We visited Japan for the first time, last Summer. This second visit felt a long time coming. But we have finally arrived: September 2019, in Tokyo.
A typhoon went through Tokyo a few days before we landed. Our flight was very good, no turbulence or heavy rain. However when we landed at Narita Airport, we disembarked on the runway and were bused to the arrivals area.
As there were docking bays empty, we wondered if they had been damaged in the typhoon. The baggage collection area also seemed to have been affected. However, everything else was as normal, including the efficiency and politeness of the staff.
Tokyo
Day 1.
We saw damage caused by the typhoon in many areas. Trees with broken branches, some branches still hanging precariously, and other trees completed uprooted.
The debris had been moved off paths and roadways onto medium strips but there is still a massive clean-up to be done.
Koishikawa Koraku-en garden had areas closed off because of the danger of falling branches.
Walking along the moat of the Imperial Palace from Nijubashi bridge to Hanzomon Gate, the edge of the path was littered with branches from the Liriodendrons lining this walkway.
Koishikawa Korakuen
This large garden sits in the middle of Tokyo, surrounded by high-rise buildings.
Although it is very popular, it is still possible to find places of peace and quiet. There are many different pathways and with hills and the garden layout you often feel totally alone.
Tsukiji Market
Day 3
Today we decided to visit the famous Tokyo market. It has a fantastic atmosphere as you wander through looking at the incredible array of food available.
Tsukiji Market is a network of crowded laneways, with cooked, raw, pickled, marinated and fresh foods: meat, fish, vegetables, nuts and seeds. And many kitchen utensils as well. A foodies paradise!
Kamakura
Day 5
Yabusame, horse back archery, is a Shinto ritual performed at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine every year on September 16th.
Yabusame was a way for Samurai of the Kamakura Shogonate, Minimoto Yoritomo, to train.
Archers shoot an arrow at each of 3 targets as they ride past at speed.
Only skilled warriors are selected to make this offering and it is a great honour to be chosen.
Tohoku
Week 2
We have left Tokyo and are now in Tohoku. For the next 4 days we will be travelling around using a Hire Car.
Our home-base is Hiraizumi. This is a small town now, although in the 12th Century it was a wealthy and large city.
Hiraizumi was listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Japan in 2011. Today it is known for several Temples, the most famous being Chusonji.
Chusonji Temple
The main Temple and buildings of Chusonji are scattered throughout the forest of tall trees. There are many paths to take you up the hillside. As you work your way to the top you pass many temples and buildings.
The most important building is the Konjikido. This building and everything inside is covered in gold leaf, black lacquer and inlaid with mother of pearl.
It is an extraordinary sight, protected within another building.
Tono Valley
A day trip to the Tono Valley was much more exciting than we had expected.
This area is known for its scenic countryside, rice fields and traditional thatched farm houses. It also has local Folklore including the Kappa, a water sprite.
We arrived during their Autumn Festival. This is a celebration of the rice harvest and prayers are given for a good harvest.
The whole community appeared to be involved: town people, school groups and farmers. There were many floats, dances and singing. People of all ages were participating, from babies to the elderly.
Links for for additional information
- Gardens to visit in Japan
- Car hire in Japan
- How to prepare for your trip to Japan
