. Here - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ginkaku-ji is what Wikipedia has to say about it.

The wooden dolls are famous from the Tohoku area in northern Japan and are called Kokeshi. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kokeshi

The ryokan breakfasts are wonderful, but I am not a fan of sitting on the floor to eat. It is very uncomfortable for me. In my apartment I sleep on a bed but the futon in the ryokan are very cozy.

I recently visited Hiroshima and I agree, it is very powerful.

The photo of you with the Matsumoto family has a wonderful Hina doll set up in the back. Hina Matsuri or Girl's Day is coming up March 3rd. I wrote a post about the dolls on the tiers here - https://hokkaidokudasai.blogspot.com/2016/03/hina-matsuri.html

I hope you do get to make another visit to Japan!

eileeninmd said...

Wow, what a great trip and fun memories. Take care, enjoy your day and week ahead.

David M. Gascoigne, said...

A wonderful visit no doubt, Jeanie. It's good to leave your comfort zone from time to time. I hope you have been able to maintain the friendships you made.

Iris Flavia said...

Friendship and new sights is one of the best you can get!
Oh, yes, not being able to read happened to me in Egypt - but there are always friendly people to help :-)
The pic of you all shows it well.
And it all sounds so exciting!
My parents were there too, separated due to the job, one had to stay home.
Oh, it all looks wonderful - share anything you traveled, we´ll all be stuck at home and even if not: I love to read about such adventures!
And see such wonderful pics, happy people and all this!

Salty Pumpkin Studio said...

Amazing vacation. I hope you both return to Japan.

My name is Erika. said...

I know what you mean about the culture shock in Japan. We ended in Tokyo, and I know what you mean. It is really just a big city. But you have to visit it if you are in Japan, don't you? Your trip looks interesting, and wasn't it wonderful to visit places "off the beaten track" of most tourists? And wow, I am impressed that Rick reads Japanese. The interpreter we used, who was an American expat from Ohio (and married to a Japanese woman), spoke fluently but couldn't read the language. It was great to have someone like that because it is so different there. Thanks for sharing this post. It was great to read. Happy new week. Hugs-Erika

Ga From Dekalb said...

Enjoyed this post. I have never been to Japan but I can relate to you anxiety about being separated from your husband. Has happened to me several times but fortunately he wasn't far. It's one of my recurring dreams..lost in a strange city, no money. Actually that is a nightmare!
It's nice to go through old photos. You are probably like me and have MANY albums.
Thanks for sharing.

Valerie-Jael said...

Wonderful photos of your trip to Japan, but I can imagine also being scared at first! Glad you were able to meet up with friends, old and new, that's so important. Have a great week, hugs, Valerie

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

This was such a great post. I loved hearing about your trip to Japan.

Veronica Lee said...

I enjoyed reading about your wonderful trip to Japan, Jeanie.

That shrine does indeed look like a scene out of "Lost Horizon"!

I'd love to stay in a ryokan someday - bucket list item!

Happy Monday!

Anvilcloud said...

That seems like the trip of a lifetime, but perhaps you are seasoned travellers and have had others too.

Rita said...

Fascinating post! Loved seeing all the pics.
Dagan and Leah made a trip to Japan with Ian when he was about 9 months old to visit her brother, Aaron, who was stationed there in the Navy. They absolutely loved it and want to go back one day. Looks beautiful and quite exotic. :)

Red Rose Alley said...

What a wonderful trip to Japan! You have quite a selection of photos here, and some of them are so artistic and creative. That second photo was so pretty. I guess I just have a thing for oranges. It was snowing while you were there! I'm glad you bought a doll to bring home with you. And speaking of dolls, I think you will smile when you see the stuffed animal Jess send me in the mail. : ) Wow, that photo of you petting the deer! So nice that you had the most welcoming and gracious hosts while you stayed there. That's a sweet picture of you and Rick by the water. Love that picture of you guys shopping too. What a special time you had and great photos to look back on. : )

~Sheri

La Table De Nana said...

Isn't it fun and bittersweet to look back?:) Looks like you had a ball.

Divers and Sundry said...

What a wonderful experience. It sounds life-changing.

Bonnie said...

I'm glad you looked back at this trip and shared it today. I enjoyed seeing the sites and hearing about your trip.
It is good to see other cultures and how they live. Your first-hand experience as their guest was so much more enriching than just being a tourist on your own.

In our travels, in Europe, most people speak English so it is not hard to request an English menu or directions. Is this the case in Japan?

gigi-hawaii said...

Amazing trip! I love your photos. David and I spent only 3 days in Tokyo and enjoyed every bit of it. That was in 2008.

bobbie said...

You were SO lucky to have had that experience!! Especially to see how the 'real' folks lived!

Nancy said...

What an awesome post! I enjoyed seeing everywhere you went. And what you did. Looks like you and Rick had a wonderful time.
Thank you so much my friend!
Happy Monday!
~Nancy

Bill said...

What a wonderful trip and memories, thanks for sharing. Maybe you'll revisit Japan someday, never say never.

Hena Tayeb said...

Oh look at those magnificent photos.
We haven't been to Japan yet.

Carola Bartz said...

It must have been such a fantastic experience to get to know a bit of this beautiful country and especially its lovely people. I have never been, but I do understand your culture shock at the beginning - this is similar to my experience during the first few days in Taipei, Taiwan - even though I did speak the language. Having friends in Japan really showed you a different side of the country, one that most tourists probably don't see. I can understand that this trip had a lasting impact on you. Thank you for sharing this experience with us - I enjoyed seeing the photos and my thoughts are going back to East Asia now as well.

anno said...

It's so fun to see these pictures. I love the oranges. Also the glossy enameled bowl used for making udon. It looks like you had a fabulous visit, with great food, and wonderful opportunities to make new friends and visit with old ones.

I think you're right: getting out of Tokyo is key to enjoying a more authentic experience. And next time we go, I plan to stay as far away from Tokyo as possible.

Someday I'll tell you about my experience of trying to take a train into Tokyo and accidentally getting on an express train (which missed the stop where I was supposed to make a connection) and wandering the train system all day until I encountered a group of American missionaries who helped me find my way back to the suburb where we were staying (for my husband's business trip). Before the day of smart phones, navigating unknown territory was a completely different -- and sometimes scary -- experience.

Martha said...

What an amazing trip Jeanie! Thank you so much for sharing it with us. I can't wait to see where we'll go next. :)

Linda said...

Thank you for sharing your time abroad. I always enjoy.

Marilyn Miller said...

That is an amazing trip. I love that you recognized it was OK to be out of your comfort zone. I wish more people learned this lesson, they world would be a better place. My daughter went on a Portland sister city exchange when she was 16 and I still am amazed she took the train through Tokyo by herself. Portland's sister city is Sapporo. I loved seeing your visit to the temple where you climbed all the stairs. I believe it is one I have wanted to visit. So many places to see and places to go.

William Kendall said...

Wonderful memories to have.

Prims By The Water said...

What a wonderful post! I do love sushi, but I understand your being apprehensive. I would have been the same way. Loved viewing the various places you actually visited. Janice

Mae Travels said...

Japan is endlessly fascinating, and I wish I could go back again. Your post really informed me of many things that were new to me -- it is wonderful that you were able to visit so many families there, and see not only the typical tourist sites like the Great Buddha of Kamakura but also smaller things.

best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

Misadventures of Widowhood said...

Thank our for sharing your adventure. What a lovely way to travel!

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

I thoroughly enjoyed this retrospective. Beautiful photos, great explanations, and a look at what must have been a wonderful, albeit scary, experience.

roughterrain crane said...

You had a wonderful trip in Japan. Communication with residents made the trip more fruitful and impressive. I love to make Soba noodles!

handmade by amalia said...

Lucky you! I've always wanted to visit Japan and really enjoyed seeing it through your eyes.
Amalia
xo

Pam Richardson said...

Jeanie, what a memorable trip! The best part of travel is learning about other cultures, and I am sure it was fascinating. Thanks for sharing your lovely photos and interesting commentary!

Anca said...

You've made a wonderful post and shared so many wonderful memories. I loved reading all of it and watching these beautiful pictures. How nice that you could interact with Japanese people in their homes, not just as a tourist in hotel. I think that adds so much more to the whole experience.

Pam said...

Isn't it always nice to look back on older photos? I enjoy doing it so much. Matter of fact I need to go through some of my older ones to find pics of my brother. Sis in law is giving him a 60th bday and we are going to put pics up on a video. Love your pics.

The French Hutch said...

Photos from previous trips must be pulled from the archives sometimes to enjoy all over again. I love how this brings back emotions and excitement just thinking about these times. I've never Benn to Japan and certainly never will. When I was younger I always wanted to visit Hong Kong but that never happened. I have strolled through your photos and enjoyed each and every one of them. This must have been an amazing trip Jeanie. It is unsettling to think of being lost and alone in an unfamiliar foreign city so I understand how you felt. I do now know that if that happens I have a plan so I don't usually worry about that now. Our town was also a sister city to a town in Japan. We had so many visitors to our city from Japan and a lot of our citizens visited there. So many stories all over shared. Thanks for looking back, your trip was so enjoyable to me..........

Sandra at Maison De Jardin said...

Jeanie, such an amazing trip. I think I may have been a bit overwhelmed also. Especially at this time of my life, I am not as brave as I was when I was younger. I know the area had to be gorgeous and it must have been so interesting to learn about the culture. How wonderful you and Rick had this experience.

Have a great week!

Steve Reed said...

Great photos, and what an amazing trip! That Buddha is so impressive, and I love the snowy "Lost Horizon" landscape.

I know what you mean about being nervous when the signs aren't legible. I've traveled in both China and India and had the same experience there. I remember being on a night train in India and every time we pulled into a station I couldn't read the signs to see where we were. I kept thinking, "I hope this isn't my stop!"

carol@The Red Painted Cottage said...

I don’t know if you were aware I had been to Japan 3 times while our son was stationed just outside Tokyo. I always flew into Narita and I told him if I didn’t see him after going through immigration, I would get back on the plane and fly home😂. So I fully get you about staying near Rick.

Carol @Comfort Spring Station said...

Your trip looks amazing. I've always wanted to visit there. Great photos!

Deb Nance at Readerbuzz said...

What lovely photos and what lovely memories.

Japan is a place I've always wanted to visit. Somehow I don't think I'll ever get over there, though.

R's Rue said...

Lovely photos.

Amy at Ms. Toody Goo Shoes said...

I think you can guess that I'm fascinated by this post, Jeannie! I've never been to Japan, and doubtful that I will get there, so it was fun to see it through your experience!

Lisa from Lisa's Yarns said...

Thank you for allowing us to travel vicariously through you! I have never been to Asia and don't know that I ever will because it also intimidates me because of the language barrier. I don't feel that way about traveling in Europe because many things are posted in English and you can usually figure out what the word means. But Japanese is a whole other story! How wonderful that you spent 2 weeks there and stayed with so many friends. There is nothing like having a local show you around! That is the best way to see a city if you can. I always try to take a walking tour when I visit a city because I know I'll learn way more that way than I could ever learn on my own. That's as close as I can get to being shown around by a local since I haven't known anyone in the cities I've visited in Europe.

DeniseinVA said...

I am so glad you shared this post again, what a great experience! We have friends who lived in Japan for a couple of years and have been back many times since to visit friends, and their friends have been over to stay with them. Fabulous photos Jeanie, I enjoyed them all, thank you!

Sandra Cox said...

What an amazing trip. Definitely a once in a lifetime.

Elizabeth Varadan, Author said...

What a wonderful post. I enjoyed these pictures and all your insights about the trip. I used to love to go to India for the same reasons. My husband is from there, and we stayed with family and met up with his old friends and schoolmates, and it was just wonderful. We finally had to stop going because he was allergic to the latest Malaria medicine and we found out it was what would be used if he ever did get Malaria (which is still a danger in some places.)

Anyway, thanks for your lovely share. I look forward to your next trip down memory lane.

Polly said...

It looks fantastic Jeanie. I understand your trepidation and I'm glad you managed to relax and enjoy yourself. I love sushi but I couldn't eat the raw egg!

Lowcarb team member said...

Many thanks for sharing these photographs and look back from a great trip.

All the best Jan

Breathtaking said...

Hello again, :=) Before I commented on your latest post I scanned through this one, and it certainly brought back many memorable moments shared with my husband in Japan in 1970. You both look so happy in your lovely photos, and I only wish we had taken more photos for we had a fantastic time. We took a marvellous fast train, from Tokyo to Kyoto to stay in a Japanese style hotel, situated high up in a mountain, and it was surrounded with beautiful gardens, but I can't recall the name of it now. Do you know where I mean? It was a culture shock for us, but exciting. What we noticed mostly was the welcoming smiles and the great hospitality shown to us everywhere we were invited, and we also made friendships I remember fondly. Nice sharing this with you Jeanie. :=)

Sami said...

What a wonderful memory and how great that your hosts took you to places not usually visited by tourists.
Both my children have been to Japan but we haven't, although it's on our wish list. The only problem is when we have holidays we have to visit family in Portugal (parents/sister) or daughter and son in law wherever they are in the world (Germany now), so it never leaves us extra time to visit other countries. But one day when we retire we will do it for sure!
Thanks Jeanie for the wonderful armchair trip :)

Victoria Zigler said...

Sounds like an amazing - if rather overwhelming - experience.

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