Japan Part II – Temples, Toilets, Trains, and Taxis

Temples

The number and beauty of the temples and shrines in Japan is a bit overwhelming. As tourists visiting Japan for a short time, just reading our guidebooks and other tourist information, it is clear that we don’t even begin to understand or appreciate their meaning and importance to the Japanese people. Kyoto alone has literally hundreds of them and we only scratched the surface during our short stay in this wondrous country. Couples, families, school children, retirees all flocked to Kamakura south of Tokyo to view the many temples there on the holiday weekend, including the famous, massive bronze Buddha included in the pictures below. They approach each one, purifying their hands with water flowing out into scoops, waft incense over themselves, light candles, throw coins into special boxes, squeeze through a square hole in a wooden support beam, strike a massive bowl with a wooden mallet and in other ways make their prayers and pay their respects. Perhaps it is not so odd or mystical, but having been raised with Christianity, I found it a bit hard to grasp. The simple answer is probably because it is different. But, if one really stops to think, how different is it really? Large ornate buildings, altars, incense, prayer and reverence. Sounds pretty much the same after all. Well, here are some pictures.

Toilets

Yes, this topic has been covered by many, many before us. But, the Japanese approach to toilets is quite different and interesting. First, there is the traditional Japanese “squat potty”. Then there is the modern approach with the toilet seat that does it all. It warms, washes and strangely makes artificial flushing noises. Those noises we found were only featured in the women’s bathrooms, supposedly to help them avoid others hearing noises that might cause embarrassment. Finally, and this one might have been useful during Durham’s drought, they feature a faucet on the top of the tank that allows you to wash your hands as the water fills the tank. Not sure it would make a dent in our drought problem, but it sure makes sense.

In the same category, but much more interesting really, are the Japanese style baths. We had them in a Ryokan outside of Tokyo and in a youth hostel in Nara. The ones we used were certainly not the finest in Japan, but enjoyable nonetheless. I don’t think we have been as clean and rested on our entire trip as we were after taking a bath Japanese style. The Ryokan was a clear favorite stay and Jack was completely taken with Japanese style rooms, nearly suffering a breakdown in Hiroshima when we were pondering a western style room with bunk beds and room for 5 or a small Japanese room, really meant for 4. Some family togetherness followed as who knows when we will be back in Japan to sleep on a tatami mat. Jack was happy!

Trains

All hail the Japan Rail Pass, the best, easiest and most economical way to see Japan. Of course, the rail system itself, with clockwork like operations, is the real star. Ainsley and I set our watches to the Japan Rail clock when we arrived and the trains were rarely any more than 30 or 40 seconds off during our entire stay. The Shinkansen were sleek, fast and wonderfully exciting, especially for the boys.

Taxis

Here is one Tokyo treat that we just observed. They are fantastically expensive on a scale of taxi expenses. The “flag fall” fo just getting in is over $7 USD. The taxi ride from Narita to central Tokyo is $250 USD. No wonder they are spotlessly clean, luxurious looking and there wasa pair of white gloves on the front seat of one in Kyoto.

Other Things and Hong Kong

The pictures that follow are some favorites and also show a bit from our flight into Hong Kong. The views are from the top of Miyajima Island near Hiroshima. The hike up was fantastic and the views of Hiroshima and the Inland Sea were as well. Mt Fuji is truly spectacular and it is easy to understand why so many people seek to climb it each year. The Hong Kong skyline was stunning on our approach and then we entered a thick, very thick area of haze, human induced I’m sure. The air in the city is pretty harsh on the lungs. We’ll enjoy our time here, but it is so crowded and busy that we’ll be happy to move on.