Shinkansen

I loved experiencing the shinkansen. It was typically Japanese standard type experience. Very efficient, very clean and the staff was super friendly. One minute I was in Osaka and the next, I could see Mount Fuji from the left side of the shinkansen.

Nagasaki

Nagasaki is a beautiful city. It’s not one of my favorites but nevertheless I saw some beautiful scenery. At first glance the city appeared small and uninspiring. However I was very much mistaken. We went on the rope way up the mountain. It was due to leave at 10.40 and guess what…it left at 10.40, keeping up with the Japanese standard. When we arrived at the top, I was surprised to see how big the city actually was. It stretched out as far as the eye could see.
The people in Nagasaki generally went out of their way to help us. On three occasions, people walked with us to where we wanted to go and dropped us off literally at the door step, and wanting nothing in return. The sincerity generosity of people in japan always amazes me.

Hanami

I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to go to Kyoto for hanami viewing. It was a beautiful sunny Saturday. When we arrived at Sanjo station, it was packed with people and walking up the main street took 25 minutes instead of 10. We arrived at the park and families had already set up their tarp and enjoying the beautiful spring day. Up until now I had seen salary men drunk on their way home from work, school children on the trains coming back from group sports but this was the first time I had seen many families out together. It was reassuring to see this. Apart from the flowers being absolutely stunning, I learnt that the Japanese families are important to each other.

Sumo
I was so lucky to be able to experience this event. We lined up for approximately 30 minutes to buy our tickets. The energy was already so strong at 8 in the morning. We could see glimpses of the sumo’s as they entered into the building through the huge crowds of people. These sumo’s were like superstars. I had always read in books that the sumo’s were treated like royalty and now I was experiencing it for the first time.
The arena was amazing, very traditional, as I imagined. There was a raised platform where the sumo’s had their bouts. The bowing was routine when the sumo’s went on head to head and was the last greeting when they finished their bout. What was very surprising was when the favorite sumo lost his round and everyone immediately got up and threw their cushions onto the arena. I thought this was very un Japanese like, however very amusing. I was told later that this was common to see at the sumo. What I did notice next was without delay, there were people scurrying around quickly picking up the thrown cushions and maintaining order. I laughed to myself; very Japanese like.

Hiroshima was a beautiful place. I instantly noticed a difference in the people. They were more relaxed than the people in Osaka and seemed to be in no rush to be anywhere. As I was walking along the river, the locals were enjoying the beautiful weather as much as I was and admiring the sakura. As I was walking towards the peace museum, I felt the air was filled with history and heartache and I was nervous to find out what I was about to enter. Although I had learned about Hiroshima and what it represented in high school, nothing could prepare me for this. The museum was very real and very surreal. It was shocking to understand the history behind august the 6th in 1945 and hear how people suffered during that time. I understand why the people seem truly happy and relaxed in this city.

Japanese Garden

After following very confusing directions, we finally arrived at the Japanese garden. From the moment we walked in, there was a sense of calmness in the air. Although the garden was full of tourists and locals, I felt like I was the only one there. I had previously imagined what a traditional Japanese garden would be like and this exceeded my expectations. My head was clear and my body was relaxed as I walked through the garden. At the end of the experience I thought to myself, typical. Only the Japanese could create something like this. Only across the large brick fence was the hustle and bustle of Hiroshima city, yet inside was clam and tranquil. The two extremes of Japan.

Sweets paradise

Sweets paradise! I can not believe this place exists! Although we had to wait for forty minutes, it was definitely worth it. I have never eaten so much in 90 minutes. What surprised me the most was how civil the Japanese people were. They were umming and aarrgghing over which cake to eat first and what the topic of conversation was going to be next. Seven of us went together and when we finally got a table inside, there was no time for conversation. Each person probably consumed two big plates of four different kinds of pasta, half a pizza, garlic bread, two bowls of ice cream, three big plates of cakes and cookies, seven jelly cups and four drinks. This was a sight to see!