Temples
One day of the tour we named as “Temple Day”. At Dazaifu dedicated to the God of Learning students come to pray looking for success. We crossed over 3 bridges each representing the past, the present and the future which led us to the main shrine where a Shinto ceremony was taken place. The people involved, dressed in various vestments or costumes formed a long procession at the end of the ceremony. The temple of the biggest wooden Budda was most impressive as we went through a passageway
Shintoism is the main Japanese religion – ‘Shinto’ means the way of the Gods. The gods were thought of as the powers that controlled the wind, the rain and lightning. Some were thought to live in the mountains and other places of natural grandeur. Because it had such a large number of gods, Shintoism came to be called the religion of the million gods. Rulers and heroes were often regarded as godlike and after their death some of them were revered as Gods. There are up to 20,000 shrines in Japan.
Kyoto
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| Cool! Cool! Welcome relief! |
On our way to Hiroshima we walked over a 5 span wooden bridge at Kintai in 34°C - extremely hot. We found a new use for umbrellas – they do provide good shade. We needed shade when we crossed over by ferry to Miyajima Shrine situated out in the sea. After a tiring day we sampled the local cuisine of pancake filled with noodles, bean sprouts, cabbage and pork topped with a fried egg, sprinkled with a rich barbecue sauce and dressed with finely chopped seaweed. Surprisingly quite delicious and healthy too.
We took a bullet train to Kyoto. Visited the Golden Temple and Ryoanji Temple made famous by Queen Elizabeth after her visit to the famous rock garden. Kyoto is an area of temples shines and gardens. It was the capital of Japan for over 1,000 years.
Emperors, Shoguns (military governors ruling in the emperors name) and feudal lords lived here and used high quality goods - therefore skilled craftsman were attracted to the area. Kyopto to day is famous for its distinctive pottery made from stone with glorious colours, silk kimonos, Kyoto dolls, fans and saki – an alcoholic drink made from rice with 15% -16% alcohol content. There were several breweries in the district. It is drank hot like Irish Whiskey for winter consumption.
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| The Golden Temple |
High tech industries have their headquarters in Japan as the government invests large amounts of money in science research. Children’s’ games like Nintendo (translated means leave everything up to heaven) had its origin in Kyoto.
We visited Nijo Castle former home of the Shogun. We was the following rooms waiting room for the feudal lords, rooms for ladies in waiting who carried a dagger in their kimono to protect the shogun. Ancient scrolls were painted on walls doors and screens. The last shogun submitted to the young warriors determined to introduce western ways. He was looked after for the rest of his life and lived in luxury.
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| Nught Life Tokyo |
Tokyo
We visited the city of Nara and spent the last days in Tokyo where we took an open top bus tour of this fast city of skyscrapers and neon lights. It would remind one of Times Square, New York. We viewed the city from the Sky Tree Tower. Cyclists are allowed to cycle on the footpath in this crowded city which is spotlessly clean and very safe to walk day and night. We had a wonderful time in Japan.
I sincerely hope that the Japanese people will continue to foster their culture and not become too westernized. A special thank you to Hugh Mulrooney who organized the tour and to all the wonderful companions who helped make the trip so enjoyable.
Until we meet again SLÁN
Mary Kyne
August 2014.