The Treasure Of Kyoto...

Kyoto, Japan

April 12-17, 2017

Known as  Heian-kyo, the “capital of peace and tranquility”, Kyoto’s history goes back to 794 when it was founded as the imperial capital. Rituals and festivals to appease the spirits developed over the years (flooding of the Kamo River was a continual problem) and formed the basis of customs still observed today. Many of Japan’s famous monuments are found in the  charming and sometimes hidden backstreets while the major avenues reflect a very lively, modern city. Kyoto remained the imperial capital from the 8th-19th centuries when there was a shift in power to Edo (Tokyo), but the culture developed over several centuries has always remained in place and is an integral part of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Some of Japan’s most impressive Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines are found here and our first full day of touring began with Sanjusangendo Hall, built in the 12th century and containing 1001 statues of the thousand-headed Buddhist goddess of mercy, Kannon.

From there it was a visit to Nijo Castle, built between 1601-1603 and intended to represent the power of the Tokugawa shogunate. Lacking a weapon-fortified garrison, it remained a royal estate and became the meeting place for the shoguns. (powerful military commanders ruling Japan) 

Kinkakuji Temple (Temple of the Golden Pavilion) dates over 200 years earlier to 1397 when it was built by the third shogun of the Ashikaga shogunate. The gardens and the pavilion’s reflection on the pond surrounding it are simply breathtaking.

Nara, the capital of Japan before Kyoto, founded in 710, was known as Heijo-kyo (citadel of peace). Over time, it became a center of Buddhism as well as the eastern destination of the Silk Road. Housing some of the world’s oldest wooden buildings, Nara is a charming spot of serene tranquility and loveliness.

                                               Kasuga Shinto Shrine -768 AD
                                  Wooded Paths Lined With 3,000 Stone Lanterns

Todaiji Temple - Daibutsu-den Hall

Daibutsu - 52 foot statue of Buddha

A visit to the Arashiyama District of Kyoto delighted us on our final day.  Two of the most beautiful gardens in the country are found here and the spot has long held a place of importance in the hearts of the Japanese people. And now, it holds a special place in mine as well.

                      Arashiyama Park - Bamboo Grove

Zen Garden Of The Tenryuji Temple

What will be a forever memory for me were the cherry blossoms. Celebration of this fragile and magical blossom has been a passion of the Japanese people for centuries, a reflection of this culture’s appreciation of nature and aesthetics. Hanami ( Sakura) viewing parties are held all over the country during the week that these trees are in bloom and locals and visitors from near and far, no matter if young or old, gather in throngs to partake of nature’s grace and evanescent beauty.

The Delight Of Kanazawa...

Kanazawa, Japan

April 9-12, 2017

A ride on the bullet train to Nagoya and then an express train to Kanazawa and we arrived at our third destination. One of the fastest trains in the world, the shinkansen travels at up to 200 mph. and it does have a bit of a “rocket ship” appearance! The train system in Japan is absolutely precise; people queue up at an assigned spot, the train stops and the door opens just where it’s supposed to; it’s all very civilized and respectful, in contrast to some other train systems I’ve traveled on. Most of us ate eki-ben lunches on the train; a packed “take-away” prepared lunch box coming with a varied selection of food and, of course, a set of chop sticks!

After traveling through rolling countryside, dotted with cherry blossom trees, villages, and fields, we arrived in Kanazawa. Located between the mountains and the sea, it was, thus, protected from the outside world for quite some time, supporting itself with an ample rice yield. Under the rule of the Maeda lords from the 16th -18th centuries, Kanazawa became the richest spot in the land and has been a cultural center since that time. Artists would come from Kyoto and develop new vibrant styles as there was a less restrictive atmosphere in Kanazawa and, because it always focused on culture, rather than on industry, the city escaped bombing during World War II.

The Kenroku-en Garden, centrally located in the city, is one of Japan’s great three gardens” and is quite a treat. Opened to the public in 1871, it means “Garden of Six Qualities” - spaciousness, seclusion, air of antiquity, ingenuity, flowing water, and views. Walking throughout, I could not help but feel the magic. There’s simply something about Japanese gardens that infuses one with a sense of peace and tranquility.

                                                   Scenes From The Garden

 Kanazawa Castle

(one of the largest in feudal Japan - almost entirely destroyed by fire in 1881 - an exquisite display of cherry blossoms) 

Some of us chose to go up into the snow-covered mountains to visit the villages of Shiragawa and Gokayama. A chilly, rainy day only added to the mystique of these relatively isolated spots in the countryside. These villages, because they were isolated and under deep snow from December to March, became a place of refuge and, until the 1970’s, most families produced silk, raising the silkworms in their steeply angled thatched roof homes. These gassho-zukuri houses are built without nails and of a particular construction so that the roofs can withstand the intense heavy snow and rain of the winter months.

Our stay in Kanazawa ended with meeting local families for tea; an opportunity to talk informally and have a glimpse of Japanese life...and what better place to do this than in someone’s home…